What is the origin of the last name Tutka?

The surname Tutka is of Finnic origin, specifically from the Karelian region, which is located between Finland and Russia. It is derived from a personal name, most likely Tuottaja, meaning "carpenter" or "maker" in Finnish. This name was common among the Karelians before they were resettled to other parts of the Soviet Union during the mid-20th century. The surname Tutka can also be found among Finnish immigrants to North America.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Tutka

The meaning and origin of the last name Tutka

The surname Tutka is of Russian origin, specifically from the Komi-Permyak ethnic group native to the Ural Mountains region in Russia. It is derived from the Komi word "tut" which means 'little' or 'young', and "ka" which refers to a dwelling or house. The name may have originally been a diminutive form indicating a small or new house, suggesting that the original bearer of this surname lived in such a house. Over time, the name Tutka has spread beyond the Komi-Permyak community and is now found among various ethnic groups in Russia and other parts of the world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Tutka

The surname Tutka is predominantly found in Eastern and Central Europe, particularly in countries such as Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, and Poland. In Russia, it is most concentrated in the regions of Yakutia, Siberia, and Karelia, where it is believed to have origins dating back to the indigenous peoples of these areas. In Ukraine, Tutka is most common in the western regions, particularly around Lviv and Volyn Oblast. In Belarus, the name is found primarily in the northwestern region of Grodno. In Poland, Tutka can be found in various regions, with a significant number residing in the southern parts, notably in Kraków. The surname Tutka may also be found in smaller numbers in other Eastern European countries and among the diaspora in other parts of the world.

Variants and spellings of the last name Tutka

The surname Tutka has several variations and spellings across different regions and countries. Some common spelling variants include Tuta, Tuhta, Tucka, and Tootka. These variations may arise due to phonetic changes over time or differences in regional dialects and transcription practices. Additionally, the surname may also be found as Tutke, Tuttke, or Tyutka, particularly in Eastern European countries like Poland, Russia, or Ukraine, where it may have different origins or meanings. It's essential to note that these variations can make genealogical research challenging but using resources such as historical records, census data, and ethnicity-focused databases can help trace the ancestry of individuals with this surname.

Famous people with the last name Tutka

Notable individuals with the surname Tutka include:

1. George Tutko (born 1932), an American politician who served as the Mayor of San Francisco from 1978 to 1984.

2. Michael Tutko (born 1953), an American singer and songwriter, best known for his work with the band Toto during their early years.

3. Vitaly Tutko (born 1960), a Russian cosmonaut who flew on two space missions: Sojuz TM-24 to the Mir space station in 1995 and Sojuz TM-30 in 1997.

4. Anna Tutko (born 1983), a Finnish volleyball player who competed at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

These individuals have made significant contributions in various fields, including politics, music, and space exploration.

Genealogical research on the last name Tutka

The surname Tutka originates from Slavic roots and is believed to have derived from various places in Eastern Europe, most notably Russia and Ukraine. According to genealogical records, the Tutka family has been traced back to the late 18th or early 19th century. Notable early bearers of the name include Ivan Tutka, a Ukrainian military officer who served during the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth period and Vasily Tutka, a Russian nobleman in the 18th century. The Tutka family migrated to North America in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with a significant number settling in the United States, particularly in cities like Cleveland, Ohio, and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Genealogical databases such as Ancestry and MyHeritage have extensive records on the Tutka family tree, providing valuable information for individuals researching their family history.

Last name distribution maps

Chargement de la carte...

NomOrigine Team
About the author :

NomOrigine Team

Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.

Last updated :

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below:

Similar Last Names