Surname Polak - Meaning and Origin
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Polak: What does the surname Polak mean?
Polak is a surname of Polish origin and it typically denotes a person of Polish extraction or someone from Poland. It is derived from the term "Polak", which simply means "a Pole" or "Polish" in the Polish language. However, it must be noted that due to historical tensions and conflicts, this term has sometimes been used pejoratively in some countries and cultures to stereotype or deride people of Polish heritage. Nonetheless, in its original context and intention, it is a simple geographic or ethnic identifier for individuals hailing from Poland or of Polish descent.
Order DNA origin analysisPolak: Where does the name Polak come from?
The last name Polak is common today mainly in central and Eastern Europe, as well as in some areas of Northern Europe. According to the United States Census Bureau, the last name is most common in Poland, where more than 16% of the population have the last name, making it one of the most popular surnames in Poland. The last name is also common in Germany, where it is the 40th most common surname. In the Czech Republic, it is the 8th most common surname.
In the United States, the last name Polak is among the 50 most common Polish-origin surnames, and it can be found in various parts of the country, from California to New York. It is, however, more prevalent in western regions of the US, such as Illinois, Wisconsin, and Michigan. Indeed, the highest share of Polish-Americans in the United States are located in Midwestern states.
The last name Polak is also prevalent in other parts of the world, such as in Australia, where it has been in the country since at least the mid-19th century. In the United Kingdom, the last name was recorded as being present in some parts of the country during the medieval period, and it continues to be one of the most common surnames in parts of the UK, such as Scotland and Wales. Furthermore, there are occurrences of the last name in South Africa, United Arab Emirates, and Israel, among other countries.
Variations of the surname Polak
The surname Polak is a common surname primarily found in countries with strong Polish cultural presence, such as Poland, Germany, and the United States of America. The variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin for the surname Polak are as follows:
Polakowski or Polkowski – This is the most common variation of the Polak surname. It is primarily found in Poland and in some other Slavic countries, and is believed to mean “son of the Pole”.
Polacco or Polakoff – This variation is found primarily in the United States of America. It is likely derived from the Italian form of the surname Polak, Polacco.
Pollack or Pollock – This variation of the surname Polak is typically found in Germany. It is derived from the Germanized form of the Yiddish name of the same origin, פּאָלאַק (Pollack).
Paulsen or Polsen – This variation is typically found in Finland and Scandinavia. It is derived from the Nordicized form of the surname Polak, Paulsen.
Polnik – This variation of the Polak surname is found primarily in some parts of Russia. It is derived from the Russian form of the surname Polak, Polnik.
Polski – This variation of the Polak surname is found primarily in some parts of Russia. It is derived from the Russian form of the surname Polak, Polski.
Polich – This variation of the Polak surname is found primarily in some parts of Russia. It is derived from the Russian form of the surname Polak, Polich.
Polyak or Polyack – This variation of the Polak surname is found primarily in some parts of Russia and Ukraine. It is derived from the combination of the Russian words Поляк (Polyak, "Pole") and ацкий (ackiy, "son of").
Famous people with the name Polak
- Avi Polak, Israeli singer
- Magdalena Polak, Polish film director
- Dave Polak, former professional tennis player
- Roberto Polak, Brazilian film director
- Stanislaw Polak, Polish conductor
- Sabina Ricci Polak, Argentine actress
- Rita Polak, Belgian singer and television presenter
- Kumar Mangalam Birla, Indian industrialist
- Wojciech Polak, Polish politician
- Feliks Polak, Polish painter