Soffranko &Hovanecz Families

Variations include:  Sofranko, Soffranko, Soffranek, Chovanecz, Chovanek, Hovanecz

The Sofranko surname (also Šoffranko or Sofranko) originates as an occupational or descriptive nickname meaning "little saffron dealer", "saffron", or "Little Šofran."  The base of the surname comes from šofran, which is a localized Eastern Slovak dialect form of the standard Slovak word šafrán (meaning saffron).  Historically, Slovakia—especially the mountainous northern and eastern regions like Spiš—was famous for its traveling peddlers known as šafraníci (saffron-men). These traders traveled across the Austro-Hungarian Empire selling saffron, exotic spices, medicinal herbs, textiles, and seeds.  Alternatively, because saffron is a vibrant yellow-red spice, the nickname may have originally been given to an ancestor with reddish-yellow hair or a bright complexion. The suffix -ko (Little / Son of) is highly common and acts as a term of endearment.

The Hovanecz surname (originally, Chovanec) means "foster child," "orphan," "ward," or "boarder".   The surname is built directly from the Slovak verb chovať (or the Czech chovat), which means "to bring up," "to raise," "to breed," or "to feed".  In traditional Slovak, the common noun chovanec directly translates to an adoptee, a child fostered within a family, or someone placed in the custody and care of a guardian. The drop of the "C" (changing Ch- to H-) is very common in the Spiš and Šariš dialects of Eastern Slovakia. 

This particular branch of the Soffranko-Hovanecz families is from the village of Spissky Hrusov, Slovakia.

Kolodzey Connection

The Soffranko-Hovanecz family is DNA matched to the Kolodzey descendants. 

Motto

Slovak: „Z práce hojnosť, z srdca domov“ 

English: “From work comes abundance, from heart comes home.”

 Crest Description 

Shield field divided horizontally — Or (gold) above for saffron and prosperity, Azure (blue) below for loyalty and guardianship.  Charge a golden saffron flower emerging from two silver open hands, symbolizing trade and nurture united. A green mountain ridge with a white path winding upward, representing Spišský Hrušov’s homeland and the journey of care and enterprise. A small red sun, emblem of vitality and compassion.  A merchant’s satchel crossed with a shepherd's hook, representing the Sofranko trader and the Hovanecz guardian. Mantling in gold and blue, trimmed with saffron red. Supporter dexter a golden fox, symbolizing clever trade and adaptability, supporter sinister a silver lamb, representing innocence that looks in the distance for a parent that does not return.  Both stand upon a compartment of saffron blossoms and mountain herbs, recalling the traveling saffron‑men of Spiš.