Herek
An occupational surname possibly derived from the word "Herec" meaning "actor" or "performer" in several Slavic languages.
According to the 2010 US Census Bureau surname tables, roughly 343 Americans carry the last name Herek. That puts it at #66,164 in the national surname ranking, appearing at a frequency of 0.10 per 100,000 people (about 1 in 999,284 residents).
This page is the full Name Census profile for the Herek surname. You will find the Census Bureau frequency data, an ancestry and ethnicity breakdown based on self-reported demographics, the name's meaning and origin where available, and answers to the most common questions people ask about this surname.
Bearers in the US
343
1 in 999,284
Census rank
#66,164
2010 decennial data
Per 100,000
0.1
Frequency rate
Recorded bearers
299
very rare in the US
Popularity narrative
The Census Bureau recorded 299 bearers of the surname Herek in its 2010 decennial surname file. At a rate of 0.10 per 100,000 residents, it holds the 66164th position in the national surname ranking.
Among Census respondents with the surname Herek, the largest self-reported group is White at 90.3%. The next largest groups are Hispanic (7.0%).
Origin
Meaning and origin of Herek
The surname HEREK is believed to have originated in Poland, with roots dating back to the Middle Ages. It is thought to have derived from the Old Polish word "herak," which referred to a type of cloak or outer garment worn by nobility or those of high social standing.
The earliest recorded instances of the name HEREK can be found in historical records from the 13th and 14th centuries, particularly in regions that were part of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth at the time. Some of these records include mentions of individuals bearing the name in medieval town registries and land ownership documents.
One notable figure with the surname HEREK was Jan Herek, a prominent merchant and landowner who lived in the city of Krakow during the 15th century. Records indicate that he was involved in the trade of textiles and spices, and his success allowed him to acquire significant wealth and property.
Another historical figure of note was Katarzyna Herek, a noblewoman from the 16th century who was known for her philanthropic efforts. She established a charitable foundation that provided support for widows and orphans, and her name is mentioned in several chronicles and church records from that period.
In the 17th century, the HEREK surname appears in connection with the village of Herekówka, located in what is now southeastern Poland. This suggests that the name may have also been associated with a specific geographic location or derived from a place name.
During the 18th century, a prominent military leader named Michal Herek gained recognition for his service in the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth's armed forces. He participated in several campaigns against foreign invaders and was known for his strategic military skills.
Throughout the centuries, variations in spelling have been observed, including Herac, Herak, and Herec, likely due to regional dialects and transcription practices of the time. However, the core form of HEREK has remained relatively consistent in historical records.
While the surname HEREK is not among the most common in Poland today, it continues to carry a rich historical legacy, reflecting its noble roots and the contributions of individuals who bore this name throughout the ages.
Demographics
Ancestry and ethnicity for Herek
Among Census respondents with the surname Herek, the largest self-reported group is White at 90.3%. The next largest groups are Hispanic (7.0%).
The bar chart below shows how Herek bearers described their own race and ethnicity on the 2010 Census form. The Census Bureau groups responses into six broad categories: White, Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino, Asian and Pacific Islander, American Indian and Alaska Native, and Two or More Races. When a category has too few respondents for a given surname, the Bureau suppresses the figure to protect individual privacy, which is why some names show fewer than six slices.
Keep in mind that these are self-reported numbers. A person's surname does not determine their race or ethnicity, and the distribution you see here reflects the specific population who happened to carry the Herek surname at the time of the 2010 Census, not any inherent property of the name itself.
- White90.3%
- Hispanic or Latino7.0%
- Unknown or suppressed2.7%
Year on year
2000 vs 2010 Census
How has the Herek surname changed between Census years? The chart shows bearer count side by side, and the table compares rank, count, and frequency.
Census year comparison
| Metric | 2000 | 2010 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #62,775 | #66,164 | -5.4% |
| Count | 298 | 299 | 0.3% |
| Per 100K | 0.11 | 0.10 | -9.1% |
Between the 2000 and 2010 Census, the number of Herek bearers went from 298 to 299 (+0.3% change). The surname moved down 3,389 positions in the national ranking, going from #62,775 to #66,164.
Notable bearers
Famous people with the surname Herek
FAQ
Herek surname: questions and answers
How common is the last name Herek?
The surname Herek holds position #66,164 in the US Census Bureau's surname ranking, with an estimated 343 living bearers. It occurs at a rate of 0.10 per 100,000 Americans.
What is the ethnic background of the Herek surname?
Among Census respondents with the surname Herek, the largest self-reported group is White at 90.3%. The next largest groups are Hispanic (7.0%). These figures come from the 2010 Census Bureau surname tables, based on how respondents described their own race and ethnicity.
Where does this surname data come from?
All surname statistics on Name Census are drawn from the US Census Bureau's decennial surname frequency tables. These tables list every surname that appeared 100 or more times in the 2010 Census, along with a frequency rate and self-reported demographic breakdown. You can read the full explanation on our methodology page.