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Last Name Brylinski

What is the origin of the last name Brylinski?

The surname Brylinski is of Polish origin and is derived from the personal name Brylek, a diminutive of Borys, which means "the bringer of light" in Old Slavonic. The surname likely originated as an occupational name for someone who was associated with a person named Brylek, such as a servant or follower. Over time, the surname has been spelled variously, including Brylinsky, Brulinski, and Brelinski.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Brylinski

The meaning and origin of the last name Brylinski

The surname Brylinski is of Polish origin, derived from the profession of a "brązownik," which translates to "bronzesmith" in English. This occupational name originated during the Middle Ages when individuals were identified by their professions as a means of identification in a society where many people were illiterate. The surname Brylinski was originally Bryl, with the "-ski" suffix added later to denote that the original bearer was from a specific place or worked in a particular location associated with bronzesmiths. Over time, the spelling has evolved due to various factors such as linguistic changes and migration patterns. Today, the surname is most commonly found among people of Polish descent.

Geographical distribution of the last name Brylinski

The surname Brylinski is predominantly of Polish origin and has its highest concentration within Poland. According to the Central Statistical Office of Poland, it ranks among the less common surnames, with approximately 3,200 people bearing this name in the country as of 2016. Beyond Poland, significant populations of Brylinski family descendants can be found in various countries with a strong Polish diaspora such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. The distribution within these countries is somewhat scattered, reflecting the migration patterns of Polish immigrants over the past centuries. Additionally, smaller numbers may also reside in other countries where Poles have historically migrated, like Germany, France, and Brazil.

Variants and spellings of the last name Brylinski

The surname Brylinski has several variations and spellings due to differences in pronunciation, regional dialects, and transcription errors over time. Some common variations include Brilinski, Birlinski, Brylinzki, Brylinksi, Brylinksy, Brylinsky, and Byrlinzky. These variations may appear in different countries or regions, reflecting the influence of local linguistic conventions on the spelling of names. It is essential to note that while these variants are distinct, they all share a common root with the original form being Brylinski.

Famous people with the last name Brylinski

One notable individual with the surname Brylinski is Paul W. Brylinsky, an American lawyer and former dean of the University of Akron School of Law. He served as Dean from 2004 to 2016, during which he initiated various reforms aimed at improving legal education. Prior to his tenure at the University of Akron, Brylinsky was a professor at the University of Toledo College of Law and the University of Miami School of Law. In addition, he has published numerous articles on topics such as contracts, sales, legal ethics, and professional responsibility. Another prominent figure with the surname Brylinski is Anna Maria Brylinska-Fialkowska, a Polish actress and theater director who has won several awards for her work in Polish cinema and theater. She started her career in the 1970s and has since appeared in numerous films and plays, both in Poland and abroad. In 2005, she was awarded the Officer's Cross of the Order of Polonia Restituta, one of the highest decorations in Poland.

Genealogical research on the last name Brylinski

The Brylinski surname is believed to have originated from Poland, specifically the region of Silesia. Historically, it's a variant of the more common Brynkus or Brynkowski family names. The name is derived from the Old Polish word "brynka," meaning "hat" or "headgear," possibly indicating a profession related to hat-making.

The earliest documented occurrence of the Brylinski surname can be traced back to the 17th century in Poland. Notable individuals with this last name include Polish military officer Aleksander Brylinski (1825-1903) and the American football player Jim Brylinski (born 1948).

The Brylinski family, like many from Silesia, experienced migration during the 19th and 20th centuries. A significant number of Brylinskis immigrated to the United States, settling primarily in Pennsylvania and Ohio. Today, there are substantial populations of Brylinskis in North America, particularly in the United States and Canada.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 26 July 2025

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