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Last Name Wolchok

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What is the origin of the last name Wolchok?

The surname Wolchok is of Jewish origin, specifically Ashkenazic, which refers to a historical group of Jews from Central and Eastern Europe. It's derived from the Yiddish "Wolf" meaning wolf, and the suffix "-khok" (or "-ko" in some variations) which was often added to personal names in Slavic languages to form surnames. The name is associated with different Jewish communities across Europe, particularly those settled in Poland, Russia, and Lithuania.

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The meaning and origin of the last name Wolchok

The surname Wolchok is of Slavic origin, specifically within Eastern European countries such as Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus. It is derived from various roots, primarily related to geographical locations or occupations. In some cases, "Wolchok" may be a variant or diminutive form of the word "volok," which means "wool" or "cloth" in Russian, potentially indicating an occupation related to textiles. Alternatively, it could stem from place names containing this root, such as "Volkhov," a river in Russia, and "Volchitsy," a town in Belarus. As with many surnames, the specific origin of the Wolchok surname may vary among different families due to historical factors such as migration and assimilation.

Geographical distribution of the last name Wolchok

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Variants and spellings of the last name Wolchok

The surname Wolchok has several variations and spellings, reflecting its origins and evolution over time. Common variants include Wolchok, Wolchock, Volchok, Volchock, and Welchuk, among others. Each variation may have arisen due to factors such as differences in regional pronunciation, transcription errors during immigration, or assimilation into local cultures. The name is of Slavic origin, derived from the word "volk," which means "wolf" in several Slavic languages. Some notable individuals with surnames similar to Wolchok include Vladimir Volkov, a Russian cosmonaut, and Yuri Volochayev, another Russian astronaut. Regardless of spelling, all these variations share a common origin and heritage.

Famous people with the last name Wolchok

One of the most notable individuals with the last name Wolchok is Dr. Steven A. Wolchok, an American physician and cancer researcher. He is currently serving as the Lloyd J. Old Chair in Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) in New York City. Alongside his collaborators, he played a pivotal role in the development of immune checkpoint inhibitors, specifically ipilimumab, which revolutionized the treatment of advanced melanoma. In 2018, Dr. Wolchok was awarded the prestigious Lasker-DeBakey Clinical Medical Research Award for his groundbreaking contributions to immunotherapy. Another notable figure with the same surname is Dina Wolchok, an American art dealer who specialized in postwar and contemporary paintings, works on paper, and sculptures. She co-founded the New York gallery PPOW, which has represented many influential artists including Chuck Close, Ellsworth Kelly, and Kiki Smith.

Genealogical research on the last name Wolchok

The surname Wolchok is believed to have originated from Eastern Europe, particularly Poland and Russia. Variations of this surname include Volchkov, Volchkoff, Vulhok, among others. The name is derived from the Slavic word "volk," meaning "wolf." Historically, it was often given to someone who lived near a wolf's lair or to a person characterized by a strong and fearless nature, reminiscent of a wolf.

One notable bearer of the surname is Michael Wolchok, an American oncologist who has made significant contributions in the field of cancer research and immunotherapy. Another prominent figure is Anna Wolchok, a Russian-born actress who achieved fame in Hollywood during the silent film era. The Wolchok family tree can be traced back several generations in Eastern Europe, with many members emigrating to America in search of better opportunities during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, the Wolchok surname is found throughout the world, particularly in the United States and Israel.

Last name distribution maps

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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.

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