The Ancient History of the Distinguished Surname Podhirny
The chronicles of the region now known as Poland, though sometimes shrouded by the mists of time, reveal the ancient origins of the Podhirny family name. Careful research by professional analysts using such references as ‘Herbarz Polski” and “Herby Rodow Polskich” reveal that the family’s early origin trace back to the forming of the tribal Clan of Families system, founded by the Goths in 150 A.D. In the struggles for control over its rich agricultural soil, the feudal clan system evolved as the best defense against hordes of invaders sweeping in from the east over the centuries. Amber, still mined today, was traded by the Germanic tribes and the famous Arabian breed of horse, Trakehner, was created here. The surname Podhirny was found in this region, comprised of parts of Austria, Prussia, Lithuania and Russia, and contributed greatly to the emerging medieval society. Our extensive research found the first documented history of the Podhirny family in the region of Warmia and Mazura, a part of one of the early ‘princedom” principality states on the Lithuanian/Russian border of what is now Poland, where the royal Korczak clan of families actually trace their descent as princes of this region, holding vast powers as the ruling Clan of families. Mazura was just one portion of the royal clan territories, and the great families of Korczak reached noble status for their service to Prince, faith, and country. From the 10th century onwards, the families of Korczak Clan were identified with the great social and economic evolution, which made this territory a landmark contributor to the development of the nation in the 11th century. Later, the 13th century King Jakob z Raciborowic held the lands in 1241. Other branches of Polish clans also held the territories in the region, allying themselves with the royal Korczak Clan.
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Over the centuries, the many dialects and different languages created multiple spellings for the Podhirny family name, and their Clan affiliates in the Clan records included Balaban, Barzi, Bedlewicz, Biernacki, Biernawski, Bierzawski, Bleszynski, Czupa, Czurylo, Dolinski, Malczycki, Porwinski, Prochnicki, Prokopowicz, Pruchnicki, Pruhnicki, Pryzlubski, Smiotanka, Smietanka, Szmotanka, Tankowskij, Zaranek, Pruchnicki, Rynka, Sadlocha, Silicz, and Silnicki, to name some within this noble Clan.
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The earliest record of the Podhirny family appears in the region of Suwalki, where the families of Korczak controlled vast territories against all comers, even the German crusaders who arrived in the late 1330s to convert the neighboring Lithuanians. When the grand Prince Jagiello of Lithuania (and allied with the Korczak clan) in 1383, received baptism into Christianity and married Hedwige, the Queen of Poland, he became Whadislaus II of Poland, creating peace and prosperity across Poland and Lithuania, most especially in this vital border region. Neighboring Vilna in Lithuania became a point of trade traffic creating a new route through the territories of the clan families of Korczak. Family tradition has it that the families of the royal Korczak Clan trace their descent from Kaninus of Wegrzy, who was the bard to the king, and from which descend the hereditary line of bards to not only the kings of Poland and Lithuania, but also of Bohemia, Slovakia, Croatia and Estonia. Many members of the families of Korczak appear in the records as bishops, warriors, and statesmen representing their clan of families. They continued to make important contributions to the life of Poland and Europe in the middle ages. From the 16th century onwards they held significant positions of prestige and power, becoming involved in tribal struggles for supremacy. First formed in the 10th century, this vast region was anciently known as Chrobacya until Prince Ziemovit wrested it from the crumbling Moravian Empire. Mieszko, great grandson of Ziemovit, and his Bohemian consort Dobrawa introduced Christianity at the end of the 10th century. Their son, Prince Boleslaus (992-1025) was the first to bear the royal title and he added to their vast territory by extending it from the Baltic to the Carpathians, and Elbe to the Bug. It is from these royal personages that the royal and noble Clans of Families descend. With the Teutonic Order of Knights pushing in from the west and the Tartars from the east, the Clans fought to position themselves for best survival and trade by forming alliances with families in the neighboring countries. During the 14th and 15th centuries the Church rose to prominence.
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The son of Wladislaus II became Grand Duke of Lithuania in 1447 and consolidated the two nations. The Clans built many castles during the next century against the Turks, Muscovites and Cossacks (freebooters), who became a peril. During the 15th and 16th centuries, members of the Podhirny family fought in the wars with Moscow, Sweden and Cossacks as each clan found their own warriors the best defense for survival. Notable at this time amongst the Clans of Poland was the Podhirny family of Korczak of Warmia, Mazury, Lithuania and Russia.
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Internal strife in the region by kings, politicians, and even religion found many families branching to more peaceful parts of Europe. The New World also beckoned with opportunity. The migrations started about 1650 and continue to this day. The majority of settlers landed in Michigan, settled in Detroit and moved on to Milwaukee, Cleveland, Buffalo, Philadelphia, New York, Pittsburgh and Toledo. Settlers of the Podhirny family included colonists and immigrants who travelled to the New World and established themselves along the eastern seaboard and westward of the United States and Canada in the 18th and 19th centuries.
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Modern notables bearing the surname Podhirny include those celebrated personalities and individuals whose social, cultural and professional accomplishments were known on both sides of the Atlantic.
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Research has determined the above Coat of Arms to be the most recent for the family surname Podhirny.
