Surname Plikaitis - Meaning and Origin
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Plikaitis: What does the surname Plikaitis mean?
The last name Plikaitis is an old Lithuanian surname originating during the medieval period. The surname is derived from the Lithuanian word "plikas," meaning "bare," and is most commonly found amongst Lithuanian and Prussian populations in Europe. The name is thought to originally refer to an individual or family who lived near a region of land that had been cleared for agricultural or other development purposes.
In traditional Lithuania, people used surnames to denote an individual or family's cultural and social standing. Families with the surname Plikaitis were usually members of the peasant class, as the bare land referenced in the surname was often infertile and unproductive. Despite this, these families were usually industrious and hardworking, proving that with tenacity and hard work anything is possible.
The Plikaitis surname is found all over the world today, particularly in Lithuania, the United States, Brazil, and Canada. While traditional links to the bare earth remain, the Plikaitis family is now more well known for their unique work ethic and creative problem-solving skills. These are qualities that enable them to excel in a variety of fields, from arts and sciences to engineering and medicine. The Plikaitis name may have humble origins, but its legacy is one of strength and determination.
Order DNA origin analysisPlikaitis: Where does the name Plikaitis come from?
The last name Plikaitis is a modern day Lithuanian name found in both Lithuania and neighbouring countries. Lithuania is estimated to have about 3000 people with the Plikaitis surname. This figure represents 0.07% of the total population in Lithuania, placing the name amongst the top 100 family names in the country.
In neighbouring countries such as Latvia, Poland and Belarus, the Plikaitis surname also exists albeit to a smaller degree than in Lithuania. In Latvia, where the name was traditionally used, the figure is estimated to be only a few hundred people, whereas in Belarus and Poland the number is closer to a few dozen.
The Plikaitis surname can also be found in other parts of the world. Within the United States, the surname was first used shortly after the Second World War when some Lithuanian refugees settled in various cities. The name is not particularly common however, with an estimate of only about 1500 people in total.
In Canada, the Plikaitis surname is much more widespread. In recent census data, the Plikaitis surname was found to be in use by 1200-1300 people, although exact numbers are not available. Although it is not among the top 100 family names in Canada, the Plikaitis surname is more well-known than in other parts of the world.
Overall, the Plikaitis surname is common today mainly in Lithuania and its neighbouring countries. It can also be found in the United States and Canada, although to a smaller degree.
Variations of the surname Plikaitis
The variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin for the surname Plikaitis are Pulkaite, Pilkaitis, Plikati, Plikaty, Plikatas, Plikatys, Pilkaits, Polkaitis, Plikatis, Plikoti, Plikatus, Plikataka, and Plikaičius.
The origin of the surname comes from the Lithuanian language, and is derived from the word ‘plikas’ which translates to ‘raw’ or ‘unprepared’. It is believed that the surname is an occupational name for a person who worked in an uncooked state. However, some sources suggest that this surname could also be derived from place names where the surname originated such as Plikati, Plikati, or Pilkau.
The surname is found in several different Eastern European countries such as Lithuania, Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine. Originally from Lithuania, the surname spread to other countries during times of border changes. As migration from the region became more common the surname was spread across all of Eastern Europe, with some of its variants also appearing in places such as Germany and Canada.
The name also exists in several different forms in different Eastern European countries, with some countries often adding a ‘s’ at the end of the surname to indicate a patronymic influence. For example, in some countries it is spelled as Pulkaites. In other countries the name may combine with prepositions or the possessive particle, such as Plikatiŭ or Pilkaitev. Some variations of the spelling can also be created unconsciously due to the way language or dialect can influence pronunciation.
Famous people with the name Plikaitis
- Vytenis Plikaitis: Lithuanian architect, urban planner, and environmentalist.
- Agne Plikaitė: Lithuanian singer, songwriter, and television host.
- Saulius Plikaitis: Lithuanian diplomat and politician.
- Gintaras Plikaitis: Lithuanian politician and journalist.
- Ignas Plikaitis: Lithuanian actor.
- Edgaras Plikaitis: Lithuanian football defender.
- Ričardas Plikaitis: Lithuanian actor and director.
- Audrius Plikaitis: Lithuanian basketball player.
- Povilas Plikaitis: Lithuanian basketball player.
- Jogintas Plikaitis: Lithuanian footballer.
- Vincas Plikaitis: Lithuanian dramatist, playwright, author, and literary critic.
- Vidmantas Plikaitis: Lithuanian composer and musician.
- Irmantas Plikaitis: Lithuanian artist and painter.
- Nerijus Plikaitis: Lithuanian musician and sound engineer.
- Darius Plikaitis: Lithuanian athlete.
- Jūratė Plikaitė: Lithuanian sculptor.
- Monika Plikaitė: Lithuanian actress.