Surname Novotna - Meaning and Origin

Novotna: What does the surname Novotna mean?

The last name Novotna is of Czech and Slovak origins and is believed to be derived from the early Slavic word ‘nový’, meaning ‘new’. Novotna is a common name in Central and Eastern Europe, especially in countries such as Slovakia and Czech Republic. The traditional spelling of the surname was originally recorded as ‘Nowotny’, before changing to Novotna throughout the centuries.

Novotna is comprised of the elements ‘nový’ (meaning ‘new’) and ‘týn’ (meaning a ‘small castle’). Therefore, the name can be roughly translated to mean ‘new castle’ or ‘new stronghold’. It was likely given to someone who lived in a newly built castle, or a person who moved into a new residence.

Throughout history, Novotnas have had a range of important roles and professions, from teachers and artists to scientists and entrepreneurs. This is reflective of the many different talents among the Novotna families that have endured for centuries. Novotnas have developed not only locally but also internationally, with members of the family having immigrated around the world, especially from Central and Eastern Europe.

The Novotna legacy lives on in the many influential individuals who have originated from this family, and will continue to be passed on from generation to generation.

Novotna: Where does the name Novotna come from?

The last name Novotna is most commonly found today in the Czech Republic, as well as other parts of Central Europe such as Slovakia, Hungary, and Poland. As of 2021, approximately 4,800 people living in the Czech Republic have the last name, with the highest concentrations of people with this surname in Prague, Ostrov, and Havlíčkův Brod.

The name Novotná (with the feminine ending) also appears frequently, although with fewer people bearing the name. The Novotna name has its roots in the medieval Czech aristocracy. This is evident in place names such as Novotna ves (Novotna village) located in Prachatice District near the German-Czech border.

More broadly, the Novotna surname is reflected in many Czech and Slovak surnamed individuals across the world. It is a relatively rare phenomenon to find people with the Novotna last name living outside Central Europe, but they do exist, particularly in the United States and elsewhere in Europe.

Because the name Novotna is associated with the Czech Republic, it is likely to remain concentrated in Central Europe in the coming years. However, its use is likely to grow as people with the name migrate to other countries around the world.

Variations of the surname Novotna

Variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin for the surname Novotna are:

Novotny, Novottny, Novotka, Navotka, Novotta.

The Novotna surname is a patronymic, derived from the given name Novotny. It is a Czech variant of the Slavic given name Novota, which is a diminutive (pet name or nickname) created from the word “nový” meaning “new”. The patronymic Novotny was used to mean “the son of Novotny”.

The surname Novotny is most commonly found in the Czech Republic, where it is the 11th most common surname. It is also relatively common in Slovakia. The surname is fairly widely dispersed throughout other parts of Europe as well, although this is likely due to people with this surname immigrating.

The variants Novottny, Novotka, and Navotka are derived from an archaic feminine form of Novotny. Meanwhile, the variant Novotta is a Polonized form of the same name. All these variants are likely derived from the same root, and the spelling variations likely occurred as the name spread to various countries.

In conclusion, the surname Novotna (and its variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin) is most likely derived from the given name Novotny, itself derived from the word “nový”, meaning “new”. This surname is most commonly found in the Czech Republic, but is also of moderate prevalence in Slovakia and other parts of Europe. The variants of Novotna can be attributed to different spellings of the same name as it spread geographically.

Famous people with the name Novotna

• Jana Novotná: Professional Tennis Player from the Czech Republic; winner of 1998 Wimbledon Ladies' Singles.
• Vlasta Novotná: Dancer, actress, and director from the Czech Republic; became famous during the 1930s.
• Zdenka Novotná: Politician from the Czech Republic; served as Minister of Education from 2006-2009.
• Martina Novotná: Painter from the Czech Republic; best known for her landscape paintings of the Ostrava region.
• Marie Novotná: Singer and Guitarist from the Czech Republic; formed the alternative rock group Limbo in 1994.
• Luboš Novotný: Film director from the Czech Republic; directed several documentaries about World War II.
• Jan Novotný: Astronomer from the Czech Republic; co-discovered several comets.
• Pavel Novotný: Musician from the Czech Republic; founder and leader of the thrash metal band Meshuggah.
• Dusan Novotný: Designer from the Czech Republic; worked on a variety of projects including medical devices, furniture, and jewelry.
• Jiří Novotný: Actor from the Czech Republic; appeared in numerous films during his career.

Other surnames

Novotny