Origin & Meaning of the Kowal Surname
What does the last name Kowal mean?
The surname Kowal carries the meaning "Family name of European origin." It is derived from the European language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 4,337 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Kowal ranks as the #7,658 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Kowal come from?
The Kowal surname has its roots in European heritage. Names of European origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Kowal name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Kowal trace back to European. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Kowal |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of European origin |
| Origin | European |
| Language | European |
| US Rank (2010) | #7,658 |
| US Count (2010) | 4,337 |
| Per 100K People | 1.47 |
| First Letter | K |
Ethnic Distribution of Kowal
According to the US Census, the Kowal surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 4,337 Americans with the Kowal last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 95.64% |
| Black | 0.3% |
| Hispanic | 2.03% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.69% |
| Native American | 0.12% |
| Two or More Races | 1.22% |
Popularity of Kowal Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Kowal surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Kowal surname increased by 47 between 2000 and 2010.
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Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Kowal ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
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The Complete Story of the Kowal Family
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- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Kowal
- ✓ The Kowal coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Kowal families live today
- ✓ Notable Kowal bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
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Similar Surnames to Kowal
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Kowal.
Other European Surnames
Explore more surnames with European roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same European origin as Kowal.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kowal
Top Surnames Starting with K
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter K, ranked by population.
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