Show ContentsKowalczyk History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Over the course of its history, the boundaries of Poland changed frequently and as a result, Polish names have much in common with other Slavic names in the way they are formed. Polish surnames often end with a diminutive suffix, such as "-owicz," "ak," "ski," or "ska." The family name Kowalczyk is an occupational type of surname, derived from the occupation of blacksmith. This name is a derivative of the word "kowal" which means "blacksmith" and, since this used to be a rather common profession, there were many bearers of the name. In fact, Kowalczyk is one of the most common surnames in contemporary Poland.

Early Origins of the Kowalczyk family

The surname Kowalczyk was first found in Galicia which lies in southern Poland on the northern slopes of the Carpathians. It was overrun by Monguls in 1223. The region is composed of Polish and Ukrainian natives, the latter being to the east. The Ruthenian nobles adopted the Catholic faith and the Polish tongue. The surname became noted for its many branches in the region, each house acquiring a status and influence which was envied by the princes of the region. In their later history the name became a power unto themselves and were elevated to the ranks of nobility as they grew into this most influential family.

Early History of the Kowalczyk family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Kowalczyk research. Another 71 words (5 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Kowalczyk History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Kowalczyk Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Kowalski, Kowal, Kovalski, Kovel, Kovalski, Kofax, Kowalczyk, Kowalik, Kovaricek, Kovarik and many more.

Early Notables of the Kowalczyk family

More information is included under the topic Early Kowalczyk Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Kowalczyk Ranking

In the United States, the name Kowalczyk is the 7,599th most popular surname with an estimated 2,487 people with that name. 1 However, in France, the name Kowalczyk is ranked the 3,980th most popular surname with an estimated 1,500 - 2,000 people with that name. 2

Migration of the Kowalczyk family

Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: Antonia Kowalski, who came from the port of Bremen to New York in 1868; Carl Kowalski, who arrived in Baltimore in 1868; Ernestine Kowalski, who arrived in New York in 1873.


Contemporary Notables of the name Kowalczyk (post 1700) +

  • David Kowalczyk (b. 1952), American poet, editor, and fiction writer
  • Tod Kowalczyk (b. 1966), American college basketball coach
  • Adam Kowalczyk, American musician
  • Walter Joseph Kowalczyk (b. 1935), former American football defensive back and fullback
  • Edward Joel Kowalczyk (b. 1971), the former American lead singer of the band Live
  • Anthony Kowalczyk, American Democratic Party politician, Candidate in primary for Michigan State House of Representatives from Wayne County 1st District, 1942 3
  • Justyna Kowalczyk (b. 1983), Polish Olympic cross country skier who won two gold, a sliver, and two bronze medals at the 2006, 2010, and 2014 games
  • Jacek Kowalczyk (b. 1981), Polish footballer
  • Henryk Kowalczyk (b. 1956), Polish politician
  • Maciej Kowalczyk (b. 1977), Polish footballer
  • ... (Another 7 notables are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Bismarck
  • Wladislaus Kowalczyk (1920-1941), German Matrosengefreiter who served aboard the German Battleship Bismarck during World War II when it was sunk heading to France; he died in the sinking 4


  1. "What are the 5,000 Most Common Last Names in the U.S.?". NameCensus.com, https://namecensus.com/last-names/
  2. http://www.journaldesfemmes.com/nom-de-famille/nom/
  3. The Political Graveyard: Alphabetical Name Index. (Retrieved 2015, October 6) . Retrieved from http://politicalgraveyard.com/alpha/index.html
  4. Bismarck & Tirpitz Class - Crew List Bismarck. (Retrieved 2018, February 06). Retrieved from https://www.bismarck-class.dk/bismarck/crew/bismarck_crew.html#crew_details


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