Hruška is a Czech and Slovak surname, derived from the word hruška meaning "pear". It is an occupational name most likely used to denote a person who grew or sold pears. The feminine form is Hrušková.Etymology and Historical ContextThe surname belongs to a category of Slavic occupational names based on fruits or goods. The Czech and Slovak word hruška (pear) comes from Proto-Slavic *kruša, with the initial h- developing in some Western Slavic dialects. Such names were often given to orchard keepers or merchants in medieval times, when surnames were emerging based on trade and locality.Distribution and BearersToday, Hruška is found primarily in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, with notable bearers including athletes and public figures:Aleš Hruška (born 1985), Czech footballerDavid Hruška (born 1977), Czech ice hockey playerJan Hruška (born 1975), Czech cyclistMartin Hruška (born 1981), Czech footballerMatúš Hruška (born 1994), Slovak footballerLuboš Hruška (born 1987), Czech footballerMilan Hruška (born 1985), Slovak ice hockey playerRadim Hruška (born 1984), Czech ice hockey playerKarel Hruška (1891–1966), Czech actor and singerPetr Hruška (born 1964), Czech poetIn other cultures, spelling variations appear; for example, Franz Hruska was a German politician.Meaning: "Pear" (occupational: pear grower/seller)Origin: Czech, SlovakType: SurnameUsage regions: Czech Republic, Slovakia