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Last Name Bujnowski

What is the origin of the last name Bujnowski?

The surname Bujnowski is of Polish origin. It derives from a place name, "Bujno," located in the historical region of Masovia, now part of modern-day Poland. Surnames originated as a way to identify individuals and families within communities during the Middle Ages. In this case, the surname Bujnowski would have been given to someone who lived near or originated from the village of Bujno in Masovia.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Bujnowski

The meaning and origin of the last name Bujnowski

The surname Bujnowski is of Polish origin, derived from the place name Bujańszczyzna or Bujań, located in present-day Eastern Poland. In Slavic languages, '-owski' or '-owicz' are common patronymic suffixes that indicate a family descended from a common male ancestor. The name Bujnowski could be an occupational surname for someone who lived near or worked on the land owned by someone named Buja or Bujań. Alternatively, it might have been a nickname-surname given to someone with a distinctive physical feature, personality trait, or occupation associated with the name Buja. Over time, as families migrated and integrated into different societies, variations in spelling and pronunciation of the surname Bujnowski emerged.

Geographical distribution of the last name Bujnowski

The surname Bujnowski is predominantly found within Poland and other regions with significant Polish diaspora, such as the United States, Canada, Germany, Australia, and the United Kingdom. In Poland, it's most frequent in the historic provinces of Mazovia, Silesia, and Lesser Poland. The name also appears in Ukraine, Belarus, and Lithuania, suggesting a possible origin from the former Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. The dispersal of Bujnowski descendants across the globe primarily occurred during the 19th and early 20th centuries due to migration waves driven by economic factors and political upheavals, such as World War I and II. Today, the name is not only found in countries with a strong Polish influence but also among communities of Poles who emigrated for various reasons throughout history.

Variants and spellings of the last name Bujnowski

The surname Bujnowski has several variations and spellings due to differences in transliteration and regional pronunciation. Some common variations include Buynowski, Buynowski, Bujnowskiy, Buynovsky, Bujnowskij, Buinovsky, Buynovskyj, Boinowski, Boynowski, and Bionowski. These variations may appear in different countries, particularly those with a significant Polish population or influence. It is essential to note that the correct spelling can depend on personal preference, cultural context, or historical records. The root of the name is likely derived from a place name or occupational term related to "buyno," which could mean "a small market" in Slavic languages.

Famous people with the last name Bujnowski

Among the notable figures sharing the surname Bujnowski are:

1. Katarzyna Bujnowska - A renowned Polish politician and economist who served as the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance from 2007 to 2013 in the Civic Platform government. She has also been a member of the Sejm (Polish parliament) since 2005.

2. Aleksander Bujnowski - A Polish-American mathematician who made significant contributions to mathematical logic, especially in the field of model theory. He was born in Poland and later immigrated to the United States. Bujnowski spent most of his career at the University of Pittsburgh.

3. Małgorzata Bujnów - A Polish politician and sociologist who served as a Member of European Parliament (MEP) from 2014 to 2019, representing the European Coalition and later the New Left party. She is currently a member of the Polish parliament.

These individuals have made significant impacts in their respective fields, contributing to Poland's political, economic, and intellectual landscape.

Genealogical research on the last name Bujnowski

The surname Bujnowski originates from Poland and is derived from the place names Bużyno (German: Buschhof) and Bujno (German: Buschau), located in the historical region of Pomerania. The name is an occupational one, denoting someone who lived near a grove or woodland area. The first recorded instances of this surname can be traced back to the 13th century, with early bearers such as Thomas de Buschow in the Duchy of Pomerania in 1294, and Niclas Bujnowski in Krakow in 1580. The Bujnowski family was predominantly located in the historical regions of Lesser Poland, Masovia, and Greater Poland, with significant numbers also found in Prussia and Lithuania. Notable individuals bearing this surname include Władysław Bujnicki, a Polish lawyer and politician, and Stanisław Bujnicki, a Polish scientist and mathematician. Today, the Bujnowski family can be found worldwide with notable communities in Poland, United States, Canada, Australia, and Germany.

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 : 10 June 2025

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