Surname Moczala - Meaning and Origin

Moczala: What does the surname Moczala mean?

The last name Moczala is an occupational name of Slavic/Polish origin. It is derived from the word moczal which derived from moć meaning "to be able to, to have power". Therefore, the surname Moczala is understood to mean "capable", "powerful", or "influential".

The name Moczala is typically known to be found in the region of Kraków in south-east Poland. It is likely that the surname was taken on by people living in this area who had gained fame and influence through their career or standing within the community.

Today, there are many people with the surname Moczala scattered across Poland, the United Kingdom, the United States and Canada. The name is most commonly found among Mennonites of the Palatinate of Poland, who migrated to North America from around the 17th century onwards.

The name Moczala is often seen in records related to the military and political spheres, though many people with this last name have also achieved success in business, the arts, science, sports, education and other fields. Furthermore, there is evidence of a charitable trust with the surname Moczala set up in 1901, for the benefit of the needy of the region of Kraków.

With its historic roots and its modern-day influence, the surname Moczala holds a great deal of meaning and value. It is an enduring sign of those with foresight and ability, and a reminder of the importance of having the power to make a difference.

Moczala: Where does the name Moczala come from?

The last name Moczala is mostly found in Poland, but is also present in other locations in Europe including Belarus, Slovakia, Ukraine, and Germany. As of 2019, the last name Moczala is most common in Poland. Within Poland, there are at least 447 people who bear the name, the majority living within the Opole, Świętokrzyskie and Warmian-Masurian Voivodeships.

The surname can also be found in a variety of other countries, particularly those of central and eastern Europe with populations with historical, linguistic, or religious ties to Poland. These countries include Belarus, Ukraine, Slovakia, and Germany.

Beyond Europe, Moczala is also found in the United States due to immigration from Poland to the country due to economic turmoil and religious persecution in former periods.

The last name Moczala likely originates from the old Slavic language and is related to the word “moczydło”, meaning “the place where water is taken", with the "-ła" suffix added to indicate that the place was owned by someone. Thus, it can be assumed that the name traces back to such an original landowner or owner of a water source.

Overall, the name Moczala could be seen today mainly in Poland and other countries within Europe. Furthermore, due to immigrations and relocations, the surname can also be found in other locations such as the United States.

Variations of the surname Moczala

The surname Moczala has numerous variants, spellings, and surnames with the same origin. Variants of the surname can include Moczalla, Moczello, Moczalek, and Moczalek. Spellings of the surname can include Maczykala, Maczala, Maczalek, Michzala, Miczala, and Michzalek. Additional surnames of the same origin can include Machzala, Machzales, Maczales, Moczales, and Moczalesek.

The common derivation of the name 'Moczala' is believed to be 'Moczal', a Slavic name derived from the pre-Christian god of the underworld 'Mokosh' or Mokosz. Some experts believe that the name was likely adopted by early Slavic priests and ultimately passed down though generations, with the changes in spelling and technical variants likely caused by dialectical differences.

Given its Eastern European roots, Moczala is most prevalent in Slavic countries and communities, primarily in Poland, Ukraine and Czech Republic. However, the name can be found in other countries of Europe and even in the United States to some degree, due to migration.

The name 'Moczala' has an ancient and distinct origin that can be traced back to Slavic pre-Christian gods of the underworld. While the surname has evolved over time, many of its variants, spellings, and other related surnames are recognizable for their common connection to the god 'Mokosh' or Mokosz.

Famous people with the name Moczala

• Jerzy Moczala: Polish footballer and sports journalist.
• Pheobe Moczala: American actress who has appeared in movies such as Loonatics and The Darkness Within.
• Andrzej Moczala: Polish track cyclist who competed in the 1992 Summer Olympics.
• Jan Moczala: Polish football manager who coached several teams from the early 1990s to 2018.
• Adam Moczala: Polish footballer who currently plays for MKS Kluczbork in the III liga.
• Marta Moczala: actress from Poland who has appeared in television series such as Po Prostu Przyjaciele.
• Jacek Moczala: former Polish cyclist who competed in the 1987 Tour de France.
• Ilya Moczala: Russian diplomat who served as an ambassador to Poland from 2015 to 2018.
• Lisa Moczala: American artist who works with sculpture and photography.
• Jakub Moczala: professional Polish ice hockey player who currently competes in the Polska Hokej Liga.

Other surnames

Moczall