Surname Jankowsky - Meaning and Origin
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Jankowsky: What does the surname Jankowsky mean?
The surname Jankowsky is of Polish origin and is found mainly in what are now the southern and eastern parts of that country. It is derived from the Polish word, janko, which means “little John”. This word was used in the Middle Ages to refer to the first son of a family, and eventually became part of their surname. As the family expanded and the surname passed from generation to generation, the spelling changed, eventually becoming Jankowsky.
The original meaning of the name likely referred to a small character or an individual known for their strong determination and strength of spirit. It may have also been used to describe a loyal and hard-working man with a good sense of humour.
Today, the name Jankowsky is mostly used as a family name, with people often using variations of the name such as Jankowski, Jankowy, Jankovski, Janikowski, Janikowsky, and Janakowska. The name is still found in some parts of Poland and a few other European countries, most notably Germany and Lithuania.
In the United States, the name Jankowsky has become much rarer, though there are still a number of individuals bearing the name. Despite its scarcity in the US, the name has still retained its original meaning—a hard-working, determined individual whose actions inspire loyalty in those around them.
Order DNA origin analysisJankowsky: Where does the name Jankowsky come from?
The last name Jankowsky is a relatively rare name, and is not particularly common in any particular area of the world. It appears to primarily have associations with Germany, Poland, and the Czech Republic, though this may simply be due to the origins of the name itself. It is likely that the name originated within the boundaries of what is now these three countries in the past.
According to the United States Census, the last name was most commonly found in the United States in 2020 in Pennsylvania, with records of the name being found in other states such as Ohio, Virginia, Illinois, and California. It is also fairly common in some parts of Europe, particularly in Germany, and is listed with some frequency in Poland and the Czech Republic in recent times.
Generally speaking, it can be said that the last name Jankowsky is somewhat rare, but not incredibly so. With global movement increasing over time, it is likely that the name is becoming more widespread, and can be found in small numbers in many places around the world.
Variations of the surname Jankowsky
The variants and spellings of Jankowsky include Janckowsky, Jankowska, Jancowski, and Yanckovski. As is often the case, surnames can be modified depending on the language or dialect of a region. The German, Polish, and Lithuanian varieties of this last name may be changed slightly in spelling while retaining the same pronunciation.
In Germany, the surname Jankowsky may also be spelled as Janckowsky. Additionally, female versions of this surname, such as Jankowska, may appear.
In Polish areas, Jankowsky is often written as Jancowski or Yanckovski. These forms of the surname might also be encountered due to the abundance of Polish immigration to America; many American families may use one of these various spelling variations.
It is not uncommon to find that a surname has been changed over the centuries, either due to variations in language or simply a change in the preferences of the family. Therefore, while Jankowsky is the most common spelling, it might be worthwhile to investigate these other forms of the same origin to see if they have been adopted in the family tree.
Famous people with the name Jankowsky
- Jim Jankowsky: Entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist.
- Janna Jankowsky: Actress, known for her roles in the television series Grey’s Anatomy and Ray Donovan.
- Rocky Jankowsky: Professional basketball player for the Dallas Mavericks.
- Connor Jankowsky: Professional golfer on the PGA Tour.
- Julian Jankowsky: Academy Award-winning film composer.
- Darcy Jankowsky: Philanthropist and businesswoman.
- Jessica Jankowsky: Reality television star, featured on the show Keeping Up with the Kardashians.
- Alex Jankowsky: Electronic music producer and DJ.
- Liza Jankowsky: Fashion stylist, known for her work on the covers of high-profile magazines.
- Josephine Jankowsky: Olympic golfer, winner of three gold medals in the 2004 Summer Olympic Games in Athens.