Polanski History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The surname Polanski was first found in Cracow a province of Poland which lies centrally, bounded by Kielce, Lublin, Silesia and Lwow The capital city is Cracow, said to be the intellectual center of Poland. The region is composed of Poles and Gorale (Highlanders) who speak their own dialect and wear picturesque costumes. The chief towns of the province are Cracow, Tarnow, and Nowy Sacz. 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. They were a part of the major Clan Debno and the first record was in 1482 when Adam Debno Tymkowicz z Czajkowic was the major leader of both the clan and the area. The major clan Leliwa goes back to 1243.