Jurek

Jurek is a masculine given name of Polish origin. It is primarily an affectionate diminutive form of Jerzy, the Polish equivalent of George. In everyday use, Jurek is common among family and friends, while Jerzy remains the formal version in official contexts.

Etymology and meaning: Jerzy ultimately traces to the Greek Georgios, meaning farmer or earthworker; Jurek inherits that origin as a diminutive with the -ek suffix in Polish, which marks a familiar or diminutive form.

As a surname: Jurek also appears as a surname in Poland and in Polish-speaking communities abroad. When used as a surname, it is usually understood to have originated from the given name Jerzy, indicating a patronymic or ancestral link.

Distribution and usage: The given name Jurek is most common in Poland and among Polish diaspora; as a surname it is less frequent but established in various countries with Polish heritage. Variants or similar diminutives exist in neighboring languages, but Jurek is distinctly Polish in form and usage.

Related terms: Żurek, a traditional Polish soup; not etymologically related to the name but similar in spelling.