NomOrigine Background

Last Name Cieslik

What is the origin of the last name Cieslik?

The surname Cieslik is of Polish origin. It comes from a given name "Czesław", which means "glory of Częstochowa". Częstochowa is a city in southern Poland, home to the famous Jasna Góra Monastery and the Black Madonna shrine, a significant religious site for Poles. Over time, names derived from Czesław have been used as surnames among Polish-speaking populations.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Cieslik

The meaning and origin of the last name Cieslik

The surname Cieslik is of Polish origin and belongs to a group of surnames derived from various occupations or professions. In this case, "Cieslik" can be traced back to the word "cieśla," meaning a cooper, a craftsman who makes barrels, tubs, and other containers out of wood. The surname Cieslik may have been originally an occupational name for such a person or it could have been a nickname given to someone who was skilled at making barrels, indicating their usefulness or reliability. Over time, the spelling of the surname has varied, with other forms including Cyzik and Czyszek. The surname is most common in Poland but has also been found among Polish immigrants in countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and South America.

Geographical distribution of the last name Cieslik

The surname Cieslik is predominantly found in Eastern Europe, particularly in Poland, where it is one of the most common Polish surnames. It originated as a nickname derived from the profession of a messenger or courier, as 'cies' means 'messenger' and '-ik' denotes diminutive form in Slavic languages. The name has also been recorded in smaller numbers in other Eastern European countries with significant Polish diaspora, such as Ukraine, Belarus, Lithuania, and the Czech Republic. Outside Europe, a considerable number of people with the surname Cieslik can be found in the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, primarily due to immigration waves from Poland throughout history.

Variants and spellings of the last name Cieslik

The surname Cieslik has several variations and spellings, primarily due to differences in transliteration and regional dialects. Some common variations include:

1. Ciesslik
2. Tieslik
3. Chieslik
4. Cislik
5. Ciselik
6. Czeslik
7. Cislikowski
8. Ciszewski
9. Tyslik
10. Cyzlik
11. Chislak
12. Ceslik
13. Cieslewicz
14. Cieszlak
15. Ciesselik
16. Cisalik
17. Cisek

These variations can be found across different countries and regions, with the original Polish spelling being "Cieslik." The name is derived from the occupational surname for a roofer or thatcher, derived from the Old Slavic word "cegla," meaning brick.

Famous people with the last name Cieslik

Notable individuals sharing the surname Cieslik include:

1. Marcin Cieslak (born 1972), a Polish actor known for his roles in movies such as "The Pianist" and "Cold War".

2. Magdalena Cieslak (born 1984), a Polish former tennis player who reached a career-high WTA singles ranking of 42 in 2006.

3. Anna Cieslik (born 1997), a Polish volleyball player who won the bronze medal at the 2015 European Games and silver at the 2017 Summer Universiade.

4. Piotr Cieslak (1930-2018), a Polish actor and theatre director, known for his work in the Teatr Telewizji and Stary Teatr Kraków.

5. Tadeusz Cieslak (born 1941), a Polish painter known for his abstract expressionist works. His art is represented in numerous museums and private collections worldwide.

Genealogical research on the last name Cieslik

The surname Cieslik is believed to have originated from Poland and is derived from the occupational name for a cart driver or a shortened form of various regional names derived from the word "ciesla," meaning a small cart used for carrying goods. Some early records show the name appearing as Chieslik, Czieslik, and Czeislik. The family may have originated in Silesia, a historical region spanning present-day Poland, Czech Republic, and Germany. Notable figures with the surname include Jan Cieślik, a Polish painter who lived in the 19th century, and Włodzimierz Cieślak, a Polish actor and director. The most common regions for Ciesliks in Poland are Silesia, Masovia, and Lesser Poland.

In genealogical records, variations of the name can be found throughout Poland, particularly during periods of migration, such as after World War II and during the Partitions of Poland (1772-1795). The surname has also been recorded in other countries where Polish immigrants have settled, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and Germany. Researching one's genealogy can help trace the history and migrations of this interesting family name.

Last name distribution maps

Chargement de la carte...

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 : 27 July 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below:

Similar Last Names

Cie bungsu (Last name)

surnames > cie-bungsu

The surname "Cie Bungsu" is of Indonesian origin. It is a combination of "Cie," which is a common Chinese surname, and "Bungsu," which means "youngest" or "youngest sibling" in Ind...

Cie imuet (Last name)

surnames > cie-imuet

The origin of the last name Cie Imuet is not known.

Cie zutex (Last name)

surnames > cie-zutex

The surname Cie Zutex does not appear to have a clear origin or meaning in English. It is possible that this surname is rare or unique, and further research may be needed to determ...

Ciechanowska (Last name)

surnames > ciechanowska

The surname Ciechanowska originates from Poland. It is a locality-based surname derived from the city of Ciechanów, which is located in Mazovia, a region in eastern central Poland...

Cielocha (Last name)

surnames > cielocha

The last name "Cielocha" is of Polish origin. It is derived from the Polish word "cielo" which means "sky" or "heaven." This surname likely originated as a nickname for someone who...

Ciercoles (Last name)

surnames > ciercoles

The last name "Ciercoles" is of Spanish origin. It is derived from the word "cierzo," which refers to a cold and dry wind that blows in the Ebro Valley in Spain.

Cieslinski (Last name)

surnames > cieslinski

The surname "Cieslinski" is a Polish-language patronymic surname derived from the given name Ciśla or Ciślimas, which are diminutives of the male given name Czesław (Czeslaus), ...