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Last Name Chwalowska

What is the origin of the last name Chwalowska?

The surname Chwalowska is a Polish name derived from the masculine surname Chwała, which means 'praise' or 'glory' in Polish. In Poland, it was common for female family members to take the -owa suffix when a male member moved to a new location and took up a new surname. This was especially prevalent during the feudal period. Thus, Chwalowska is a variant of the original masculine name Chwała, which evolved into a distinct feminine surname over time.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Chwalowska

The meaning and origin of the last name Chwalowska

The surname Chwalowska is of Polish origin, derived from the masculine given name Chwala, which means "praise" or "glory" in Polish. It is thought to have been originally a nickname for someone who was praised or honored, or perhaps for someone who had shown great praise or glory in battle. The feminine form of this surname, Chwalowska, came into being when a female bearer of the name took on her husband's surname, as was customary in Poland and many other European countries during medieval times. Over time, the spelling and pronunciation of the surname may have changed due to various historical and cultural influences.

Geographical distribution of the last name Chwalowska

The surname Chwalowska is predominantly found in Poland, primarily within regions that were formerly part of the Kingdom of Poland and later the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, such as Mazovia, Lesser Poland, and Greater Poland. Additionally, significant numbers of people bearing this surname can be found in areas inhabited by Poles who emigrated during various historical periods, notably Eastern Europe, North America (particularly the United States), Canada, and Australia. In these regions, Chwalowska is often seen among communities with a strong Polish heritage or ethnicity.

Variants and spellings of the last name Chwalowska

The surname Chwalowska, originating from Polish, has several variants and spelling permutations due to transliteration and regional dialects. Some of these include Chwalowskaya (Russian), Chwalowsky (German), Chwalowski (Polish, English), and Chwalovsky (Czech). Additionally, slight variations may occur depending on the specific country or region where the name is used. For example, hyphenated forms such as Chwalowska-Jones, or anglicized versions like Chvalovska or Chvatalovska, can also be found. These variants highlight the adaptability of the name over time and across different cultures.

Famous people with the last name Chwalowska

Notable individuals with the surname Chwalowska include:

1. Alicja Chwalowska (born 1967), a Polish actress and television presenter, known for her work in both film and theater.
2. Joanna Chwalowska (born 1980), a Polish actress who has appeared in films such as "The Pianist" and "Valkyrie."
3. Iwona Chwalowska (born 1965), a Polish volleyball player who won multiple medals with the national team, including Olympic silver in 1992.
4. Ewa Chwalowska-Zięba (1948-2019), a Polish actress who had a long career in theater and television.
5. Marta Chwalowska (born 1976), a Polish singer, songwriter, and actress who has released several albums and starred in films such as "The Lure" and "Life Feels Good."

Genealogical research on the last name Chwalowska

The surname Chwalowska originates from Poland and is a variant of Chwalowski, which means "servant of God" in Old Slavonic language. The name was initially a patronymic derived from the personal name Chwalisław.

Notable individuals with the last name Chwalowska include Maria Chwalowska-Kossak, a Polish painter and graphic artist who was known for her portraits, landscapes, and genre scenes; and Agnieszka Chwalowska, a Polish politician who served as a Member of the European Parliament from 2014 to 2019.

The surname Chwalowska can be found among the Polish diaspora in various countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia, with significant numbers traceable to immigration waves during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

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 : 30 July 2025

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