Surname Gundlak - Meaning and Origin
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Gundlak: What does the surname Gundlak mean?
The last name Gundlak is of German origin, and is composed of two individual elements that combined create the surname. The first element of the last name is ‘Gund’ which is derived from the German word for ‘War’ which can be found in some of the earliest references to the surname. The second element of the Gundlak surname is ‘lak’ which is indicative of a place name, most likely related to the town of Ladbergen located in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany.
Combined, the surname Gundlak is thought to mean ‘war of the town of Ladbergen’. It is also believed to be a locational surname, used to denote a person who originated from Ladbergen or was living in the town during the time the surname was adopted. Despite the likely connection to Germany, the surname can also be found in the Czech Republic and other parts of Central and Eastern Europe.
The popularity of the surname Gundlak likely increased in the modern era as people immigrated to other countries and established themselves in new areas. While the original meaning remains the same, the surname could be understood to mean war originated from or connected with a particular place.
Order DNA origin analysisGundlak: Where does the name Gundlak come from?
The last name Gundlak is most commonly found in Central and Eastern Europe, particularly in nations that make up the former Austro-Hungarian Empire.
For example, in Romania Gundlak is found most commonly in the regions of Transylvania and Dobruja, while in Ukraine it is found mainly in Volhynia and Galicia.
The Czech Republic and Slovakia also have a history of people with the surname Gundlak. In both these countries it is quite common to find references to the Gundlaḳ noble family, which is said to be of Bohemian origin.
Further afield, Gundlak is also a common last name in Hungary, where it is regularly found in historical documents. There is even a small village in western Hungary, Gundlak, which is believed to have been named after an early Gundlak family member.
Today, many people with the family name Gundlak are found living in various parts of North and South America, often having migrated from the countries of their ancestors. In the United States, the highest numbers of people with last name Gundlak can be found in Ohio and Texas, while in Canada Gundlak is most commonly found in British Columbia.
In terms of modern-day Europe, the last name Gundlak appears to be most frequent in Romania, Hungary and Poland. Despite the dispersal of Gundlaks to other parts of the world over the centuries, the majority of people with the name today still live in Eastern and Central Europe.
Variations of the surname Gundlak
The Gundlak surname is of Slavic origin, and comes from the Czech, Polish, Russian, and Slovak languages. Its variants include Gundlac, Gundlock, and Goonlock, and it may also be spelled Gondlak, Gondlach, Gundlach, Gundlack, or Gunnlak.
The surname comes from the Czech word for wheat or grain, “gundel” or “gondely.” The original meaning of the surname was thus related to a person who either grew or processed wheat. During the 15th century, Czech people used surnames derived from this word, and thus the Gundlak surname was created.
The surname Gundlak is also found in several other European countries, particularly in Eastern Europe. In Russia and parts of the former East Germany, the surname is spelled Guntlach. In Finland, it can also be found as Guntha.
In Poland, the surname is spelled Gondlak, Gondlach, or Gundlach, and in Slovakia, it is spelled Gundlák. In Hungary, the surname is spelled Gutlack, Gunlack, or Gutlach.
In the United States, the surname can be found as Gundlack, Gundlock, or Goonlock. It is also common to find the spelling Gundlach in Newfoundland, Canada.
Overall, there are a number of variants and spellings of the Gundlak surname, but it all has the same origin and meaning: from the Czech word for wheat, grain, or corn.
Famous people with the name Gundlak
- Friederike Gundlak: German behavioural scientist and researcher.
- Robert Gundlak: Austrian journalist, editor-in-chief, and publisher who worked for over 60 years in American media.
- Viktor Gundlak: Austrian economist, mathematician, cliff-diving professional, and writer.
- Albert Engelbert Gundlak: Austrian sculptor, visual artist, and writer.
- Alfred Gundlak: Polish mathematician and chemist.
- Christian Gundlak: Austrian politician who was a member of the Social Democratic Party and held various ministerial offices in the Austrian government.
- Damian Gundlak: Polish professional football player and coach.
- Maria Gundlak: Czech costume designer and painter.
- Thomas Gundlak: German TV presenter, actor, and author.
- Ewald Gundlak: Austrian film director and cinematographer.