Surname Tarka - Meaning and Origin
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Tarka: What does the surname Tarka mean?
The surname Tarka is a relatively uncommon name and its exact meaning can vary depending on its geographical or cultural origin. In some instances, surnames are derived from occupations, geographical locations, or even descriptive nicknames.
One interpretation of Tarka is from India, particularly from the southern region where Tarka is a type of aromatic seasoning or tempering used in Indian cuisine. Another possibility could be from Eastern Europe where "Tarka" means "axe" in Hungarian, hinting at an occupational origin.
In the western part of Nigeria among the Yoruba tribe, Tarka can mean "do not deceive". While in the Otjiherero language in Namibia, "Tarka" translates to "we are tired".
Perhaps most famously, "Tarka" is associated with Henry Williamson's novel “Tarka the Otter”; in this usage, it doesn't have a specific meaning and was chosen for its evocative, natural sound.
Without knowing the specific cultural or geographical context of a person with the surname Tarka, it would be hard to pin down an exact meaning.
Ultimately, the meaning of any surname is imbued by the history and experiences of the family that carries it, sometimes bearing little connection to its original definition.
Order DNA origin analysisTarka: Where does the name Tarka come from?
The last name Tarka is mostly found in parts of Central and Eastern Europe, particularly in Poland, Lithuania, Belarus, and Ukraine. It is also common amongst immigrants from these countries who have settled elsewhere in Europe, North and South America, Australasia, and South Africa.
The name is quite rare in the United States, although there are pockets of Tarkas in the Midwest and West Coast states, mainly in Illinois, Minnesota, California, and Texas. According to the US Census Bureau, there were just over 800 people with the surname in the US in the 2010 census.
The origin of the name is uncertain, with several possible sources. In some cases, it may derive from personal names like Tarkan or Taras, while others suggest its origin lies in Polish words meaning either ‘forbidden’ or ‘guardian eagle’. It is also possible that it relates to a location, in particular the Castle Tarka, located near Warsaw in Poland.
Despite its relative rarity, the Tarka name has a long history in Central and Eastern Europe. The name was likely first used in the 14th century, but the earliest recorded use of the name dates back to 1703 in the Polish register of names in the Kingdom of Poland.
Variations of the surname Tarka
The surname Tarka is a variation of the Polish and Czech surname Tarkowski. It is an occupational name from the Slavic word "tark," meaning "craftsman." Variations and spellings of the surname Tarka can be found in many different European countries, including Poland, Germany, England, and the United States.
Common variants in Poland include Tarka, Tarkowski, Tarkovskij, Tarkowsky, Tarkouski, Tarczynski, Terskiewski, and Terskiewic. Variants in Germany include Tharcka, Bärtschka, Barcza, and Barczanowski.
Variants in England include Tarcka, Tarka, Terrka, Taverner, Tervare, and Tervas. Variants in the United States can include Tarka, Tarkaak, Tarkak, Tarkoviak, Tarkevik, and Tarkovsky.
These different spellings and variants are associated with the same origin, but there may be some subtle differences in their meanings and social background. For example, the surname Terskiewski is associated with a region within Poland, while the surname Tarcka may have evolved from the Yiddish word 'tarke' meaning 'craftsman.'
In conclusion, the surname Tarka has several variants and spellings with origins from different countries in Europe. These may have slight variations in their meanings and social background, but all are ultimately linked to the Slavic word "tark" meaning "craftsman."
Famous people with the name Tarka
- Marilia Tarka: Brazilian journalist and investigative reporter.
- Ulyses Tarka: Venezuelan music producer and DJ.
- Jussara de Oliveira Tarka: Brazilian political scientist and professor.
- Danielle Tarka: American singer and songwriter.
- Oto Tarka: Slovakian former professional road cyclist.
- Sheridan Tarka: British former professional footballer.
- Ilias Tarka Makalini: Greek former professional basketball player.
- Joanna Tarka: Polish professional volleyball player.
- Vítor Tarka: Portuguese former professional footballer.
- Yves Lita Tarka: Central African Republic-Congolese professional basketball player.
- Sainey Tarka: Gambian footballer and manager.
- Steve Tarka: American bassist and producer.
- Ignaz Tarka: Hungarian former professional footballer.
- Francis Tarka: Nigerian politician and former Senator.
- Benjamin Tarka: American television director and producer.