Zak

Origin and Meaning

Zak is a British surname of Polish and Ukrainian origin. It is derived from the given name 'Zachariasz' in Polish and 'Zakharii' in Ukrainian, both of which are variants of the name Zacharias. The name Zacharias finds its roots in the Hebrew name Zechariah, meaning "God has remembered".

Distribution

The surname Zak is relatively uncommon in Britain, with most bearers being descendants of Polish or Ukrainian immigrants who settled in the country over the past few centuries. The surname can be found dispersed throughout the United Kingdom, but with concentrations in urban areas with historically diverse populations.

Notable Bearers

  • Uri Zak (1923-2000) - A renowned British playwright and screenwriter, known for his contributions to the British theatre scene.
  • Natalia Zak (b. 1985) - A British-Ukrainian artist and illustrator, recognised for her unique style and creative vision.

Coat of Arms

The Zak family crest features a shield divided into quarters, with symbols representing strength, wisdom, unity, and faith. The shield is topped with a helmet and a crest depicting a lion, symbolising courage and nobility.

Legacy

While the surname Zak may not be as common as others in Britain, its bearers have made significant contributions to various fields, including the arts, academia, and business. The name continues to be passed down through generations, preserving the heritage and legacy of those who bear it.

There are approximately 435 people named Zak in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around seven in a million people in Britain are named Zak.

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Adrian
  • Artur
  • Krzysztof
  • Marcin
  • Michal
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Piotr
  • Robert
  • Tomasz

Female

  • Agnieszka
  • Anna
  • Dorit
  • Dorota
  • Jane
  • Joanna
  • Kamila
  • Katarzyna
  • Magdalena
  • Marta
  • Monika

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.

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