Surname Pikholz - Meaning and Origin

Pikholz: What does the surname Pikholz mean?

The last name Pikholz has origins in Central and Eastern Europe, primarily concentrated within Germany, Poland, Russia, and Ukraine. It is likely that the surname has both Ashkenazi Jewish and Slavic origins and is derived from the name Picholz, which is a combination of two Hebrew words; “pich” meaning “mouth” or “corner”, and “holz”, meaning “wood”. As such, the surname was likely used as an occupational name for someone who worked in the timber trade or as a miller. It could also have been used to indicate a person who lived near woodland areas.

The earliest known records of the surname appear in the late 17th century, with the Austrian census record of Andreas Pikholz, a native from Maritscha, appearing in 1728. Over time, the surname spread to other parts of the world, with immigrants arriving by the 19th and early 20th centuries to the United States, England, Canada, South Africa, and Australia.

Today, the Pikholz surname carries with it a proud history that is rooted in both Judaism and Slavic roots. It is a reminder of both our ancestors’ struggles, and the great strength and resilience of our families over the centuries.

Pikholz: Where does the name Pikholz come from?

The last name Pikholz is most commonly found in northern and central Europe, primarily in countries such as Germany, Austria, Hungary, and the Czech Republic. The name is most likely of Germanic or Slavic origin and first appears in documents dating back to the 14th century.

Today, the last name Pikholz is commonly found in many large cities, including Berlin, Vienna, Prague, Munich, and Budapest. It is likely that the name originated in Central Europe, as the meaning of the name is derived from either the German word “pik” (pine tree) and “holz” (wood), or the Slavic word “pikuth” (pointed hat).

The Pikholz name remains prevalent today, as many modern-day descendants of the same family are found living all over the world. For instance, some descendents of the original Pikholz family emigrated to the United States, Israel, and Australia.

The name is still popular today, and can also be found in Israel as one of the more frequent Ashkenazi names. It is also a popular choice among multicultural couples in the United States who are looking for a unique last name to fit their new family. Overall, the last name Pikholz is a common one throughout Europe and beyond, with its presence still persisting centuries later.

Variations of the surname Pikholz

Pikholz is a common and ancient surname of Jewish origin. In the modern world, it is found in many variants and spellings across the globe, including: Pikholz, Pikhuls, Pichulski, Pikal, Pikalov, Pikkel, Pickolz, Pikolski, Pikoltz, Pikolz, Pickholtz, Pikhold, and Pikholc.

This surname originated as a Jewish metonymic occupational name, which indicates that the individual was a seller or peddler of wine, most likely in Eastern European countries. Its widespread adoption and many variants likely speaks to the rich history, geographical mobility, and global diaspora of Jewish people.

The surname can also be found in Armenian, where it is spelled Pikholtz or Pikhosyan. In addition, the name can be found in its Spanish and LatinAmerican varieties like Picol, Pikol, Pical, or Picaloa. Similarly, the German version of the name is Picholsky or Pikolski.

With its many variants and spellings, Pikholz is a widely adopted and adapted name in our contemporary times, bearing witness to a long and complicated history of global Jewish diaspora.

Famous people with the name Pikholz

• Eran Pikholz: Israeli director, author, and journalist.
• Zevulun Pikholz: a Rabbi who is active in religious Zionist circles, and a prominent leader in the National Religious Party.
• Israela Pikholz: actress and operatic mezzo soprano.
• Nir Pikholz: Israeli politician, served as the 33rd Mayor of Tel Aviv-Yafo.
• Akiva Pikholz: Israeli Mizrakhi composer, singer-songwriter, and leading figure of the Mizrakhi music revival.
• Chaim Pikholz: a Zionist activist and leader of the Yishuv in the years leading up to the establishment of the State of Israel.
• Saul Pikholz: a leading rabbi in pre-State Israel who helped to establish education for, and encouraged the integration of, Mizrahim in the Mizrachi Movement.
• Eliyahu Pikholz: Israeli politician, minister of postal services in the 1st and 2nd government of the State of Israel.
• Ana Pikholz: a key figure in the Mizrahi women's movement and helped found the New Jewish Agenda and the Mizrahi Democratic Rainbow as well as the Talya Association.
• Naftali Pikholz: Israeli politician from the mizrahi/sephardic tradition, served as the 13th Minister of Religion.

Other surnames

PikholcPikholtz