Surname Borkowsky - Meaning and Origin
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Borkowsky: What does the surname Borkowsky mean?
The origins of the last name of Borkowsky are not definitively known, though it is likely of either German or Yiddish-Ashkenazi Jewish origin. One widely accepted theory is that the Borkowsky surname is derived from the German or Yiddish word 'borken,' meaning 'to break' or 'to shatter' - a reference to the profession of someone who breaks or smashes stone or rocks. In this case, Borkowsky might likely have been the job descriptive surname of a stonecutter or stonebreaker.
In German, Austrian, and Swiss records, variant spellings of the name include Burrkass, Boerki, Borke, Borkhausen, Burkgassen, Burcke, Borkowsky, Badorek, Bercke, and Berckel. In Yiddish records, the variant spellings include Bercie, Berkat, Bernstein, Berlitsky, Barankewitz, and Berkovitz.
Borkowsky families believed to immigrate to the United States did so in the late 19th and early 20th century, primarily from Germany, Austria, Bohemia (today the Czech Republic), and Poland. Today, Borkowskys are located all over the world, the majority of them living in the United States, and their populations are still growing.
The last name of Borkowsky likely references a job title and can be found in its various spellings through German and Yiddish records. Borkowsky families are now widely spread throughout the world and the populations continue to grow.
Order DNA origin analysisBorkowsky: Where does the name Borkowsky come from?
The last name Borkowsky is most commonly found today in areas of Central and Eastern Europe, particularly Germany, Poland, Belarus, and Ukraine. The roots of the surname likely go back to the Middle Ages, when the burgher class of merchants and traders began to appear in Central Europe.
In German, the name Borkowsky is spelled Borkowski, and it likely comes from a fortress once occupied by an otherwise unknown Borko. The surname is thought to have been assumed by some of Borko's descendants. In Polish, the name is spelled Borkowski, and is possibly derived from the word "bor" or "bór," which means "thicket" or "forest" in reference to a wooded area near the ancestral home of the family.
The first record of the name was found in 1344 in the former town of Tuchel in Czarnków-Trzcianka County. Other early occurrences of the name appear in records from 1544 in Kunitz and 1548 in Slupca. By the 19th century, most Borkowskys had relocated to Central and Eastern Europe.
Today, the name is most widely found in Germany, with records showing that most bearers of the name can be traced to the Prussian Immediate Province, Silesia, or Eastern Europe. There are also many modern-day Borkowskys who can be found in the major cities of Central and Eastern Europe, including Warsaw, Krakow, and Moscow.
Variations of the surname Borkowsky
The variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin for the surname Borkowsky include:
1. Borkowski – A Polish spelling of the name, with the additional “i” at the end. This spelling is the most popular.
2. Borkovski – Another Polish variation of the name, with an “o” rather than an “a” following the “rk.”
3. Borkowsky – The original German romanization of the name, with both an “a” and an “o” following the “rk.”
4. Borkovich – A Russian variation of the surname, in which the “k” is replaced by a “ch.”
5. Borkowska – A feminine form of the surname, usually used as a middle name or to indicate marriage.
6. Borkowskyy – An alternate spelling of the German version of the name, used in some parts of Eastern Europe.
7. Borkuski – A spelling found in parts of Lithuania, with a “u” instead of an “o.”
8. Borkus – A shortened version of the name, used by some families from Eastern Europe.
Due to its Polish roots, Borkowsky is a popular surname throughout Eastern Europe and is also found in the United States. As well as the variants listed above, there are many other regional variations of the name, too numerous to mention in this article. Whatever the spelling, those with the Borkowsky surname can be certain that they have a proud history.
Famous people with the name Borkowsky
- David Borkowsky: visual effects supervisor known for his work on films such as Sucker Punch, Watchmen, and Inception.
- Kurt Borkowsky: German classical organist, improviser, and music pedagogue.
- Sandra Borkowsky: American film producer, known for her work on the films The House Bunny, Grown Ups 2, and Little Fockers.
- Suzanne Borkowsky: Executive Vice President of Warner Music Group, specializing in digital growth and digital business strategies.
- Lester Borkowsky: British film director, best known for his work on the 1969 World War II film The Bloody Angels.
- Tom Borkowsky: American jazz pianist, composer, and arranger known for his work with the record label 33 Jazz.
- Lawrence Borkowsky: prominent American real estate businessman and founder of Borkowsky & Associates.
- Paul Borkowsky: accredited Australian Olympian known for his work as a bobsled pilot in the 1968 Winter Olympics in Grenoble, France.
- Emmanuel Borkowsky: American film director and writer, known for his work on the 2019 drama film Venice.
- Dóra Borkowsky: Hungarian business manager and CEO of Kaktus Management.