Smolec Surname

The Origin of the Surname 'Smolec'

The surname 'Smolec' is of Slavic origin and is most common in Poland, where it has an incidence of 733. It is believed to be derived from the word 'smol' which means resin in Polish. Resin was a valuable commodity in medieval times, used for various purposes including as a sealant for ships and buildings. Therefore, it is possible that the surname 'Smolec' was originally a nickname for someone who worked with or traded in resin.

Spread of the Surname

Poland

In Poland, 'Smolec' is a relatively common surname with an incidence of 733. It is most concentrated in the southern regions of the country, particularly in the areas of Lesser Poland and Silesia. The surname can be found in both urban and rural communities, indicating that it has a long history in the region.

Croatia

In Croatia, the surname 'Smolec' has an incidence of 163. It is most common in the northern regions of the country, particularly in the counties of Varazdin and Koprivnica-Krizevci. The surname may have been brought to Croatia by Slavic settlers or traders who migrated from Poland or other neighboring countries.

United States

In the United States, 'Smolec' is a relatively rare surname with an incidence of 17. It is most commonly found in areas with large Polish or Croatian immigrant populations, such as Chicago, Detroit, and Pittsburgh. Many immigrants to the United States changed their surnames upon arrival, so 'Smolec' may have been anglicized or shortened from its original form.

Slovakia

In Slovakia, 'Smolec' has an incidence of 12. It is most common in the eastern regions of the country, particularly in the counties of Kosice and Presov. The surname may have been brought to Slovakia by Polish or Croatian settlers or traders who migrated to the region for economic opportunities.

Canada

In Canada, 'Smolec' has an incidence of 10. It is most commonly found in the provinces of Ontario and Alberta, where there are sizable Polish and Croatian communities. The surname may have been brought to Canada by immigrants who came to the country in search of a better life or to escape political turmoil in their home countries.

Other Countries

In addition to Poland, Croatia, the United States, Slovakia, and Canada, the surname 'Smolec' can also be found in small numbers in countries such as the Czech Republic, Austria, England, Sweden, Slovenia, Germany, France, Ireland, the Netherlands, and Thailand. These countries may have small populations of individuals with Polish or Croatian heritage who carry the 'Smolec' surname.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the surname 'Smolec' is of Slavic origin and is most common in Poland. It is believed to be derived from the word 'smol' meaning resin, indicating that it may have originally been a nickname for someone who worked with or traded in resin. The surname has spread to other countries such as Croatia, the United States, Slovakia, and Canada, where it is found in smaller numbers. Overall, the surname 'Smolec' is a unique and interesting name with a rich history in Eastern Europe.

The surname Smolec within the globe

Globalization has meant that surnames distribute far beyond their country of origin, so that it is achievable to find African surnames in Europe or Indian surnames in Oceania. The same happens in the case of Smolec, which as you can corroborate, it can be said that it is a surname that may be found in a lot of the countries of this globe. Just as you will find nations in which undoubtedly the thickness of individuals using the surname Smolec is more than in other countries.

The map of this Smolec surname

1. Poland (733)
2. Croatia (163)
3. United States (17)
4. Slovakia (12)
5. Canada (10)
6. Czech Republic (7)
7. Austria (6)
8. England (2)
9. Sweden (2)
10. Slovenia (2)
11. Germany (1)
12. France (1)
13. Ireland (1)
14. Netherlands (1)
15. Thailand (1)