Surname Vojtech - Meaning and Origin

Vojtech: What does the surname Vojtech mean?

The last name Vojtech is a popular Czech surname. Its origin dates back to the medieval era, derived from the voivodeship of Bohemia (later Czechia) and ultimately the Proto-Slavic region. It is believed to be derived from the Czech term 'Vojta' which is a nickname for 'Vojtech", the Czech form of 'Adalbert'. This word itself is a combination of the Old German elements 'adal', meaning 'noble', and 'beraht', meaning 'bright'.

Historically, the Hungarian nobility held the title of 'Vojvoda', which was also derived from the Proto-Slavic term 'Vojtech'. It was later adopted as a surname throughout the region. Individuals with the Vojtech surname today are often found in countries such as the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Germany, Austria, Sweden and the USA.

As a surname, Vojtech is commonly associated with courage and power, with a person bearing the name being seen as a strong and confident leader. Historically, the Vojtech surname has been found in members of the armed forces, although today it can also be found among teachers, doctors, artists, entrepreneurs, and many other professions.

The Vojtech last name serves as a testament to the progression of the Czech people over centuries, with the name’s origin still visible in families today. It is a reminder of their proud noble heritage, whilst also symbolising a strength and resilience that many Vojtech families have embodied for generations.

Vojtech: Where does the name Vojtech come from?

The last name Vojtech is commonly found in Central and Eastern Europe, primarily in countries such as Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Poland, and Hungary. Vojtech is a Slavic surname derived from the personal name Vojtech, which is a variation of the traditional Slavic saint name Adalbert.

The surname Vojtech first emerged in the Czech Republic during the 14th century. It then spread to other Slavic countries in the region, such as Slovakia, Poland, and Hungary. As a result, it is one of the common surnames in these countries today.

The majority of bearers of the name Vojtech can be found in Slovakia, where it is the 601st most common surname. In the Czech Republic, it is the 884th most common surname. Moreover, in Poland, it is the 1825th most common surname, and in Hungary, the 2139th most common. It is also found in other Central and Eastern European countries, such as Croatia, Slovenia, Romania, and Russia.

In the United States, the last name Vojtech, although less common, is present in some states. According to the 2000 U.S. census, the states with the highest concentration of Vojtechs were New York, Pennsylvania, and Ohio.

Overall, the surname Vojtech is widely distributed throughout Central and Eastern Europe. Its presence in the United States, although less frequent, cannot be overlooked.

Variations of the surname Vojtech

The surname Vojtech (also spelled ‘Vojtěch’ and ‘Vojtechová’) originates from the Slavic countries of central and eastern Europe, and is derived from the Czech and Slovak personal names Vojtěch and Vojtech. It is primarily a Czech and Slovak surname, and the variants found in other Slavic countries include ‘Voytovich’ (Ukrainian), ‘Vojtchov’ (Slovenian), ‘Vukotech’ (Serbian), ‘Vоjtekhovich’ (Belarussian), and ‘Votchak’ (Croatian).

The surnames ‘Vojtecky’, and ‘Vojack’ are also associated with Vojtech, and are likely derived from the Czech and Slovak diminutive form ‘Vojtecka’ or ‘Vojtík'. Furthermore, the surnames ‘Vojtek’, ‘Vojtezak’, and ‘Vojtechar’ exist and are associated with this origin.

In some cases, the surname has been changed or adapted to other spellings or surnames. For example, the Yiddish version of the surname is commonly ‘Voytek’, and the German equivalent is ‘Wojtech’. As well, the Anglicised spelling of the surname which is occasionally used is 'Voytich'.

Vojtech is a particularly popular surname in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and parts of Poland. This surname is also common amongst the Czech diaspora around the world due to immigration and emigration throughout the 20th century.

Famous people with the name Vojtech

• Ján Vojtecha: Slovak nobleman, politician and military officer who served in the 18th century
• František Vojtech Černík: Czech-Austrian Nobleman who fought in the Napoleonic Wars
• Hugo Vojtech: Czechoslovakian surgeon and writer
• Miloš Vojtěch: Czech politician and Member of the European Parliament
• Vladimír Vojtech: Czechoslovakian actor and sculptor
• David Vojtech: Czech artist, sculptor, and illustrator
• Constantin Vojtech: Romanian politician
• Julius Vojtech: Czech Colonel in the Austrian Army
• Csaba Vojtech: Hungarian Member of Parliament
• Josef Vojtech: 19th Century Bohemian entrepreneur and industrialist

Other surnames

Vojtek