Surname Markovitch - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'M'
Markovitch: What does the surname Markovitch mean?
The last name Markovitch has two possible origin stories. Firstly, it may be an occupational surname deriving from the term "Markevich," meaning a judge or magistrate in Belarussian and Ukrainian culture. Alternatively, it may be derived from the term "markov," a term used in Russian and other Slavic languages to refer to a man from the city of Markov, which is located in the western Russian region of Tver.
Markovitch may also be from a Patronymic surname, which means "son of Marko." Marko was a popular men's name in old-world Eastern Europe, and so this is a common Slavic surname.
The name Markovitch has an overall positive meaning in Slavic culture, a tribute to those who held positions of authority and power in society. It can also suggest strength, resilience, and a courage to stand up for what is right and just. Notable figures with the surname include the Russian Olympic weightlifting champion Markovitch Ivankov, and the American Yiddish journalist and lawyer Moishe Markovitch.
The roots and history of the Markovitch name are steeped in culture, and an appreciation of justice and strength that continues to inspire many today.
Order DNA origin analysisMarkovitch: Where does the name Markovitch come from?
The last name Markovitch is most common today in Eastern and Central Europe. It is especially common in countries such as Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova, and Belarus. Within those countries, Markovitch is mainly concentrated in Belarus, where it is the 23rd most common last name out of 17,640 surnames. It is also relatively common in Russia where it appears in the top 200 most common surnames.
In the United States, the last name Markovitch is relatively rare with around 1,800 individuals currently bearing the name. It is far more common among Eastern European immigrants, but these families have mostly assimilated into American society.
Similar last names can also be found in other Slavic countries like Poland, Serbia, and Croatia, as well as in some other regions outside of Europe such as Israel and South Africa.
No matter where it is found, the last name Markovitch is a unique and historic family name with a long history. Its origins can be traced back to what is now Belarus, where the Markovitch family first appeared in the late 17th century. The name is thought to mean “son of Mark” and was most likely derived from a man named Mark. Ultimately, this Slavic family name is something to be proud of and to be celebrated.
Variations of the surname Markovitch
The surname Markovitch is derived from the Hebrew and Yiddish name 'Merkovizh', which means 'merchant'. This surname is extremely popular in Jewish culture and is found in various forms in many countries and languages around the world.
In the United States, the most common variant of the surname Markovitch is 'Markowitz'. This was the spelling used when a Markovitch family first emigrated to the US in the late nineteenth century. In the United Kingdom, the surname is more commonly spelled 'Markovits' or 'Markovic'.
In France, the spelling 'Marceau' is sometimes used as a variant of the surname', although it is more often used as a family name on its own. In German-speaking countries such as Austria, the surname is often written as 'Markovics' or 'Markovitsch'.
In other languages, such as Spanish, the name 'Marcovic' is used or can also be found as 'Marcovits' or 'Marquevits'. The surnames 'Markman', 'Markmanis' and 'Markmayer' are all derived from the Markovitch root.
The nickname 'Markel' is also sometimes used as an alternate version of the surname. It is an abbreviated version that started in Russia, and it is most commonly used in the Jewish community in the United States.
Famous people with the name Markovitch
- Nikita Markovitch: Russian ice hockey player and coach.
- Mark Markovitch: Israeli footballer and manager, who recently managed Bnei Sakhnin.
- David Markovitch: Israeli painter and sculptor.
- Stoyan Markovitch: Bulgarian actor and theater director.
- Vladimir Markovitch: Russian chess player, Grandmaster and World Senior Champion in 2012.
- Robert Markovitch: Russian chess player, Grandmaster and silver medalist in the 16th World Senior Championship in 2015.
- Sergey Markovitch: Soviet and Russian Para-Olympic athlete.
- Ivan Markovitch: Russian scientist, Mathematician and Professor of Mechanics.
- Maxim Markovitch: Russian football player.
- Maxim Markovitch: Russian football coach and commentator.