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![Show Contents]() Kowal 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 Kowal 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, Kowal is one of the most common surnames in contemporary Poland. Early Origins of the Kowal familyThe surname Kowal 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 Kowal familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Kowal research. Another 71 words (5 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Kowal History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Kowal 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 Kowal familyProminent among those of the name Kowal in this period were - the Kowalski family of Galicia
Kowal RankingIn the United States, the name Kowal is the 6,432nd most popular surname with an estimated 4,974 people with that name. 1 However, in France, the name Kowal is ranked the 6,603rd most popular surname with an estimated 1,000 - 1,500 people with that name. 2 Migration of the Kowal 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 Kowal (post 1700) | + |
- Kristina Ann Kowal (b. 1978), American three-time gold and silver medalist swimmer
- Charles Thomas Kowal (1940-2011), American astronomer who discovered two moons of the planet Jupiter, and a number of asteroids, comets and supernovae, recipient of the 1979 James Craig Watson Medal
- Terri Kowal (b. 1949), American Republican politician, Delegate to Republican National Convention from Michigan, 2004 3
- Sheila Kowal, American Democratic Party politician, Alternate Delegate to Democratic National Convention from Colorado, 1980 3
- Leon J. Kowal, American Democratic Party politician, Alternate Delegate to Democratic National Convention from Massachusetts, 1952 3
- John Kowal, American politician, Candidate for New York State Assembly from Monroe County 4th District, 1936 3
- Gerald J. Kowal, American Democratic Party politician, Candidate for Pennsylvania State Senate 19th District, 1980 3
- Chester Kowal, American Republican politician, Mayor of Buffalo, New York, 1962-65; Delegate to Republican National Convention from New York, 1964 3
- Yoann Kowal (b. 1987), French middle distance runner
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