Polish surnames, much like those from other regions, often derive from occupations, locations, or nicknames. These categories are known as cognominal, toponymic, and patronymic, respectively. Starting in the 13th century, the suffix -ski, meaning “of,” became common in Polish surnames. This suffix is a strong indicator of Polish heritage, as approximately 35% of the top 1,000 Polish surnames feature it.
During the 15th to 17th centuries, individuals typically had three names: a first name, a clan name, and a surname. However, between the late 17th and mid-19th centuries, many people began to drop their clan names, resulting in a focus on family surnames that persist today.
Polish last names also include many Slavic influences. Traditionally, it was believed that the meanings of these names held prophetic significance for their bearers. However, the Council of Trent’s ban on pagan names led to the decline of many old Slavic surnames. In the 19th century, Poles began to reclaim these names as a symbol of patriotism, and many are still in use today.
Poland is a nation rich in history and culture, being the ninth largest country in Europe. It shares borders with seven countries including Germany and Russia, and its official name is the Republic of Poland. Polish culture deeply values health, faith, adaptability, generosity, justice, nobility, tradition, stoicism, sentimentality, and optimism.
If you’re curious about surnames from other cultures, check out our collection of Spanish, Mexican, and Brazilian last names.
Here are some of the most notable Polish surnames along with their meanings and origins:
- Adamik – Meaning: Man; Origin: Hebrew
- Andrysiak – Meaning: Son of Andrzej; Origin: Polish
- Adamski – Meaning: Someone from Adamy, a village in Poland; Origin: Polish, Jewish, Ashkenazic
- Antol – Meaning: Precious; Origin: Latin
- Augustyn – Meaning: Augustinus; exalted, majestic; Origin: Polish, Latin
- Bartosz – Meaning: Son of Talmai or son of Furrows; Origin: Polish
- Bosko – Meaning: Barefoot; Origin: Polish, Slovak
- Broz – Meaning: Immortal; Origin: Polish
- Brzezinski – Meaning: Birch forest; Origin: Polish
- Budny – Meaning: Hut, cabin; Origin: Polish
- Bukoski – Meaning: Someone who belonged to the town of Bukowo; Origin: Polish
- Chlebek – Meaning: Bread; Origin: Polish
- Chmiel – Meaning: Someone who grows hops; Origin: Polish
- Czajka – Meaning: Lapwing bird; Origin: Polish
- Czajkowski – Meaning: Someone from the village of Czajkow; Origin: Polish
- Dabrowski – Meaning: Oak grove; Origin: Polish
- Dudek – Meaning: A crested bird; Origin: Polish, Ukrainian, Czech, Slovak
- Dziedzic – Meaning: Landowner; Origin: Polish
- Gorecki – Meaning: Mountain; Origin: Polish
- Jabłoński – Meaning: Apple tree; Origin: Polish
- Jagoda – Meaning: Berry; Origin: Polish
- Jankowski – Meaning: Someone from Jankow; Origin: Polish
- Jaworski – Meaning: Maple; someone from Jawory; Origin: Polish
- Kaczka – Meaning: Duck; Origin: Polish
- Kaczmarek – Meaning: Innkeeper; Origin: Polish
- Kaminski – Meaning: Stone, rock; Origin: Polish
- Kowalski – Meaning: Blacksmith; Origin: Polish
- Kozlowski – Meaning: From the town of the goat; Origin: Polish
- Król – Meaning: King; Origin: Polish
- Kwiatkowski – Meaning: Flower; someone from Kwiatkow; Origin: Polish
- Laska – Meaning: Grace, mercy; Origin: Polish
- Lewandowski – Meaning: Lavender; Origin: Polish
- Majewski – Meaning: Someone from Majewo; Origin: Polish
- Malinowski – Meaning: Raspberry; someone from Malinow; Origin: Slavic
- Nosek – Meaning: Small nose; Origin: Polish
- Nowak – Meaning: New; Origin: Polish
- Olszewski – Meaning: Someone from Olszewo; Origin: Polish
- Pawlak – Meaning: Little; Origin: Polish
- Raatz – Meaning: Wise, just man; Origin: Polish, German
- Raba – Meaning: Teacher; Origin: Polish
- Rabarchak – Meaning: Son of the rabbi; Origin: Polish
- Rabinowitz – Meaning: Son of the rabbi; Origin: Polish-Lithuanian Ashkenazi Jewish
- Rach – Meaning: Rough, stiff; Origin: Polish, German
- Rachman – Meaning: Merciful; Origin: Polish, Jewish
- Rachowski – Meaning: Someone from Rakowo; Origin: Polish
- Racki – Meaning: Someone from Radzie; Origin: Polish
- Ryba – Meaning: Fisherman; Origin: Polish
- Sniegow – Meaning: Person from a snowy place; Origin: Polish
- Stępień – Meaning: A plodder; Origin: Polish
- Szymanski – Meaning: Someone from Szymany; Origin: Polish
- Wiater – Meaning: Wind; Origin: Polish
- Wiśniewski – Meaning: Cherry; someone from Wisniewo; Origin: Polish
- Witkowski – Meaning: To guide the people; Origin: Polish
- Wojciech – Meaning: Warrior; Origin: Polish
- Wojciechowski – Meaning: Someone from Wojciechowo; Origin: Polish
- Wójcik – Meaning: Son of Wójt; Origin: Polish
- Wozniak – Meaning: Caretaker; Origin: Polish
- Wróbel – Meaning: Sparrow; Origin: Polish
- Zabek – Meaning: Tooth; Origin: Polish
- Zając – Meaning: Hare; Origin: Proto-Slavic
- Zieliński – Meaning: Green; Origin: Polish
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In summary, Polish surnames reflect a rich tapestry of history, culture, and tradition, offering insights into the identities and stories of millions. With roots in occupations, geographical locations, and personal traits, these names are not just labels but also a window into the past.