Surname Kunc - Meaning and Origin
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Kunc: What does the surname Kunc mean?
The surname Kunc is a Czech and Slovak surname, likely derived from the Old Czech word “Kunka” which means “potter”. Historically, this surname was typically given to the son of a potter, or other surnames derived from the same root. In certain regions of Czechoslovakia, this name is also frequently found as Kunka, Kunec, Kuneš and Kucera.
The surname Kunc may have first appeared in the Czech Republic during the late 17th century, when records began chronicling individuals’ last names. As Czechoslovakia was occupied or influenced by various powers over its long history, it is possible for surname holders to also hail from a variety of different countries.
Kunc may also be found in areas that were formerly part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, such as Hungary, Romania, and Croatia. Since then, it is likely that people carrying the Kunc surname have spread to many other countries.
Throughout both the Czech Republic and Slovakia, the Kunc surname is fairly common, with around 700 people bearing the surname in the Czech Republic, and 229 in Slovakia as of 2012. In Hungary, the frequency of the Kunc surname is fairly spread out as well, although not as common as the Czech and Slovak counterparts.
It is an interesting surname, perhaps chosen because of its trade-related prototype. Bearers of the Kunc surname can be proud to carry an interesting piece of Czechoslovakian and Central European history.
Order DNA origin analysisKunc: Where does the name Kunc come from?
The last name Kunc is most commonly found in central and northern Europe. It has particularly strong roots in the countries of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. It is also somewhat popular in other nearby countries, such as the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, and Slovenia.
Kunc is an occupational surname derived from the German and Austrian word for "mining." It likely began to spread through central and northern Europe, as miners would move from one area to the next in search of work. In some cases, the name may also have been adopted by non-miners with similar-sounding surnames who adopted the name in order to fit in with nobles or other members of their social class.
The spread of the surname Kunc has particularly gained momentum over the past few centuries, as people have emigrated throughout the world in search of work and a better life. Now, the surname can be found in many parts of the world, from North and South America to the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand.
Interestingly, the name can also be found in the United States; more specifically, in the states of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, and California. Here, it can be primarily found among descendants of the German-speaking immigrants who first settled in the country in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Variations of the surname Kunc
The surname Kunc is a Czech and Slovak name from a variety of spellings and origins. In Czech, it can be spelled Kunc, Kuňc, Kunč, Kunec, Kuncová or Kunčová. In Slovak, the spellings are Kuňc, Kunec, Kunč, Kunćová or Kuňčová.
The name is derived from the Proto-Slavic Kun{c} and can be translated as ‘councillor’ or ‘sworn man who has something to swear to’. The title was originally given to members of the ruling families in medieval Bohemia and Moravia.
The Hungarian spelling of the name is Kuncz, which has the same origin and meaning. It is believed that this name was introduced to Hungary by Bohemian settlers in the 16th century and subsequently spread to other Hungarian-speaking regions.
In German, the surname Kunc can also be found, although it is rare. In this case, Kunc is likely a variant of the German surnames Kunz, Kunze, or Kunst, which all share similar meaning with Kunc.
In Polish, the surname Kunc is considered to be derived from Kuncewicz, which translates to ‘man of Kunce’. The Kunce was a region of Wielkopolska, where the surname is more commonly found.
Famous people with the name Kunc
- Darja Kunc: Slovenian sculptress and painter.
- Marcel Kunc: professional tennis player from Croatia, remembered for twice winning the doubles title at the Vienna Open in 1977 and 1978.
- Eric Kunc: American singer and songwriter based in Brooklyn, New York.
- Ines Kunc: Slovenian painter known for her abstract and minimalist artwork.
- Dusan Kunc: Czech musician, producer and composer, remembered for his work on the hit film Three Comrades in 1992.
- Kristina Kunc: Slovenian ski jumper.
- Jan Kunc: Czech ice hockey player.
- Friedrich Kunc: German General in World War II.
- Martin Kunc: Czech poet and essayist.
- Marcin Kunc: Polish ski jumper.