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![Show Contents]() Kowalik 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 Kowalik 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, Kowalik is one of the most common surnames in contemporary Poland. Early Origins of the Kowalik familyThe surname Kowalik 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 Kowalik familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Kowalik research. Another 71 words (5 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Kowalik History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Kowalik Spelling VariationsSpelling variations of this family name include: Kowalski, Kowal, Kovalski, Kovel, Kovalski, Kofax, Kowalczyk, Kowalik, Kovaricek, Kovarik and many more. Early Notables of the Kowalik familyMore information is included under the topic Early Kowalik Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the Kowalik familySome 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 Kowalik (post 1700) | + |
- Trent Matthias Kowalik (b. 1995), American actor, dancer, and singer, best known for his role as "Billy" in the West End production of Billy Elliot the Musical
- John F. Kowalik Sr. (1910-1978), American college and professional football player who played for the Ottawa Rough Riders in 1934
- Fabian Lorenz Kowalik (1908-1954), American Major League Baseball pitcher who played from 1932 to 1936
- Lon W. Kowalik, American Republican politician, Candidate in primary for U.S. Representative from Michigan 7th District, 1948 1
- Miroslaw Kowalik, Polish motorcycle speedway rider
- Janusz "John" Kowalik (b. 1944), Polish football striker
- Marlena Kowalik (b. 1984), Polish-German football midfielder, Member of the Polish national team (2009-)
- Jiri Kowalík (b. 1977), retired Czech footballer
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