Origin & Meaning of the Kowalski Surname
What does the last name Kowalski mean?
The surname Kowalski carries the meaning "Of or from a place." It is derived from the Polish language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 18,077 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Kowalski ranks as the #1,999 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Kowalski come from?
The Kowalski surname has its roots in Polish heritage. Names of Polish 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 Kowalski name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Kowalski trace back to Polish. 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 | Kowalski |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Of or from a place |
| Origin | Polish |
| Language | Polish |
| US Rank (2010) | #1,999 |
| US Count (2010) | 18,077 |
| Per 100K People | 6.13 |
| First Letter | K |
Ethnic Distribution of Kowalski
According to the US Census, the Kowalski surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 18,077 Americans with the Kowalski last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 96.05% |
| Black | 0.28% |
| Hispanic | 1.85% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.45% |
| Native American | 0.22% |
| Two or More Races | 1.15% |
Popularity of Kowalski Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Kowalski surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Kowalski surname decreased by 57 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other Polish Surnames
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Frequently Asked Questions About Kowalski
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