Surname Brodofsky - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'B'
Brodofsky: What does the surname Brodofsky mean?
The last name Brodofsky is of Jewish origin and is derived from the word "brod," which is the Yiddish term for the small town of Brody located in the Ukraine. Brody has long been the birthplace and spiritual home of many Jews who immigrated to and eventually settled in the United States. The name literally translates to “dweller of Brod” or “one from Brod.”
Traditionally, Brodofsky families were renowned for their strong ties to their heritage and for valuing loyalty handed down from one generation to the next. They were also known for their unwavering commitment to their religion, education, and the preservation of their culture. In addition, Brodofsky families are often seen as uniquely devoted to social justice and activism while simultaneously holding deeply held convictions about ethics and morality.
To be a part of a Brodofsky family is to be a part of a legacy of more than 200 years of innovation, idealism, and outstanding contributions to society. The famous Rabbi Aaron Brodofsky, one of the spiritual leaders of the United States in the late 19th century, is an example of the impact and importance of the Brodofsky legacy.
Today, there are Brodofskys scattered across the United States, and many are no longer actively involved in their Jewish faith or culture. However, the name and legacy of Brodofsky remain alive and well and represent all of the positive qualities that are associated with it.
Order DNA origin analysisBrodofsky: Where does the name Brodofsky come from?
The surname Brodofsky is an Ashkenazic Jewish surname originating from the Polish city of Brody, which is near the Ukrainian-Polish border. It is believed that the original Brodofsky family originated from that city. It is still most commonly found in Poland, Ukraine, and Belarus, and to a lesser extent in North America and elsewhere.
In the United States, the Brodofsky surname is most common in the Midwest and most widely found in Ohio, Illinois, and Michigan. This is likely due to many Jews settling in this area of the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The Brodofsky family established a spiritual hub in Chicago, and many descendants remain Jewish spiritual leaders today.
In Europe, the Brodofsky surname is significantly more prominent than in the United States. It is most commonly found in large concentrations in Poland, Ukraine, and Belarus. In Poland, the surname is most prominent in Krakow, Gdansk, and Tarnow. In Ukraine, it is most prominent in Lviv, Odessa, and Kiev.
In Canada, the Brodofsky surname is most prominent in Toronto and Montreal. This is likely due to large Jewish populations living and working in these cities since the early 1900s.
Overall, the Brodofsky surname continues to be most prominent in Eastern Europe and in the Midwest in the United States, as well as increasingly in Canada.
Variations of the surname Brodofsky
The variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin for Brodofsky are Brodovsky, Brodovskoy, Brodowsky, Brodsky, Brotfosky, and Brotfsky.
Brodofsky is a common Ashkenazi Jewish surname of Eastern European (Polish-Lithuanian) origin. It is believed to be derived from a family of craftsmen – perhaps referring to someone who did a metalworking profession. It likely evolved from an archaic form of Brodovska, and can also be found with the spelling variations Brodovska, Brodovskaya, Brodovskoy, Brodovsky, Brodowsky, Brodsky, Brotfosky, and Brotfsky.
Many of the original families with this surname were spread in an area between Galicia, through Ukraine and Belarus to Lithuania. Jews in those began leaving in the late 1800s and early 1900s, many to America, and later to Israel, due to the changing politics and new oppportunities available.
Though the spelling variations of Brodofsky have become more diversifiedand spread across different parts of the world, they all can be traced back to the same original source. In modern days, the Brodofsky surname is most common in countries formerly from Eastern Europe, such as the United States, Israel, Russia, and the United Kingdom. It can also be found in other countries that have seen an influx of Jewish immigrants, such as Canada, Argentina, Brazil, and Australia.
Famous people with the name Brodofsky
- Justin Brodofsky: Justin Brodofsky is an Emmy Award-winning screenwriter, writer, and actor. He has written for a number of notable television series including The Office, Parks and Recreation, and Black-ish.
- David Brodofsky: David Brodofsky is a Canadian actor who is best known for his roles in such films as The Revenant, The Witch, and Saw II.
- Jonathan Brodofsky: Jonathan Brodofsky is a musician, songwriter, and producer from Canada. He has released two studio albums and has had his music featured in films such as Wreck-It Ralph and Foxcatcher.
- Ella Brodofsky: Ella Brodofsky is an actress who has appeared in the series The Romanoffs, Orange is the New Black, and The OA.
- Chaim Brodofsky: Chaim Brodofsky is a composer, musician, and film producer from the United States. He has composed for independent films and has collaborated with notable composers such as Bruce Hornsby, David Byrne, and Yanni.
- Josef and Aliza Brodofsky: Josef and Aliza Brodofsky are Ukrainian-American Holocaust survivors, and depicted in the film Son of Saul.
- David Brodofsky-Reisner: David Brodofsky-Reisner is an Argentine photographer and artist who has exhibited his work all over the world.
- Shlomo Brodofsky: Shlomo Brodofsky (1906–1982) is a noted Yiddish poet, playwright, and translator from Israel. He is best known for his works A Testament of Broken Hearts and Tales of Humor and Sorrow.