When exploring Czech culture, one fascinating aspect is the rich tapestry of surnames that reveal history, occupations, and even personality traits. Czech last names often reflect the country’s deep roots in Slavic traditions, occupations, and nature.
Whether you’re researching your ancestry, writing a story, or just curious, this list of 160 Czech surnames, organized by origin, will give you insight into their meanings and stories.
Occupational Surnames
Many Czech surnames stem from the professions of ancestors. These names give us a glimpse into the daily lives of past generations.
- Novák – The most common Czech surname, meaning “new man” or “newcomer.”
- Svoboda – Means “freedom,” often given to freed serfs.
- Kovář – “Blacksmith,” a vital profession in medieval times.
- Müller – Derived from the German “miller.”
- Tesař – “Carpenter.”
- Krejčí – “Tailor.”
- Švec – “Shoemaker.”
- Pekař – “Baker.”
- Ryba – “Fisherman” or “fishmonger.”
- Sedlák – “Farmer.”
- Mlynář – “Miller.”
- Kočí – “Coachman” or “carriage driver.”
- Bednář – “Cooper” (barrel maker).
- Hrnčíř – “Potter.”
- Sklenář – “Glazier” (glassmaker).
- Krajčí – Another variation of “tailor.”
- Kolář – “Wheelwright.”
- Zedník – “Mason” or “bricklayer.”
- Řezník – “Butcher.”
- Linhart – Derived from “linen weaver.”
Patronymic & Matronymic Surnames
These surnames come from a father’s or mother’s first name, often ending in -ek, -ák, or -ův.
- Janků – “Son of Jan (John).”
- Petrák – “Son of Petr (Peter).”
- Vávra – Derived from “Vavřinec” (Lawrence).
- Matějka – “Son of Matěj (Matthew).”
- Pavlík – “Little Paul.”
- Tomášek – “Son of Tomáš (Thomas).”
- Jakubík – “Son of Jakub (Jacob).”
- Michalek – “Son of Michal (Michael).”
- Adamec – “Son of Adam.”
- Marků – “Son of Marek (Mark).”
Descriptive Surnames (Based on Traits or Appearance)
Some Czech surnames describe a person’s physical traits or personality.
- Malý – “Small” or “short.”
- Velký – “Big” or “tall.”
- Černý – “Black” (referring to hair or complexion).
- Bílý – “White” (fair-haired or pale).
- Růžička – “Little rose” (could indicate beauty).
- Veselý – “Cheerful” or “happy.”
- Smutný – “Sad.”
- Mlád – “Young.”
- Starý – “Old.”
- Hrubý – “Rough” or “coarse.”
Geographical & Nature-Inspired Surnames
Many Czech surnames come from landscapes, villages, or natural elements.
A. From Villages & Towns
- Horák – “From the mountains.”
- Zeman – “Countryman” or “landowner.”
- Dvořák – “From the courtyard” or “farmstead.”
- Veselý – Could also mean “from a cheerful place.”
- Hájek – “From the grove.”
- Lesný – “From the forest.”
- Polák – “From the fields.”
- Brodský – “From the ford (river crossing).”
- Soukup – “From a bought estate.”
- Urban – Possibly from a town named Urban.
B. From Nature
- Vlk – “Wolf.”
- Holub – “Pigeon” or “dove.”
- Jelen – “Deer.”
- Sokol – “Falcon.”
- Hora – “Mountain.”
- Říha – “Roe deer.”
- Beran – “Ram.”
- Liška – “Fox.”
- Bažant – “Pheasant.”
- Orel – “Eagle.”
Religious & Mythological Surnames
Some Czech surnames have spiritual or legendary origins.
- Bůžek – Derived from “Bůh” (God), meaning “little god.”
- Anděl – “Angel.”
- Král – “King.”
- Papež – “Pope.”
- Čert – “Devil” (likely a nickname).
- Svatoň – From “svatý” (saint).
- Boháč – “Rich in God” or “wealthy.”
- Nebeský – “Heavenly.”
- Dušek – Derived from “duše” (soul).
- Málek – Possibly from “Michael” (archangel).
Foreign-Influenced Surnames
Due to historical influences, some Czech surnames have German, Latin, or other origins.
- Schmidt – German for “smith.”
- Richter – German for “judge.”
- Klein – German for “small.”
- Fischer – German for “fisherman.”
- Wagner – German for “wagon maker.”
- Kraus – German for “curly-haired.”
- Bauer – German for “farmer.”
- Langer – German for “tall.”
- Schneider – German for “tailor.”
- Procházka – Means “walk,” possibly from German “spazieren.”
Unique & Unusual Czech Surnames
Some surnames stand out for their rarity or intriguing meanings.
- Pospíšil – “Hasty” or “hurried.”
- Němec – “German” (possibly indicating origin).
- Bláha – Means “blessing” or “happiness.”
- Kopecký – From “kopec” (hill).
- Kučera – “Curly-haired.”
- Šimon – Derived from “Simon.”
- Zima – “Winter.”
- Jaroš – Related to “spring” (season).
- Vaněk – A diminutive of “Ivan.”
- Kratochvíl – Means “pastime” or “entertainment.”
Surnames Based on Personal Characteristics (Continued)
- Krátký – “Short” (in height).
- Široký – “Wide” or “broad.”
- Tichý – “Quiet” or “calm.”
- Hladký – “Smooth” (could refer to skin or demeanor).
- Ostrý – “Sharp” (possibly describing wit or features).
- Křivý – “Crooked” or “bent.”
- Plný – “Full” (could refer to physique or personality).
- Suchý – “Dry” (might have referred to a lean person).
- Sladký – “Sweet” (a kind or pleasant person).
- Hořký – “Bitter” (possibly a sarcastic nickname).
Surnames Derived from Objects & Everyday Items
Some Czech last names come from household objects, tools, or even food!
- Klíč – “Key” (could indicate a locksmith).
- Strom – “Tree.”
- Skála – “Rock” or “cliff.”
- Kámen – “Stone.”
- Dveře – “Door” (possibly a gatekeeper).
- Míč – “Ball.”
- Kbelík – “Bucket.”
- Koš – “Basket.”
- Hřebík – “Nail.”
- Lžíce – “Spoon” (maybe a cook or utensil maker).
Surnames with Noble or Aristocratic Roots
Some Czech surnames hint at noble lineage or land ownership.
- Panský – “Lordly” or “manorial.”
- Rytíř – “Knight.”
- Vít – Short for “Vítkovci,” an old noble family.
- Lichtenberg – A noble German-Czech name.
- Hrabě – “Count.”
- Kníže – “Prince.”
- Zámecký – “From the castle.”
- Purkrabí – “Castle steward.”
- Vladyka – A medieval noble title.
- Pánek – “Little lord” or “young nobleman.”
Humorous & Playful Surnames
Czechs have a knack for witty surnames; some are downright funny!
- Pospíchal – “Always in a hurry.”
- Vomáčka – “Noodle soup” (possibly a chef’s nickname).
- Prášil – From “Baron Munchausen” (a teller of tall tales).
- Hovorka – “Chatterbox.”
- Piják – “Drinker” (likely a humorous tavern nickname).
- Smrad – “Stink” (probably a teasing family joke).
- Hlupák – “Fool” (likely ironic or affectionate).
- Brepta – “Blabbermouth.”
- Louda – “Clumsy” or “awkward.”
- Knedlík – “Dumpling” (a food-loving ancestor?).
Rare & Almost Forgotten Czech Surnames
Some surnames are so old or uncommon that they’re rarely heard today.
- Šíp – “Arrow.”
- Vrána – “Crow.”
- Ježek – “Hedgehog.”
- Zmrzlík – “Frozen one” (maybe someone who braved the cold).
- Kozel – “Goat.”
- Brabec – “Sparrow.”
- Veverka – “Squirrel.”
- Sysel – “Groundhog.”
- Netopýr – “Bat.”
- Racek – “Seagull.”
Surnames with Mysterious or Uncertain Origins
Some names have debated meanings or lost histories.
- Šmíd – A variation of “smith,” possibly German-influenced.
- Bartoš – Could mean “son of Bartoloměj (Bartholomew).”
- Doležal – Possibly “one who lived downhill.”
- Chvátal – “Hasty” or “hurried.”
- Kubík – Diminutive of “Jakub” (Jacob).
- Štěpánek – “Little Štěpán (Stephen).”
- Zajíček – “Little hare.”
- Koutný – Possibly “from the corner” (of a village).
- Zouhar – An old term for a lute player.
- Švestka – “Plum” (maybe a fruit seller).
Surnames Inspired by Historical Events
Some names reflect Czech history, wars, or social changes.
- Hus – After Jan Hus, the famous reformer.
- Žižka – After Jan Žižka, the Hussite military leader.
- Komenský – After Jan Amos Komenský (Comenius), the educator.
- Palacký – Inspired by historian František Palacký.
- Masaryk – After Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk, Czechoslovakia’s first president.
- Beneš – Linked to President Edvard Beneš.
- Havel – Associated with Václav Havel, playwright and president.
- Dubček – After Alexander Dubček, leader of the Prague Spring.
- Gott – Inspired by Karel Gott, the “Czech Elvis.”
- Němcová – After Božena Němcová, a famous Czech writer.
Final Thoughts
Czech surnames are more than just identifiers; they’re stories, histories, and cultural markers. Whether your last name is Novák (the everyman), Svoboda (the free spirit), or Liška (the clever fox), each carries a legacy worth exploring.
Did you find your surname here? Or perhaps one that piqued your interest? Let us know in the comments! And if you’re researching Czech genealogy, these names might just be the key to unlocking your family’s past.
Na zdraví! (Cheers!)