Surname Kowal - Meaning and Origin
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Kowal: What does the surname Kowal mean?
The last name Kowal is of Polish origin, derived from the occupational name for a blacksmith or farrier. It is believed to be derived from the Polish word "kowal" meaning "smith".
Kowal is one of the top ten most common surnames in Poland today, with over 200,000 people claiming the name. It is also used in countries including the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom.
Due to its occupational origin, the name is said to bestow protection upon its bearer. It suggests a trait of strength and resilience as well originality, as its bearers create and forge items from raw material. It further suggests a willingness to take on difficult tasks, to work hard and to overcome obstacles.
The Kowal Family crest bears two crossed hammers, along with images of sheaves of wheat, a symbol representing physical labour, harvest, and wealth.
Kowal is more than just an occupational name; it provides a powerful source of identity for many people. Perhaps Kowal citizens are proud of the name's historical resonance and the feeling of comfort that comes from being linked to a well-known and respected name. The name implies qualities of hard-work, resilience and courage and suggests a valuable sense of community and belonging.
Order DNA origin analysisKowal: Where does the name Kowal come from?
The last name Kowal is a fairly common Polish surname. It is found most prevalent in the cities and villages of Poland, where it originates. According to a study of surnames from around the world, the last name Kowal is also found in countries with a large Polish diaspora, especially in Europe, North America and Australia.
Other countries with large Polish populations, such as Ireland and Argentina, have also recorded instances of the last name Kowal. In addition, people with this name have immigrated to countries with smaller Polish communities, such as India, Mexico and South Africa.
There are many variations of the last name Kowal, such as Kowalczyk, Kowalik, Kowalewski, Kowalski and Kowalewski. Each of these versions is believed to origin from a family or ancestor who had a specific trade. For instance, Kowalczyk is thought to be derived from a blacksmith, while Kowalewski derives from an innkeeper.
Kowal is an occupational name in Poland for a blacksmith who is not a hereditary blacksmith. This surname is particularly common in areas around Kalisz, Tarnów and Radom. These areas are believed to be the original source areas for people bearing the Kowal name.
In modern times, Polish people with the last name Kowal have settled all over the globe, keeping this surname alive and popular in many different countries.
Variations of the surname Kowal
The surname Kowal is a Slavonic origin surname meaning 'blacksmith.' Variants of this surname include Kowalik, Cowal, Koval, Kouval, Kovel, Kovalchuk, Kovalchik, Kovalenko, Kowalko, Kowaluk, and Kviatkovsky. They are all derived from the root ‘Kowal.’
Kowalik is a patronymic form of the surname, which is derived from the first name Kazmirz. The Czech and Polish variants of the surname are Kouval and Kowal, respectively. Koval is the Ukrainian variant, Kovel is seen in Slovakia and the Czech Republic and Kovalchik is the Slavic form.
Kovalenko is the Russian form of the name, with the prominent spelling variations Kowalko and Kowaluk being predominantly used in Ukraine. Kviatkovsky is seen in Belarus, as well as Ukraine, and it is derived from the professional surnames of blacksmiths that have been used in these regions since ancient times.
In conclusion, the surname Kowal has a variety of variants derived from the Slavic origin, including patronymic and professional surnames. The variants are Kowalik, Cowal, Koval, Kouval, Kovel, Kovalchuk, Kovalchik, Kovalenko, Kowalko, Kowaluk, and Kviatkovsky.
Famous people with the name Kowal
- Rafał Kowal: a Polish actor
- Marcin Kowal: a Polish martial artist
- Joe Kowal: an American standup comedian
- Brian Kowal: an American poet and essayist
- Neil Kowal: an Australian journalist and presenter
- Rita Kowal: a Danish actress, model and producer
- Igor Kowal: a Canadian sculptor and mixed media artist
- Don Kowal: an American playwright
- John Kowal: an American rock guitarist
- Chris Kowal: a British conductor, composer, and educator