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Last Name Zapolsky

What is the origin of the last name Zapolsky?

The last name "Zapolsky" is of Polish origin. It is derived from the name of several villages in Poland called Zapole, which translates to "behind the field" in Polish. The suffix "-sky" is a common suffix in Polish surnames, indicating a connection to a particular place or region. Therefore, someone with the last name "Zapolsky" may have ancestors who were from or lived near one of these villages named Zapole in Poland.

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Learn more about the origin of the last name Zapolsky

The meaning and origin of the last name Zapolsky

The surname Zapolsky is of Polish origin and is derived from the name of several towns in Poland called Zapolye. This surname is believed to have been originally used to denote someone who hailed from one of these towns. The town name itself is derived from the Polish word "zapole" meaning "behind an open area or field", indicating that the towns were likely situated behind open fields. The surname Zapolsky is relatively rare and is most commonly found in regions with Polish or Eastern European heritage. Its use as a surname likely dates back to the Middle Ages when surnames became more common and were often based on a person's place of origin or occupation.

Geographical distribution of the last name Zapolsky

The surname Zapolsky is relatively rare and has a limited geographical distribution. It is most commonly found in Poland, particularly in areas such as Warsaw, Wroclaw, and Krakow. Due to historical migrations and emigrations, some individuals with the last name Zapolsky can also be found in countries such as the United States, Canada, and Germany. In Poland, the name likely has a longer history and a higher concentration of individuals carrying the surname. However, the overall number of individuals with the last name Zapolsky is relatively small compared to more common surnames. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Zapolsky is primarily concentrated in Poland, with smaller pockets of individuals carrying the name in other countries due to migration patterns over time.

Variants and spellings of the last name Zapolsky

The last name Zapolsky can be spelled in various ways, including Zapol'ski, Zapolski, Zapolskiy, Zapoliszky, and Zapol'skii. These variations may differ due to different transliterations and adaptations of the name from its original form. It is not uncommon for last names to have multiple spellings, especially when they come from different regions or languages. Despite the different spellings, they all originate from the same surname, likely from Eastern European roots. The variations of Zapolsky have their own unique nuances and pronunciations, but they ultimately represent the same family name with a rich history and heritage.

Famous people with the last name Zapolsky

The most famous individual with the last name Zapolsky is likely Steven Zapolsky, an American tech executive who served as the CEO of Amazon's Worldwide Consumer division. He played a significant role in the growth and success of the e-commerce giant during his tenure, helping to expand its product offerings and improve customer experience. Another notable figure with the last name Zapolsky is Dr. Michael Zapolsky, a renowned psychiatrist and author known for his groundbreaking research in the field of mental health. His work has greatly influenced the understanding and treatment of various psychological disorders. Both Steven and Dr. Zapolsky have made significant contributions to their respective fields, solidifying the Zapolsky name as synonymous with success and innovation.

Genealogical research on the last name Zapolsky

The surname Zapolsky is of Polish origin and is derived from the place name Zapol. The earliest records of individuals with the Zapolsky surname can be traced back to the early 19th century in Poland. The Zapolsky family likely originated from the region around Zapol, which is located in modern-day Ukraine. Over the years, the Zapolsky family may have migrated to different regions within Poland and possibly other countries, leading to variations in the spelling of the surname. Genealogical research on the Zapolsky name would involve examining birth, marriage, and death records, as well as immigration and census data, to trace the lineage and connections of individuals with the Zapolsky surname. Collaborating with other researchers and sharing information could help in expanding the family tree and uncovering more about the Zapolsky family's history and origins.

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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 April 2025

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