Michalewski History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

• Origins Available:
• Poland

Etymology of Michalewski

The ancient root of the name Michalewski is the Hebrew name "Michael," meaning "Who is like God?" This name was held by many minor biblical characters, but its popularity came from the archangel Michael, the protector of Israel. Christian tradition figured Michael as the warrior archangel who conquered Satan; as a result, this name was particularly popular throughout Europe in knightly and military families. The surname thus denoted "a son of Michal/Michael."

This surname was derived, then, from a first name Michael. The suffix "ski" (masculine) and "ska" (feminine) are common Polish endings that originally indicated an association with a place. As time progressed this ending assumed a role similar to the German 'von' or French 'de' that indicated personal holdings and, therefore, gentry status. Eventually, this suffix was applied to forms other than place names: occupational names, patronymics and nicknames can all be evidenced with this ending.

Early Origins of the Michalewski family

Michalewski Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Michalewicz, Michalowsky, Michalewski, Michalski and others.

Early Notables of the Michalewski family

Jakub Michalowski (1612-1663), castellan of Biecz from 1659 to 1663, a Lublin army from 1634 to 1659, a judge of the Lublin tribunal, a courtier, and a bibliophile. Antoni Mikulowski (1732-1794) was a land writer from Radom in the years 1776-1794, a border commissioner...
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Migration of the Michalewski family

Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: Rosa Michalowska, 11, who arrived in New York City in 1850; Anna Michalski, who arrived in Manitoba in 1899; and Hermann Michalsky, who arrived in New York City in 1850..