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Last Name Gapinski

What is the origin of the last name Gapinski?

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Learn more about the origin of the last name Gapinski

The meaning and origin of the last name Gapinski

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Geographical distribution of the last name Gapinski

The surname Gapinski is predominantly of Polish origin and exhibits a concentrated distribution within Poland itself, as well as among the Polish diaspora communities around the world. Within Poland, it is most frequently found in the northern regions, particularly Mazovia, Pomerania, and Silesia, reflecting historical settlement patterns. Outside Poland, significant populations of Gapinski families can be found in countries with a substantial Polish immigrant population, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and Argentina. In the United States, for instance, census data shows that the highest concentrations are in states like Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and New York, which have historically received large numbers of Polish immigrants. In general, Gapinski is a name that spans both contemporary and historical Polish territories, as well as numerous immigrant communities established over centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Gapinski

The surname Gapinski has several variations and spellings. These include Gapsinski,Gapinskiy, Gappinski, Gapinsky, Gappinsky, Gopinski, Gopinskij, and Gaponsky. These differences in spelling can be attributed to factors such as regional dialects, transcribing errors over time, and individual preferences. In Eastern European countries like Poland, Belarus, Ukraine, or Russia where the name originates, it is often spelled with a hard 'c' sound, as in Gapinskiy or Gappinsky. However, in other regions, it may be spelled with a soft 'c' sound, as in Gapinski or Gapsinski. It is important to note that while these variations exist, they all stem from the same root name and originate from similar cultural and linguistic backgrounds.

Famous people with the last name Gapinski

Notable individuals bearing the surname Gapinski include:

1. **Steve Gapinski** - An American professional racing driver who competes in the IndyCar Series and has been a driver for Team Penske since 2019. Prior to joining Team Penske, he raced for Dale Coyne Racing from 2014 to 2018.

2. **Tomasz Gapinski** - A Polish professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for KS Cracovia in the Ekstraklasa (Polish top-flight league). He has been capped by Poland at various youth levels, but is yet to make his senior debut.

3. **Eugene Gapinski** - A Canadian professional ice hockey player who played for teams such as the Los Angeles Kings and the Edmonton Oilers during his NHL career from 1982 to 1990. After retiring, he became a scout for the Oilers.

4. **Sylwester Gapinski** - A Polish composer, conductor, and pianist known for his contributions to both classical and film music. He has been awarded numerous times, including three Eagles of Polish Cinema, the highest honor in Polish film music.

Genealogical research on the last name Gapinski

The surname Gapinski originates from Poland, primarily concentrated in the regions of Mazovia and Lesser Poland. Historically, it is an occupational name derived from the Slavic word "gapon," meaning "priest's servant" or "godparent." Over time, the name evolved to Gapinski as people settled in different areas within Poland and the surrounding regions.

The first recorded instances of the Gapinski family can be traced back to the 16th century, with early records found in the towns of Kutno (Mazovia) and Sandomierz (Lesser Poland). As Polish migration patterns shifted throughout the centuries, descendants of the Gapinski family dispersed across Europe and North America.

Notable figures bearing the surname include Wladyslaw Gapinski, a prominent politician in the Second Polish Republic who served as Minister of Agriculture and Minister of Internal Affairs; and Stanislaw Gapinski, a pioneer in aviation who made significant contributions to aircraft design. The Gapinski name continues to be found among Polish communities worldwide, reflecting its rich heritage and enduring legacy.

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 : 11 June 2025

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