Surname Powolski - Meaning and Origin

Powolski: What does the surname Powolski mean?

The last name Powolski is likely of Eastern European origin, originating from the region known as Poland. It most likely had an initial use in Poland, though over time it spread to other countries such as those of the former Soviet Union.

The name itself is derived from the Polish word ‘powól’, which translates to ‘field’. This term is commonly used in the context of a small plot of land that is owned by an individual or family. This implies that the last name Powolski would have been used to refer to someone who owned a plot of land or an inherited plot of land.

Furthermore, the term 'powól’ is also linked to family farms, indicating that family roots associated with a particular plot of land could play a factor in the use and spread of the surname. This is supported by the fact that the last name Powolski now is largely associated with countries that experienced strong Polish migration, like the United States and Canada.

Given its origins and meaning, the last name Powolski conveys a sense of heritage, tradition and responsibility that stems from the ownership of land. It is a strong and meaningful name, one with a connection to the earth and the people who pass it down through the generations.

Powolski: Where does the name Powolski come from?

The last name Powolski is most commonly found today in Poland, particularly in the central and eastern parts of the country. It is also present in other areas of Europe such as Germany, Lithuania, Ukraine, Russia, Latvia, and Belarus.

In Poland, there are a few different theories regarding the origin of the surname. Many believe it stems from the word 'powolny' which means 'slow'. The Ukrainian variant, 'Pavlovska', is thought to be derived from the name 'Pavlov', meaning 'son of Paul'. Notably, there was a prominent 16th-century artist named Tommaso Powolski who was from Tarnów, Poland.

In the United States, traces of the Powolski surname began appearing in records in the early 20th century. As of 2020, there are over 300 individuals with the surname living in the United States, many of whom are from an Eastern European background and settled in communities near major cities. In particular, there are many Polish-Americans in the states of New Jersey, Illinois, and Michigan who attribute their heritage to this surname.

For those with this surname who are interested in tracing their heritage, there are a variety of resources available. Aside from conducting genealogy research, there are a multitude of databases, library collections, archival materials, and military records dedicated to researching the Powolski surname. Such resources can provide valuable information regarding the history of the surname and where it has spread to.

Variations of the surname Powolski

The surname Powolski is a Polish surname that has many variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. The various spellings of Powolski are Povolsky, Pawolski, Peokowski, Powalowski, Pavlovski, and Powalkowski, and all of these surnames are from the same origin.

The surname Powolski is derived from the Polish word "powoli," which means "slowly." This name was bestowed upon someone who was deemed to be slow in either their speech or their work. This name is also found in East Slavic countries such as Belarus and Ukraine.

The name Pawolski, as well as Povolsky, are transliterations of the surname Powolski. The name Pawolski is an alternative spelling of the Polish surname, while Povolsky is a transliterated version of the name which has become a common surname in Belarus and Ukraine.

The name Peokowski is derived from the Polish words "petkuje," which means "to amuse oneself," and "skowala," which refers to a type of wreath made of green foliage. This surname was given to someone who received praise for amusements or pleasant pastimes.

Powalowski is a diminutive of the Polish surname Powalski, which in turn is derived from the word "pala," meaning "to trample." This name was likely bestowed upon someone who was strong and hardworking, likely on the farm.

The surname Pavlovski is derived from the Russian male given name Pavlov, which itself derives from the Slavic elements "paver" meaning "peace," and "lub" meaning "love." This surname was likely given to someone who brought peace or love to their community or family.

Lastly, Powalkowski is derived from the Slavic word "paw," which means "walnut," and "kawal," which means "portion." The surname was Likely given to someone who made a living by trading walnuts or other nuts.

Famous people with the name Powolski

• Konrad Powolski: Polish actor and former competitive cyclist.
• Vince Powolski: American racing driver.
• Tom Powolski: French professional ice hockey player.
• Robert Powolski: American soccer player.
• Frances Powolski: Polish-American photographer.
• Marcin Powolski: Polish Drummer and percussionist.
• Steven Powolski: Canadian professional softball player.
• Pat Powolski: American professional golfer.
• Ed Powolski: American Olympic bobsledder.
• Marika Powolski: Swedish singer and pop artist.
• Lech Powolski: Polish stage and film actor.
• Darek Powolski: Polish professional football player.
• Emily Powolski: British fashion designer.
• Anita Powolski: Polish-Canadian poet.
• Marcin Powolski: Polish writer, poet, and journalist.
• Janusz Powolski: Polish television and film director.
• Piotr Powolski: Polish classical musician and conductor.
• Stefan Powolski: Polish-born, New Zealand-based artist.
• Doris Powolski: French contemporary visual artist.
• Leon Powolski: Polish-born American actor.

Other surnames

Powöls