Surname Warshaw - Meaning and Origin

Warshaw: What does the surname Warshaw mean?

The surname Warshaw is of Polish origin and is an anglicized form of the Polish name 'Warszaw', which means 'from Warsaw'. Warsaw is the capital city of Poland. Names based on geographic locations were common, especially in medieval times, which allowed others to identify where a person hailed from or had a significant connection with the location. Therefore, someone with the surname Warshaw might have a connection or origin with the city of Warsaw. However, it's crucial to note that surnames have evolved over several centuries and may have undergone significant changes, and thus their modern usage might betray their historical origins.

Warshaw: Where does the name Warshaw come from?

The last name Warshaw is most commonly found in both the United States and Israel. In the United States, it can be found in every region of the country; however, there is a higher concentration in the northeast. In particular, Warshaw is most prevalently found in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.

In Israel, the last name Warshaw is mainly prevalent among Ashkenazi Jews who immigrated to the country after World War II. The peak of Jewish immigration to Israel from the West -- the Jews of Europe, particularly those from Poland --caused the population of Warshaws living in Israel to grow.

The last name Warshaw is also common in Australia, after it was brought by Jewish immigrants who arrived there in the mid nineteenth century. Although, due to the small population of Warshaws in the country, it's more difficult to track the surname's origins in Australia.

Tracing the history of Warshaw, we find that it has an Eastern European background. Most Warshaw families can trace their ancestry to Poland and other formerly Soviet countries.

The origin of the surname is unclear. It is speculated that the first Warshaw might have had the profession of 'warshawianin', which translates from Yiddish to mean 'lawman or tax collector'. But, it is also possible that the name evolved from the word 'wavshiv' – which translates to mean 'fugitive'.

Variations of the surname Warshaw

The surname Warshaw can provide several variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. It is also spelled as Warschauer, Warszawa, Warsonawsky, and Warzavitz, all of which point to a common ancestor. Warschauer, Warszawa, and Warzavitz are all derived from the city of Warsaw, the capital of Poland, whereas Warsonawsky is derived from the village of Warsonawy located near the town of Radom in southern Poland. The Polish form of the surname, Warszawski, can be found in records as far back as the 16th century.

The surname has been found outside of Poland as well, primarily in Germany, where a small number of individuals have adopted the alternative form of Warschauer. In England, the surname can sometimes be found as Warsash or Warzecki, which are both derived from the original Polish form of the name.

In the United States, the frequency of the surname has increased significantly since the late 1800s when significant numbers of Poles immigrated to America. The original Polish form of the name is usually found written as Warshaw or Warschauer, while Worszewski, Warzavitz, Warszawski, or Warzaw are also seen in records.

In addition to these variants, spellings, and surnames, the name can also be found associated with other similar surnames such as Warszynski, Warshowsky, and Warshafter. In the end, the surname Warshaw has a rich and varied history and should be traced carefully and exhaustively for its various spellings and variants.

Famous people with the name Warshaw

• Dan Warshaw: A film and television writer and director. He has written for shows like “Smallville”, “7th Heaven”, and “Gilmore Girls”. He was also the director of HBO’s Emmy-winning drama series “The Sopranos.”
• Lisa Warshaw: A notable New York fashion director and stylist. She has styled editorial and advertisement campaigns for many top brands, such as Vogue, Elle, and GQ.
• Robin Warshaw: An innovative and accomplished entrepreneur in the health and wellness industry. She is the Founder and CEO of FITVIBE, a wellness platform that provides nutrition, fitness, and lifestyle coaching.
• Beth Warshaw-Duncan: A leading interior designer and the VP of Design Services for Pier 1 Imports. She has been widely published in the field of home decor and has been featured in professional publications such as Elle Decor.
• Steven M. Warshaw: An acclaimed author, director, and Emmy-winning filmmaker. His book, “The Audacity of Dream,” was a New York Times bestseller and his films have won multiple awards, including a Peabody for “Project Refuge.”
• Noah Warshaw: An acclaimed American painter. He is best known for his expressive, atmospheric landscapes. His works are included in private and public collections throughout the world.
• Roy Warshaw: An expert on natural history and the environment. He is the author of several books, as well as the curator of exotic birds and small mammals at the USA National Zoo.
• Estee Warshaw: A noted Jewish artist in the United States. Her work is often characterized by strong expressions of faith, as she paints interpretations of her dreams and visions from the Bible.
• Michael Warshaw: A well-known Hollywood actor and comedienne. He is best known for his role in the popular “Hangin’ With Mr. Cooper” sitcom, in which he played the lovable and comedic character of “Tim.”
• Rory Warshaw: A veteran actor who is especially known for his roles in the popular television series “Law and Order” and the Austin Powers movies.

Other surnames

WarshamWarshauerWarshaverWarshavskiWarshavskyWarshawerWarshawskiWarshawsky