Last Name Cisowski

The surname Cisowski is of Polish and Czech origin. It is derived from the occupational name "cysowiec," which refers to someone who was a fisherman or net maker. The word "cysa" means "net" in both Polish and Czech, and "-owiec" is a Slavic suffix that denotes an occupation. The surname may also be spelled as Cisovsky, Cyzowski, or other variations depending on the region and time period.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Cisowski

The meaning and origin of the last name Cisowski

The surname Cisowski is of Polish origin, derived from the place name Cisowice or Cisówka, located in southern Poland. This toponymic surname was originally given to individuals who were native to or lived near these places. The name Cisowice is believed to have originated from the word "cis", meaning "quiet" or "peaceful", describing the tranquil setting of the original settlement. Over time, the spelling has evolved with variations such as Czisowski, Tsisowski, and Tsisovsky, reflecting differences in regional dialects and immigration patterns. The surname Cisowski is primarily found among Polish and Polish-American families.

Geographical distribution of the last name Cisowski

The last name Cisowski is predominantly of Polish origin and has its highest concentration within Poland itself, particularly in regions such as Lower Silesia, Greater Poland, and Masovia. A significant diaspora exists outside Poland, with the United States being one of the countries where the surname is quite common among people of Polish descent. In the U.S., the highest densities can be found in states like Pennsylvania, New York, Illinois, Michigan, and Wisconsin. Smaller populations of Cisowskis can also be found in other countries with large Polish communities, such as Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom.

Variants and spellings of the last name Cisowski

The surname Cisowski has several variations and spellings, primarily due to differences in transcription and translation over time and across regions. Some common variants include: Cisoski, Cisowsky, Cisowksi, Czisowski, Ciszowski, and Tchisowski. These variations may arise from minor changes such as the addition or removal of a consonant or vowel, alterations in spelling due to regional dialects, or transliteration from other writing systems. It is worth noting that surnames with Slavic origins like Cisowski often have multiple forms due to historical changes and migrations. In genealogical research, it's essential to consider these variations when searching for ancestors with this surname.

Famous people with the last name Cisowski

Notable individuals with the surname Cisowski include:

1. Stanisław Cisowski (born 1948), a Polish politician who served as a member of the Sejm from 2007 to 2015, representing the Law and Justice party.

2. Jacek Cisowski (born 1966), a Polish journalist, television presenter, and former politician. He was a member of the Sejm for the Citizens Platform from 2011 to 2015.

3. Henryk Cisowski (1928-1975), a Polish journalist, poet, and member of the anti-communist opposition in Poland during the Cold War. He was one of the founders of the Workers' Defense Committee (KOR) and was arrested and sentenced to five years in prison by the communist regime.

4. Jan Cisowski (1876-1953), a Polish painter, graphic artist, and illustrator known for his works depicting scenes from everyday life and folk traditions. He was also a member of the Poznań School of Painting.

Genealogical research on the last name Cisowski

The surname Cisowski originates from Poland and is a variant of Czisowski, derived from the personal name Czesław or Czech, meaning "bohemian" or "from Bohemia." The surname emerged during the High Middle Ages as an identifier for individuals who were immigrants or descendants from Bohemia. Notable figures with the last name Cisowski include Polish engineer and inventor Kazimierz Cisowski (1850-1937) and American professional ice hockey player Mike Cisowski (born 1962). The distribution of the surname is predominantly in Poland, the United States, Canada, Germany, Australia, and New Zealand. Ancestry databases suggest that early immigrant ancestors include Maciej Cisowski, who arrived in the United States from Prussia in 1874, and Anna Cisowska, who emigrated from Russia to Canada in 1905.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Cisowski"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

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

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