Surname Kowalszick - Meaning and Origin

Kowalszick: What does the surname Kowalszick mean?

The last name Kowalszick (also spelled Kowalski) is a Polish surname which is derived from the Polish word ‘Kowal’, meaning “blacksmith”. As such, it was likely originally used as a occupational surname, referring to someone who worked as a blacksmith or has a family member who worked as a blacksmith. The name is also sometimes derived from the personal name Koval or Kowal, which is thought to be derived from the Germanic given name ‘Kolle’, which meant ‘coal burner’. The name is also associated with Polish nobility, as it was occasionally used by members of the noble Szlachta - or gentry - in the 17th century.

The name has spread throughout the world, due to the emigration of Poles during the 19th and 20th centuries. In addition, variations of the name such as Koval or Kovalcik can be found in countries such as Ukraine and Czech Republic respectively.

The name is a strong symbol of the Polish culture and heritage, representing a profession that was often the livelihood of many families throughout the centuries. It is a reminder of the struggles and great achievements of all those who have carried this name.

Kowalszick: Where does the name Kowalszick come from?

The last name Kowalszick is becoming increasingly common in various parts of Europe, especially in Poland where it is believed to have originated. It is also common in Germany, Ukraine, Austria, Czech Republic and Slovakia.

In the US, the name is mostly concentrated in the states of Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota and Michigan as a result of the migration of many European-Americans in the mid-1800s.

According to data from Ancestry.com, the last name Kowalszick shows up in records dating back to the 16th century in the former Prussian Province of East Pomerania, now part of Poland. It has been suggested that the last name derived from the Polish word ‘kawal’, meaning a soldier or militiaman, and ‘szick’, which would have initially been an acronym standing for ‘Sztab-Komendant’ or ‘staff officer’ in Middle High German.

Today, the last name Kowalszick is most commonly found in areas of Eastern Europe and the American Midwest. Judging from the significant presence of Kowalszicks on genealogical websites, the last name seems to have also spread to countries such as Australia, England, Canada and South Africa.

Variations of the surname Kowalszick

The surname Kowalszick is of Polish origin and has several variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. The variants of the surname are Kowalski, Kowalsky and Kowalczyk. The different spellings of the surname include Kowalszicz, Kowalszick, Kowalszicz, Kowalszic, Kowalczyk, Kowallczyk, Kowalszczyk and Kowalczyc.

Surnames of the same origin as Kowalszick include Kowal, Kowalewicz, Kowalik, Konig, Kolodziej, Kolodziejczyk, Kalinowski, and Kula, amongst others. The pronunciation of the surname Kowalszick is ‘Kov-all-shichhk’.

Historically, the surname Kowalszick came from the profession of Smith, with 'Kowal’ denoting the surname's original meaning of 'smith'. The surname has over time evolved through various changes in the Polish language to become Kowalszick in modern day.

The surname Kowalszick is fairly common in Poland, as well as in other parts of the world, such as North America, Australia and the United Kingdom. As a result of its English translations, there is also a variety of spelling variants in English as well.

Family Crests and Coat of Arms are commonly associated with Kowalszicks of various lines, none of which differ significantly in their design. The most common of these is a black field with three red diamonds in it, which symbolizes strength and loyalty.

Famous people with the name Kowalszick

• Norma Kowalszick: Norma Kowalszick is an Argentinian former actress, known for her roles in the films "Fuga en el Túnel" (1994) and "El Duelo" (2006).
• Dave Kowalszick: Dave Kowalszick is a professional ice hockey referee who currently officiates in the National Hockey League (NHL).
• Rebecca Kowalszick: Rebecca Kowalszick is an American businesswoman and chairwoman of the Annapolis Film Festival.
• Joe Kowalszick: Joe Kowalszick is a former professional basketball player who played in the National Basketball Association (NBA).
• Frank Kowalszick: Frank Kowalszick is a Canadian former wrestler and professional wrestler.
• Ray Kowalszick: Ray Kowalszick is an American musician and composer, best known for his work on film and television soundtracks.
• Mike Kowalszick: Mike Kowalszick is an American professional mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter and Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioner.
• Dean Kowalszick: Dean Kowalszick is an American football coach who is currently the offensive coordinator at the University of Louisville.
• Joey Kowalszick: Joey Kowalszick is an American artist and yoga instructor.
• John Kowalszick: John Kowalszick is an American former professional baseball player who played in the Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Baltimore Orioles.

Other surnames

Kowalszyk