Last Name Wargo

The surname Wargo is of Polish and Ukrainian origins. It is a variant of the Slavic male given name Varigo, which means "a furrow" or "wrinkle". This name was brought to various parts of Europe during the Middle Ages by Poles and other Slavic peoples. In some cases, the surname may have been acquired as an occupational name for a furrier, one who made garments from animal skins. However, it's important to note that the exact origin can vary based on specific family lines and historical contexts.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Wargo

The meaning and origin of the last name Wargo

The surname Wargo is of Slavic origin, specifically Polish, and is a variation of the original name "Waroch" or "Woroch." It is derived from the word "warownik," which means 'guard' or 'watchman.' This surname was most likely given to someone who had served as a guard or watchman in a castle or fortified town. The first known bearers of this name lived in the region of Poland that is now part of Belarus and Ukraine, where it was common for Slavic names to be associated with their professional roles or abilities. Over time, variations in spelling such as Wargow, Warco, and Warga have emerged due to migration patterns and changes in pronunciation. Today, the surname Wargo can be found among communities of Polish descent in various parts of the world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Wargo

The surname Wargo is predominantly found in Eastern Europe, particularly in Poland and Ukraine, where it originates from. It is also present in smaller numbers in neighboring countries such as Belarus, Russia, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic. In North America, a significant number of individuals with the last name Wargo are of Polish or Ukrainian descent, with concentrations in areas with high populations of Eastern European immigrants, particularly cities like Chicago, Detroit, New York, and Philadelphia in the United States, and Toronto in Canada. Smaller groups can also be found in Australia and New Zealand, often as a result of post-World War II migration from Europe.

Variants and spellings of the last name Wargo

The surname Wargo can be found with various spellings and pronunciations across different regions. Some common spelling variations include Warego, Wargho, Warghow, Warghau, and Warhow. These differences may arise due to regional dialects or transcription errors over time. In terms of pronunciation, it is generally pronounced as 'War-go', with the stress on the first syllable. It is important to note that these variations are not necessarily indicative of different origins or meanings; they often result from factors such as historical migration patterns, recording errors, and regional dialects.

Famous people with the last name Wargo

The Wargo surname has been associated with notable figures in various fields. One of the most prominent is George Wargo, an American football player who spent his entire professional career as a linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys from 1973 to 1986, winning two Super Bowl titles during that period. In academia, Paul Wargo is recognized for his contributions to the field of psychology, serving as a Professor at the University of California, Berkeley and making significant strides in cognitive neuroscience. Notably, singer-songwriter and actress Rita Wago, born in Poland, gained fame as a Yiddish folk artist, popularizing traditional Jewish music in Poland during the mid-20th century. Lastly, Steve Wargo is an American politician who served as a member of the Alabama House of Representatives from 1987 to 1994 and again from 2003 to 2010, representing District 55. These individuals represent some of the most renowned figures carrying the Wargo surname.

Genealogical research on the last name Wargo

The surname Wargo originates from Poland and is predominantly found among Polish-American families. It is a regional name, largely concentrated in the provinces of Silesia and Lesser Poland. The name is thought to have derived from the Old Polish word "wargot," meaning jaw or beak, likely referring to a physical characteristic of an early ancestor. Notable individuals with the surname include Franciszek Wargocza, a Polish soldier and politician, and Zygmunt Wierzbicki-Wargo, a renowned Polish composer. In the United States, the Wargo family is believed to have originated from the region of Galicia in present-day Ukraine, immigrating during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Genealogical research on the Wargo surname can be traced back to these regions for a deeper understanding of its origins and historical context.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Wargo"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

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 : 11 June 2025

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