All surnames

Polish surname

Kowalski

Blacksmith

Occupational surname

Kowalski is a Polish occupational surname meaning 'blacksmith', from 'kowal' (smith) with the adjectival suffix '-ski'. It is one of the most common surnames in Poland. The name arose independently in many places.

It remains highly frequent and has been carried by Polish emigrants worldwide. The English equivalent is Smith. The surname clearly indicates the ancestral trade.

More Polish surnames

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Frequently asked questions

What does the surname Kowalski mean?+

Blacksmith. From Polish "kowal" (smith).

Is Kowalski a common surname?+

Kowalski is a Polish-origin surname. Popularity varies widely by country and region, and the same surname can be common in one place and rare in another.

Can two families with the same surname be unrelated?+

Yes. Surnames, especially occupational and descriptive ones like this, were often adopted independently by many unrelated families who happened to share a trade, appearance, or location.

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