Polish surnames often reflect the rich history and cultural traditions of Poland. Here’s a selection of common Polish last names and their meanings:
- Nowak: “New” – Most common Polish surname
- Kowalski: “Smith” or “Blacksmith”
- Wiśniewski: “Cherry” – Derived from a place name
- Wójcik: “Bailiff” or “Mayor”
- Kowalczyk: “Son of a Smith”
- Kamiński: “Stone” – Often refers to someone from a rocky area
- Lewandowski: Derived from “lavender”
- Zieliński: “Green” – Often refers to someone from a forested area
- Szymański: Derived from the given name Szymon (Simon)
- Woźniak: “Carter” or “Wagoner”
Many Polish surnames end in -ski or -cki for males, changing to -ska or -cka for females. These endings often indicate nobility or association with a particular place.
Other common endings include:
- -icz or -wicz: “Son of”
- -ak: Often indicates an occupation or characteristic
- -ek: Diminutive form, often used affectionately
Remember, surnames can have multiple origins or meanings depending on the specific family history.
