Surname Jankus - Meaning and Origin

Jankus: What does the surname Jankus mean?

The surname Jankus is of Slavic origin. It is believed to have been derived from the first name Jan or John, which means “God has been gracious”. This suggests the name may have been originally used as a sign of recognition of a family’s faith or that the original family may have been thought of as special or favored by God.

The name Jankus is most common in the countries of Poland and Slovakia. In Poland, it is found mostly in the southern region. In Slovakia, it is found mostly in the western part of the country.

The first recorded instance of the name Jankus can be traced back to the mid 16th century when it appears in records of landholders in Slovakia. From this early usage, the name spread to other parts of Europe.

It is thought that the name Jankus is likely to have originated in the Czech region where it was known either as an occupational name or as a patronymic nickname for the first bearer of the name. Over the centuries, the name was adapted in various spellings in various countries, so there is not one single spelling.

Today, the surname Jankus is associated with strength, resilience, and faith. It is a reminder of the long journey of the family’s past, and of how embracing a faith can lead one to a strong and successful future.

Jankus: Where does the name Jankus come from?

The last name Jankus is most common in Lithuania today. Records indicate that Jankus originated as a top-ranking landowning family during the 16th century, and it is believed to be derived from the Lithuanian term "jankiai," meaning "brothers and sisters." Over the centuries, members of the Jankus family have held various positions in the Lithuanian government, as well as prominent positions within the Catholic Church.

Today, it's estimated that there are several thousand people bearing the surname Jankus living throughout Lithuania, and their numbers are especially concentrated in the main cities such as Vilnius, Kaunas, Klaipėda and Šiauliai.

Jankus has become a popular surname abroad as well, with numerous Jankus families now living in the United States, Canada, and other countries. It is believed that the first Jankus family immigrated to the US in the late 19th century, and that they were likely motivated by the political, economic and religious strife they sought to escape.

In addition to Lithuania and North America, there are also Jankus families living in Europe, Australia and elsewhere, many of whom are descendants of Lithuanian-born emigrants. As the Jankus name continues to spread, it is likely to become more and more common throughout the world.

Variations of the surname Jankus

The surname Jankus, also spelled Janku, Jankūs, Jankevic, Jankovic, Jankovics, Yankus and Janckus, is a Slavic surname with Czech, Polish, Slovakian, Croatian, Latvian, Lithuanian, Belarusian, Russian, Ukrainian, and Serbian origins. It is derived from the root term "Janko", a Slavic diminutive for the name John (or Ivan in Russian).

The Jankus surname is linked to the Jankus or Janku clan of Silesia, which is a historical region of Central Europe and is now an area located in the eastern part of the Czech Republic. The Jankus clan dates back to the 14th century and is believed to have originated in Hungary.

In the Czech Republic, the spelling is Janků and is associated with the Moravian-Silesian Region. It is also seen as an occupational surname meaning "Smith".

In Belarus, the Jankus family settled in the Brest and Gomel districts after they were displaced from their former homeland in Poland.

In Lithuania, the surname Jankus is of further Lithuanian origin and is found mainly in Kaunas region.

In Croatia, the Jankus family is derived from the Janko family. This surname is now found predominantly in the northern part of the country.

In Latvia, the Jankus surname is found specifically in the Valka district and is associated with the Latvian people.

In Slovakia, the spelling is Jankú, and the family is typically linked to the Stropkov, Zemplin and Bardejov districts.

In Russia, the Jankus surname has been modified and is seen in its variant spellings such as Jankovics, Yankus and Janckus.

In Serbia, the Jankus surname is scarce and is believed to have arrived with refugees from Poland during World War Two.

In conclusion, the Jankus surname has various origins and can be seen in various spellings such as Janku, Jankūs, Jankevic, Jankovic, Jankovics, Yankus and Janckus, as well as numerous variants. It is believed to be linked to the Janku clan of Silesia, which dates back to the 14th century.

Famous people with the name Jankus

• Darius Jankus: basketball player for the Fort Wayne Mad Ants of the G League.
• John Jankus: expert in international trade and customs law.
• Marilyn Jankus: actor and filmmaker who appeared in the film Apollo 13.
• Mark Jankus: former professional American football player who played in the National Football League.
• Gintaras Jankus: Lithuanian graphic artist and traveler.
• Ross Jankus: former professional American football player who played in the Arena Football League.
• Augustas Jankus: Lithuanian modern pentathlete who competed in the 1920 Summer Olympics.
• Julie Jankus: actress who starred in the film "Sleeping with the Enemy".
• Povilas Jankus: Lithuanian chess master and International Master.
• Hiroki Jankus: Japanese game designer who is most famous for creating the series Tokyo Majin Gakuen.
• Justas Jankus: Lithuanian basketball player for Pieno Žvaigždės Pasvalys.
• Ieva Jankus: Lithuanian chess player who became a FIDE Master at 2017.
• Yvette Jankus: French-born artist and educator.
• Cara Jankus: American artist and multidisciplinary designer.
• Lina Jankus: Lithuanian basketball player who has represented her country in the FIBA Europe 3x3 U18 Championships.
• Andrius Jankus: former professional basketball player who played for clubs in Lithuania and Poland.
• Alvydas Jankus: Lithuanian judoka who competed in the Judo World Cup.
• Ervinas Jankus: Lithuanian strongman who has competed in various bodybuilding competitions.
• Jun Jankus: professional Japanese racing driver who competes in Super GT.
• Ovidijus Jankus: Lithuanian cross-country skier who competed at the 2002 and 2004 Winter Olympics.

Other surnames

JankuhnJankunJankunas