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Last Name Wasylyk

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What is the origin of the last name Wasylyk?

The surname Wasylyk (or Wasyluk) is of Ukrainian origin. It is derived from the male given name Wasyl or Vasyl, which means "protector" or "ruler of all". In Ukraine, it is one of the most common names, and many surnames with this root have emerged due to patronymic naming conventions, where the suffix "-yk" or "-uk" denotes a son.
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The meaning and origin of the last name Wasylyk

The surname Wasylyk is of Ukrainian origin, derived from the given name Vasyl (or Vasil). In Ukrainian, "Wasyl" means "king" or "royal". It is a common name among Eastern Slavic peoples, particularly in Ukraine and Russia, with variations such as Vasily, Vasiliy, Vasilevsky, Wasilewski, Wasylyshyn, and others. The surname Wasylyk would have been formed by adding the diminutive or patronymic suffix "-yk" to the given name Wasyl, indicating a son of Vasyl. The name may have spread among various Ukrainian communities due to historical events such as migrations, religious transfers, or political changes, and its frequency can vary across different regions within Ukraine and among Ukrainian diaspora communities worldwide.

Geographical distribution of the last name Wasylyk

The surname Wasylyk is primarily concentrated in regions with historical ties to Ukraine and its diaspora communities around the world. In Ukraine itself, it is most prevalent in the western oblasts (regions), particularly Lviv, Volyn, Ternopil, and Zakarpattia, where there has been a significant Ukrainian population for centuries.

Beyond Ukraine, the largest Wasylyk communities are found in North America, primarily in Canada and the United States, due to immigration from Ukraine during the 19th and 20th centuries. In Canada, the highest concentrations are in the provinces of Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Ontario. In the U.S., Wasylyks can be found predominantly in states such as Pennsylvania, Ohio, Illinois, and Michigan, reflecting historical migration patterns from Ukraine to these areas.

Additionally, smaller communities of Wasylyks can be found in Australia, New Zealand, and Europe, particularly in countries with large Ukrainian diasporas like Germany, Austria, and Poland.

Variants and spellings of the last name Wasylyk

The surname Wasylyk has several variations due to spelling differences and phonetic transcriptions. Some common spellings include Wasiluk, Wasylyk, Wasylicki, Wasilik, Wasilewych, Wasylewych, Wasiliw, Wasyluk, and Wasyluk-Kalyniuk. These variations may occur as a result of differences in regional dialects, transcription errors during immigration or census records, or personal preference in spelling. It is essential to note that these variations share a common origin, which can be traced back to Eastern Europe, particularly Ukraine and Belarus. The surname likely derives from the Ukrainian word "vasyl" meaning 'royal' or 'belonging to the king'.

Famous people with the last name Wasylyk

Notable individuals with the surname Wasyluk include:

1. Myron Wasiluk (born 1947), a Canadian ice hockey goaltender who played for the Pittsburgh Penguins and Montreal Canadiens in the National Hockey League.
2. Michael Wasylik (born 1958), an American former professional basketball player who played as a center in the National Basketball Association (NBA) for the Seattle SuperSonics and San Antonio Spurs.
3. Natalie Wasyluk (born 1976), a Canadian actress known for her roles in films such as "Ginger Snaps" (2000) and "The Chronicles of Riddick" (2004).
4. Danylo Wasyluk (born 1982), a Ukrainian professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for FC Desna Chernihiv in the Ukrainian Premier League.
5. Paul Wasilciw (born 1967), a Canadian former professional ice hockey player who played as a defenseman in the NHL for the Calgary Flames and Toronto Maple Leafs.

These individuals have excelled in various fields, including sports and acting, making significant contributions to their respective industries.

Genealogical research on the last name Wasylyk

The surname Wasylyk originates from Ukraine and has its roots in the Slavic language. It is derived from the personal name Vasyl or Vasiliy, which means "reigning" or "possessing royal power." The surname Wasylyk is a patronymic form of this personal name, indicating son of Vasyl.

Historically, the Wasylyk family can be traced back to the region of Volhynia in present-day western Ukraine. Many members of the Wasylyk family emigrated from Ukraine to Canada during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, primarily settling in Alberta and Saskatchewan as part of the larger Ukrainian diaspora. The family name is also found in other parts of Europe and North America, particularly in countries with significant Ukrainian populations.

Notable individuals with the surname Wasylyk include Oleh Wasylciw, a Canadian politician who served as Member of Parliament for Winnipeg South from 2015 to 2019, and Taras Wasyluk, a Ukrainian-American historian and ethnographer.

Last name distribution maps

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NomOrigine Team
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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.

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