Show ContentsBerkowitz Surname History

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  • Israel
Extended Surname History Download (PDF) - Letter Size

Extended Surname History Download (PDF) - Letter Size

Etymology of Berkowitz

What does the name Berkowitz mean?

The Jewish name Berkowitz is derived from the name Berko, which is the 'kinnui' (surname or substitute name) of Issachar. Berkowitz originated in Brody in the mid-18th century and means 'son of Berko.' Berko is also a cognate of the word bear.

Therefore, this Jewish surname of Berkowitz was a nickname for one with the characteristics of a bear, a nickname for a strong man. The bear has generally been regarded with a mixture of fear and amusement, due to its strength and unpredictable temper on the one hand and its clumsy gait on the other. Both these qualities are no doubt reflected in the choice of using the animal in the arms.

Berkowitz Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Berkowitz, Berkovitz, Berko, Berkman and many more.

Berkowitz Ranking

the United States, the name Berkowitz is the 6,282nd most popular surname with an estimated 4,974 people with that name. 1

Contemporary Notables of the name Berkowitz (post 1700) +

  • Leonard Berkowitz (1926-2016), American social psychologist best known for his research on altruism and human aggression
  • Gary Berkowitz (b. 1951), American Radio Broadcast Consultant
  • Ethan Berkowitz, American politician in Alaska
  • Robert S. Berkowitz, American politician, Candidate for U.S. Representative from New York 4th District, 1994, 1996 2
  • Jacqueline E. Berkowitz, American Democratic Party politician, Delegate to Democratic National Convention from New York, 1972 3
  • Jacob Berkowitz, American Democratic Party politician, Candidate for New York State Senate 41st District, 1954 3
  • Herbert M. Berkowitz, American Democratic Party politician, Delegate to Democratic National Convention from Florida, 2004, 2008 3
  • Gloria E. Berkowitz, American Democratic Party politician, Delegate to Democratic National Convention from Florida, 2008 3
  • Fayga Berkowitz, American Democratic Party politician, Candidate for Presidential Elector for California, 1960 3
  • ... (Another 3 notables are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
  1. "What are the 5,000 Most Common Last Names in the U.S.?". NameCensus.com, https://namecensus.com/last-names/
  2. The Political Graveyard: Alphabetical Name Index. (Retrieved 2015, November 4) . Retrieved from http://politicalgraveyard.com/alpha/index.html

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