Polish last names are like family history capsules, reflecting Poland’s rich past. They tell stories of resilience through historical ups and downs.
The names often show family connections, where prefixes like “Sz” or “W” reveal ties, and suffixes like “-ski” or “-wicz” hint at regional roots. Some names even describe jobs or physical traits of ancestors.
These aren’t just labels; they’re proud reminders of where people come from. Polish last names are like linguistic time machines, linking individuals to generations and telling tales of a nation that’s been shaped by a long, enduring history.
Polish Last Names with Meanings
Polish last names often carry rich meanings rooted in history and tradition. Surnames frequently denote occupations, physical characteristics, or locations. Common suffixes like “-ski” or “-wicz” indicate “son of” or association with a place.
Exploring Polish last names unveils a tapestry of cultural heritage and familial connections, echoing through generations.
Last Name | Meaning |
---|---|
Kowalski | Smith (occupational) |
Nowak | Newcomer (describing a recent arrival) |
Wozniak | Wagoner (occupation related to transportation) |
Kaczmarek | Innkeeper (associated with running an inn) |
Grabowski | From the grove or thicket (topographical) |
Jankowski | John’s son (patronymic) |
Malinowski | From the raspberry or raspberry bush (topographical) |
Sokolowski | Falconer (occupation related to falconry) |
Patronymic Polish Surnames
Patronymic Polish surnames, common in medieval times, derive from a male ancestor’s first name. They often end with “-ski” for males and “-ska” for females, indicating “son of” or “daughter of.” Example: Janowski means “son of Jan.” These surnames reflect familial ties and historical roots in Polish culture.
- Krol (son of Król)
- Sobolewska (daughter of Sobol)
- Nowicki (son of Nowik)
- Bednarski (son of Bednar)
- Kwiatkowska (daughter of Kwiatk)
- Jankowski (son of Janik)
- Marciniak (son of Marcin)
- Krolak (son of Król)
- Czarnecka (daughter of Czarnecki)
- Kowalik (son of Kowal)
- Jurewicz (son of Jurek)
- Leszczynska (daughter of Leszczyn)
- Sadowski (son of Sadow)
- Zajac (son of Zając)
- Walewska (daughter of Walew)
- Szewczyk (son of Szewc)
- Krawczyk (son of Krawczy)
- Piatek (son of Piatek)
- Golab (son of Gołąb)
- Bednarek (son of Bednar)
- Skowronska (daughter of Skowron)
- Andrzejewski (son of Andrzej)
- Witkowski (son of Witk)
- Lisowska (daughter of Lis)
- Cieslak (son of Cieśl)
- Rogowska (daughter of Rog)
- Paluch (son of Paluch)
- Krukowska (daughter of Kruk)
- Tomczak (son of Tomcz)
- Urbanski (son of Urban)
- Nowakowski (son of Nowak)
- Pawlowski (son of Paweł)
- Krajewska (daughter of Krajew)
- Szymanski (son of Szymon)
- Lewandowska (daughter of Lewand)
- Wojcik (son of Wojciech)
- Malinowska (daughter of Malin)
- Dabrowski (son of Dąbrowa)
- Kubiak (son of Kub)
- Jozefowicz (son of Jozef)
- Nowicka (daughter of Nowicki)
- Zielinski (son of Zielon)
- Kowalewska (daughter of Kowalew)
- Gajewski (son of Gaj)
- Wrona (son of Wron)
- Sokolowska (daughter of Sokol)
- Janicki (son of Janik)
- Piotrowski (son of Piotr)
- Wroblewska (daughter of Wróbel)
- Zawadzki (son of Zawad)
- Kaczmarczyk (son of Kaczmarek)
- Kowalski (son of Kowal)
- Jankowska (daughter of Jan)
- Michalski (son of Michał)
- Kowalczyk (son of Kowal)
- Wozniakowska (daughter of Woźniak)
- Kaczmarek (son of Kaczmar)
- Adamczyk (son of Adam)
- Grabowska (daughter of Grab)
- Sobczak (son of Sobczak)
Common Polish Last Names
Common Polish last names often reflect historical roots, occupations, or familial origins. Surnames like Kowalski (smith), Nowak (newcomer), and Wójcik (village leader) are prevalent. Patronymic endings like -ski or -ska indicate lineage. These names carry rich cultural significance, offering insights into Poland’s diverse heritage and social structures.
- 1 Kowalski
- 2 Nowak
- 3 Wiśniewski
- 4 Wójcik
- 5 Kowalczyk
- 6 Kamiński
- 7 Lewandowski
- 8 Zieliński
- 9 Szymański
- 10 Dąbrowski
- 11 Kozłowski
- 12 Jankowski
- 13 Mazur
- 14 Wojciechowski
- 15 Kwiatkowski
- 16 Krawczyk
- 17 Kaczmarek
- 18 Piotrowski
- 19 Grabowski
- 20 Zając
- 21 Pawłowski
- 22 Michalski
- 23 Król
- 24 Nowicki
- 25 Malinowski
- 26 Jaworski
- 27 Witek
- 28 Wilk
- 29 Marciniak
- 30 Wróbel
- 31 Sikora
- 32 Górski
- 33 Kucharski
- 34 Olszewski
- 35 Tomczak
- 36 Duda
- 37 Chmielewski
- 38 Sosnowski
- 39 Szczepański
- 40 Krupa
- 41 Słowik
- 42 Rogowski
- 43 Baran
- 44 Leszczyński
- 45 Urbaniak
- 46 Żak
- 47 Bednarek
- 48 Czerwiński
- 49 Jóźwiak
- 50 Małek
- 51 Kalinowski
- 52 Niewiadomski
- 53 Borowski
- 54 Skiba
- 55 Rogoziński
- 56 Włodarczyk
- 57 Jarosz
- 58 Wasilewski
- 59 Kołodziej
- 60 Bąk
Popular Polish Last Names
Popular Polish last names often reflect the country’s rich history and cultural diversity. Surnames like Nowak (common), Kowalski (smith), and Wójcik (warrior) are prevalent. Patronymic origins, occupational ties, and regional influences shape these names, connecting individuals to their ancestry and heritage, fostering a sense of identity deeply rooted in Polish tradition.
- 1 Sikora
- 2 Żak
- 3 Baran
- 4 Tomaszewski
- 5 Zawadzki
- 6 Sadowski
- 7 Błaszczyk
- 8 Chmielewski
- 9 Wojtas
- 10 Szewczyk
- 11 Sowa
- 12 Kwiatkowski
- 13 Marciniak
- 14 Zalewski
- 15 Jasiński
- 16 Ziółkowski
- 17 Krupa
- 18 Czech
- 19 Kubiak
- 20 Baranowski
- 21 Rogowski
- 22 Kwiecień
- 23 Budziński
- 24 Niewiadomski
- 25 Janik
- 26 Sokołowski
- 27 Kołodziej
- 28 Kaźmierczak
- 29 Urbański
- 30 Pająk
- 1 Kosiński
- 2 Mikołajczyk
- 3 Czarnecki
- 4 Mucha
- 5 Leszczyński
- 6 Adamczyk
- 7 Gajewski
- 8 Łuczak
- 9 Marczak
- 10 Żukowski
- 11 Kucharski
- 12 Krajewski
- 13 Naruszewicz
- 14 Chmiel
- 15 Czerwiński
- 16 Karczewski
- 17 Niedzielski
- 18 Ratajczak
- 19 Gajda
- 20 Stępień
- 21 Wrona
- 22 Różański
- 23 Krzemiński
- 24 Biernacki
- 25 Czapla
- 26 Kostecki
- 27 Skowron
- 28 Olejniczak
- 29 Rogalski
- 30 Sobolewski
- 1 Nowak
- 2 Kowalski
- 3 Wiśniewski
- 4 Wójcik
- 5 Kowalczyk
- 6 Kamiński
- 7 Lewandowski
- 8 Zieliński
- 9 Szymański
- 10 Dąbrowski
- 11 Kozłowski
- 12 Jankowski
- 13 Mazur
- 14 Wojciechowski
- 15 Kwiatkowski
- 16 Krawczyk
- 17 Kaczmarek
- 18 Piotrowski
- 19 Grabowski
- 20 Zając
- 21 Pawłowski
- 22 Michalski
- 23 Król
- 24 Wieczorek
- 25 Wróbel
- 26 Jabłoński
- 27 Nowakowski
- 28 Malinowski
- 29 Włodarczyk
- 30 Głowacki
Traditional Polish Surnames
Traditional Polish surnames often reflect aspects of family history, occupation, or physical features. Common suffixes like “-ski” or “-wicz” denote “son of” or association with a place. Historical events and regional influences have shaped the diverse range of surnames, adding depth to Poland’s rich cultural and genealogical tapestry.
Surname | Meaning/Origin |
---|---|
Nowak | Newcomer |
Kowalski | Blacksmith |
Wiśniewski | Cherry tree |
Wójcik | Village headman |
Kowalczyk | Blacksmith’s son |
Kamiński | Stonemason |
Lewandowski | Grove of lime trees |
Zieliński | From the green field |
Szymański | Simon’s son |
Dąbrowski | Oak tree |
Jankowski | John’s son |
Majewski | May-related |
Wojciechowski | Warrior’s son |
Kozłowski | Goat’s meadow |
Kwiatkowski | Flower-related |
Grabowski | Grove of trees |
Pawłowski | Paul’s son |
Michalski | Michael’s son |
Nowicki | From a new place |
Król | King |
Wieczorek | Evening |
Jasiński | Hyacinth’s son |
Wróbel | Sparrow |
Stępień | Stephen’s son |
Konieczny | Necessary, essential |
Urbański | Urban |
Baranowski | Ram-related |
Niewiadomski | Unknown |
Sikorski | Falconer |
Olszewski | Alder tree |
Janowski | Jan’s son |
Piotrowski | Peter’s son |
Pałka | Mace |
Głowacki | From the clearing |
Kurowski | From Kurowa (a village) |
Malinowski | Raspberry-related |
Bednarek | Cooper (barrel maker) |
Jastrzębski | Hawk-related |
Wrona | Crow |
Jarosz | Farmer |
Słowik | Nightingale |
Szewczyk | Shoemaker |
Kołodziej | Wheelwright |
Olejniczak | Oil dealer |
Krajewski | Landowner |
Kaczmarczyk | Duck-related |
Gajewski | From the grove |
Kołodziejczyk | Son of the wheelwright |
Bednarz | Cooper (barrel maker) |
Skowroński | Magpie-related |
Sobczak | Jackdaw |
Krupa | Flour mill |
Ratajczyk | Adviser |
Marek | Male |
Grzybowski | Mushroom-related |
Leśniak | Forester |
Sosnowski | Pine tree |
Czarnecki | Blackened |
Borowski | From the forest |
Żukowski | Beetle |
Przybylski | Arrived |
Wronowski | Crow-related |
Polish Last Names Based on Physical Traits
Polish last names often reflect physical traits, connecting individuals to their ancestral features. Surnames like “Nowak” (newcomer) or “Kowalski” (blacksmith) suggest historical professions, while others like “Górski” (mountain) or “Czarnecki” (dark-skinned) relate to physical characteristics. These names serve as cultural markers, weaving a rich tapestry of Poland’s diverse heritage.
- Skoczylas (Jumper)
- Śnieg (Snow)
- Zawada (Obstacle)
- Zięba (Finch)
- Żuraw (Crane)
- Niedźwiedzki (Bear-like)
- Lipa (Linden tree)
- Śmieszek (Joker)
- Krukowicz (Crow-like)
- Złoty (Golden)
- Czerwony (Red)
- Jastrzębski (Hawk-like)
- Zdobywca (Conqueror)
- Szpak (Starling)
- Podolski (Lowland)
- Dobry (Good)
- Gruszka (Pear)
- Ostry (Sharp)
- Wierzbicki (Willow-like)
- Czarny (Black)
- Kaczmarczyk (Duck Keeper)
- Głowacki (Big Head)
- Sokołowski (Falcon-like)
- Żółty (Yellow)
- Długosz (Long Grass)
- Rogacz (Horned)
- Grabowski (Hornbeam-like)
- Jaskółkowski (Swallow-like)
- Strzelecki (Shooter)
- Środa (Middle)
- Wilk (Wolf)
- Łysy (Bald)
- Wiatr (Wind)
- Kiczka (Quack)
- Chmiel (Hops)
- Borek (Small Forest)
- Szary (Gray)
- Drzewiecki (Tree-like)
- Krukowski (Crow-like)
- Gąsior (Gander)
- Karczewski (Place of Inn)
- Zimowski (Winter-like)
- Krzemiński (Stone-like)
- Skowronek (Lark)
- Klonowski (Maple-like)
- Biel (Whiteness)
- Cios (Blow)
- Wróbel (Sparrow)
- Łabędź (Swan)
- Kopytko (Small Hoof)
- Pietruszka (Parsley)
- Ostoja (Refuge)
- Łukaszewicz (Archer-like)
- Ryś (Lynx)
- Lewandowski (Lion-like)
- Topór (Axe)
- Głogowski (Hawthorn-like)
- Rycerz (Knight)
- Borowy (Forest-like)
- Malinowski (Raspberry-like)
- Nowak (Newcomer)
- Kowalski (Blacksmith)
- Górski (Mountain)
- Czarnecki (Dark-skinned)
- Słowik (Nightingale)
- Biały (White)
- Brzęczyszczykiewicz (Onomatopoeic)
- Szczęsny (Happy)
- Jaskółka (Swallow)
- Ciemny (Dark)
- Dębowski (Oak tree)
- Kruk (Raven)
- Skowron (Skylark)
- Zimny (Cold)
- Młody (Young)
- Zielinski (Green)
- Ruda (Red-haired)
- Wielki (Big)
- Zawadzki (Obstacle)
- Zdunowski (Potter)
- Królik (Rabbit)
- Mocny (Strong)
- Olszewski (Alder tree)
- Szybki (Fast)
- Piękny (Beautiful)
- Krzewski (Bush)
- Wesoły (Joyful)
- Drozd (Thrush)
- Chudy (Skinny)
- Jasny (Bright)
Cool Polish Last Names
The Polish people, or the Poles, are an ethnic group originating in the central European country of Poland.
The Polish people are famous worldwide for their flawless cultural depth and their hereditary roots. Shall we look at some Polish last names?
Almira – royal one
Greta – a pearl
Amani – faith
Victoria – victory
Aida – helper, derived from the French aider, to help
Randy – secretive
Kirby – from the church by the meadow
Vera – believed to be derived from either the Russian word for faith (vjera) or the Latin word for truth (vera)
Jane – God is gracious
Oliver – derived from either French Olivier (olive tree) or German Alfihar (elf warrior)
Dangelo
Wilson
Legend
Judah
Maximilian
Aspen
Bo
Orion
Enoch
Brixton
Gracelynn
Rylan
Noemi
Clark
Harmony
Bryan
Luella
Rory
Kyng
Zoie
Ismael
Rowan
Leighton
Zuri
Cohen
Karsyn
Cash
Jaxx
Delilah
Zelda
Mallory
James
Laylah
Adrianna
Calum
Kaitlyn
Kenneth
Amirah
Anya
Collin
Avery
Aubriella
Brooklyn
Maximus
Luka
Kaison
Ariyah
Sasha
Sterling
Hugo
Brynleigh
Porter
Tomas
Alessandra
Rosalie
Oscar
Aniya
Blake
Astrid
Monica
Easton
Priscilla
Sky
Alice
Brooks
Carlos
Leia
Lucian
Nia
Lucca
Lilian
Robin
Azael
Haven
Jayson
Amani
Angelina
Aliana
Maggie
Jax
Adelyn
Scott
Royalty
Warren
Evie
Augustus
Genevieve
Jake
Katalina
Rosalyn
Roberto
Ermias
Averi
Adler
Arlo
Sawyer
Ares
Darian
Zyon
Rome
Damian
Heath
Elliot
Sofia
Kenna
Josie
Finley
August
Maryam
Alex
Alfred
Tripp
Phillip
Jack
Baylor
Uriah
Justin
Chana
Austyn
Sebastian
Emma
Imani
Jazmin
Saul
Edison
Felix
Meredith
Alejandra
Lauryn
Kallie
Aarav
Karsyn
Brian
Emmie
Sloane
Kate
Eithan
Fun fact on Kate: A shortened form of Katherine, we can also understand that the name means “pure,” and is a wonderful way to honor baby’s life.
Related: Unisex African Names
Catchy Polish Last Names
Polish people are originally West Slavic and therefore have prominent particularities of the West Slavic culture.
The ethnicity of Polish people is unique and at the same time, like most Slavic communal cultures. Let us explore some Polish last names.
Baldwin – bold friend
Bibi – full of light
Eleanor – bright shining one, light
Zinnia – worthy
Gabriel – God is my strength
Abigail – source of father’s joy
Valerie – strong, healthy
Mirabelle – wondrous
Violet – also inspired by a flower
Hubert – bright mind and heart
Leroy
Frank
Milani
Callahan
Leyla
Heidi
Rayden
Georgia
Ellie
Jocelyn
Cal
Carter
Caleb
Chelsea
Owen
Michaela
Clementine
Nicole
Angelo
Gianni
Conrad
Jacqueline
Houston
Keanu
Dean
Indie
Makayla
Jaden
Colton
Aaron
Willa
Dior
Alaina
Ryker
Jameson
Margo
Rey
Elena
Jayceon
Mason
Gatlin
Baylor
Mary
Lucas
Spencer
Leighton
Ford
Zoya
Charlie
Leonel
Malayah
Mylah
Moses
Genesis
Blake
Abraham
Trevor
Chance
Wilder
Alexa
Arian
Vida
Joe
Madelyn
Andrea
Beatrice
Aliza
Jaliyah
Margaret
Tyson
Raegan
Kaia
Anais
Isabel
Prince
Blaire
Annalise
Estella
Heaven
Zayd
Claire
Goldie
Kinsley
Rose
Dakota
Dylan
Simone
Hunter
Dario
Fisher
Malakai
Kylie
Daniel
Anderson
Zora
Davina
Rhys
Dangelo
Fun fact on Rhys: This name can be traced back to Deheubarth, made famous by many Welsh kings and noblemen.
Related: Popular Nicknames For Son
Best Polish Last Names
Poland is a beautiful country that is highly inclusive of those who identify themselves as Polish.
According to the Polish preamble, which is the introduction to the Polish Constitution, we Learn those who reside in the country of Poland as citizens are Polish. Let us look at some Polish last names.
Virginia – spring-like, flourishing
Zelda – blessed, happy
Oakley – from an oak tree
Clark – learned scholar
Jeffery – man of peace
Sadie – princess
Eva – life
Agnes – sacred and chaste
Jamal – a handsome man
Abie – servant
Flynn
Paislee
Kian
Kayden
Jeffrey
Raul
Frida
Erin
Jakobe
Bodhi
Murphy
Raelynn
Jeremiah
Christian
Truett
Misael
Calvin
Fernando
Coraline
Trace
Fernanda
Kyrie
Eleanor
Lexi
Gary
Gael
Clare
Kody
Joziah
Deborah
Wallace
Alisson
Rafael
Kyleigh
Ty
Camryn
Oaklee
Addyson
Savannah
Rodney
Ainhoa
Alena
Clara
Melody
Ray
Ella
Tadeo
Amaya
Nala
Jayden
Eliza
Zaiden
Opal
Zayden
Khari
Evelynn
Loretta
Osman
Zoe
Marcos
Royce
Kylee
Desmond
Jiraiya
Valentin
Thea
Ximena
Wade
Marshall
Francisco
Zaid
Skyla
Aya
Dariel
Felipe
Karla
Saoirse
Eddie
Leanna
Bria
Kaylani
Clyde
Landon
Soraya
Juliette
Malia
Lennon
Hayley
Crosby
Ocean
Leon
Benedict
Ayleen
Brycen
Devon
Cayson
Nathan
Nalani
Fun fact on Nathan: Nathan has ties to both the names Nathaniel and Jonathan. All three names means “Gift of God”.
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Awesome Polish Last Names
Polish people are not just people who have belonged to Poland all their lives or are ethnically connected, by roots to Poland but all those who are formally citizens of the country. Shall we explore some awesome Polish last names?
Carlton – from the strong, courageous town
Anastasia – resurrection
Ike – one who brings laughter, god smiles
Kade – from the wetlands
Rachael – purity
Danica – morning star
Donovan – dark warrior
Hiram – exalted, noble
Cynthia – luminous
Finn
Clay
Byron
Mackenzie
Avi
Diego
Dakota
Jazlyn
Grady
Luisa
Nataly
Danielle
Tatum
Wylder
Stefan
Denver
Chaya
Avery
Kayleigh
Mario
Anne
Maliyah
Dustin
Riley
Marvin
Emerson
Yousef
Mitchell
Kaysen
Julia
Sullivan
Blaze
Bodie
Lacey
Joseph
Adele
Valerie
Palmer
Ricky
Rylie
August
Marisol
Rio
Luke
Arleth
Emir
Allie
Milo
Zahra
Ronan
Otto
Cole
Ariah
Jakob
Kenzo
Kimora
Phoebe
Allan
Flora
Paul
Nyomi
Aria
Brady
Sophie
Apollo
Zane
Madeline
Madeleine
Adrian
Kaiya
Angelica
Harlan
Princeton
Nova
Daleyza
Reed
Lucia
Madalyn
Lilith
Halle
Landyn
Charlotte
Journey
Giavanna
Sloan
Hadassah
Chris
Kenji
Laura
Kaisley
Donovan
Cassius
Chanel
Rosemary
Related: Unisex Hispanic Names
Amazing Polish Last Names
Did you know that most of the Polish people belong to the Roman Catholic religion? That’s right.
Although Polish people are spread all over the world in different countries from the USA to England to Australia, there also exists a high concentration of ethnically Polish people in Poland. Shall we look at some Polish names?
Hugh – having a bright mind
Audra – noble strength
Jayce – healer
Adair – from the brook by the oak grove
Eloi – chosen
Dorion – gift
Daniel – God is my judge
Leandra – lioness
Huey – intelligent
Bianca – white, shining
Kairi
Agustin
Luca
Finley
Milan
Kamari
Stevie
Ivory
Dominick
Reagan
Rhea
Miley
Ibrahim
Jace
Mohammed
King
Rachel
Morgan
Francesca
Matthew
Blair
Aspyn
Ben
Callie
Kade
Quentin
Navy
Delaney
Jasmine
Virginia
Athena
Danny
Watson
Karina
Tinsley
Elia
Dane
Collins
Amias
Gracie
Everlee
Brooklynn
Sean
Alaiya
Atlas
Colter
Raelyn
Brielle
Levi
Tatiana
Drew
Ember
Nayeli
Cadence
Knox
Melany
Ander
Aden
Cayden
Oliver
Jericho
Lara
Dillon
Hudson
Briar
Addilyn
Kendra
Francis
Roy
Julianna
Laney
Brayden
Melanie
Harry
Evander
Enrique
Sydney
Kyree
Magdalena
Marina
Mckenna
Princess
Evan
Amora
Dominik
Lyra
Genesis
Emilio
Kiana
Ian
Koa
Rodrigo
Ariana
Madisyn
Marcellus
Related: Shona Baby Boys Names
Conclusion
Polish last names are like family storytellers, revealing a lot about where someone comes from. Whether it’s from a job, a dad’s name, or a historical connection, each name holds a special meaning. These names aren’t just words; they’re like colorful threads that connect families across the years.
Polish Last Names Generator
Polish last names often reflect rich cultural and historical roots, with many deriving from occupations, locations, or personal characteristics.
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Mother of Two children. I’m a former teacher with a background in child development and a passion for Good parenting. I understand child development and know how to develop activities to help children learn and grow. Spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family, reading, and volunteering in my community.