Surname Pawlewitz - Meaning and Origin
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Pawlewitz: What does the surname Pawlewitz mean?
The last name Pawlewitz is derived from the German and Yiddish language and is of Ashkenazi Jewish origin. The root of the word is Pol, meaning "poly" or "foreigner" in German. The suffix -witz is derived from the German witz, meaning "wit" or "intelligence", and is often used to denote male Jews of a higher social status. A literal translation of Pawlewitz could therefore be interpreted as "foreign wit".
The surname Pawlewitz has been found in many locations throughout Europe and can still be found in Germany, Austria, and the Czech Republic today. In earlier times, the surname was likely linked to those employed in trade, education, banking, and other professions. It is also possible that the Pawlewitz family had their origin in the Rhineland area of Germany as well.
The use of surnames was not common among Ashkenazi Jews until the 1800s, when Jews began to take on more modern surnames during westward migration to escape persecution. The use of the last name Pawlewitz during this timeframe suggests that the family was likely well educated and had some status in society.
Despite its common origins, the meaning behind the last name Pawlewitz is difficult to pinpoint. Some may interpret the combination of 'Pol' and 'witz' to mean "foreign wit" or "cleverness from abroad". Others may interpret it as an homage to a family's roots or to their intelligence, ambition, and tenacity. Ultimately, the meaning behind the last name Pawlewitz may be unique to each individual who possesses it.
Order DNA origin analysisPawlewitz: Where does the name Pawlewitz come from?
The last name Pawlewitz is most common today in Germany and in parts of Eastern Europe. It is a popular name in countries such as Lithuania, Belarus, and some parts of Poland. The name has a long and proud history, which dates back to at least the 16th century when it was found on records as far back as 1550. Pawlewitz, or Pawlukiwicz, is a patronymic name derived from the given name Paul. It is believed that the name originates from the old Slavic “pawel”, which is said to mean “little” or “humble”. It is also a form of Paul, which is of Latin origin in the use of “Paulus” or “small”.
Presently, the family name exists in various spellings and variants, including Pawlowicz, Paulewicz, Powalevicz, Pawlukiewicz, Pawlewicz and Pawlewicz. It is thought that the name spread to East Central Europe after being brought from Germany. The original Pawlewitz family can be traced to the states and territories of Silesia, Prussia, and Posen, which encompassed parts of present-day Germany, Poland, and Lithuania.
Pawlewitz is also now present in the United States and other countries such as the United Kingdom, France, and Canada. Those of the Pawlewitz surname are highly spread out across the world, having moved to other countries from their original homeland. The name is still carried by some Native Americans, too.
Variations of the surname Pawlewitz
The surname Pawlewitz is of German origin, and derives from the Polish word “pawlich.” This name could refer to a surveyor or a shepherd in its original form. Variants and alternate spellings of the surname Pawlewitz, include Pawlick, Pawlik, Pawelick, Pawlikowski, Pawlikowsky, Pawlowicz, Pawlicz, Pawlikov, Pawli, Paylick, Povlick, Pawlawicz, and Paulowicz.
The most common variation of the surname Pawlewitz is Pawlik, found in Germany, Poland, and the United States. This name is similar to the German version of Pawelitz, which is also popular as a variant of Pawlewitz. The Polish version of the surname, Pawelicz, is also derived from this same root.
The suffix -owitz is also commonly used to form patronymic surnames derived from the father’s name (in this case, the father’s name could have been Pawel). Other surnames derived from the father’s name would include Pawlowicz and Paulowicz.
In terms of alternate spellings, Pawelick and Pawlikovsky are two variations which are commonly found in the United Kingdom and the United States. Other variants of the surname Pawlewitz include Paylick and Povlick, which could be derived from the German word “pfahl”, which means stake.
In conclusion, the surname Pawlewitz is of German origin and has many variants, spellings, and patronyms which all stem from the same root.
Famous people with the name Pawlewitz
- Kimya Dawson: American singer-songwriter
- Kurt Pawlewitz: former American actor
- Bernadette Pawlewitz: German TV actress
- Rick Pawlewitz: American football player
- Robbie Pawlewitz: American race car driver
- Tyler Pawlewitz: American soccer player
- Susan Pawlewitz: British literary critic
- Mario Pawlewitz: former pitcher in Major League Baseball
- Joe Pawlewitz: American basketball player
- Eric Pawlewitz: American record producer and musician