szczerba

Szczerba is a surname of Polish origin. It is believed to derive from the Polish word "szczerba," meaning "notch" or "nick." This could refer to a physical characteristic of an ancestor or perhaps a topographical feature of their ancestral land. The surname is found throughout Poland and among the Polish diaspora.

In Polish heraldry, the Szczerba coat of arms, often referred to as Szczerba herb, is a recognized armorial bearing. While variations exist, a common depiction features a shield with a notched or nicked element, reflecting the surname's etymology. Families bearing this surname may have historically belonged to specific noble clans associated with this coat of arms.

The distribution of the Szczerba surname is most concentrated in Poland, particularly in regions with historical Polish populations. As with many surnames, individuals with the Szczerba name can be found in countries with significant Polish immigration, including the United States, Canada, Germany, and Australia. Genealogy research often traces the lineage of Szczerba families to specific villages or towns in Poland.