What is the origin of the last name Gawlowicz?

Gawlowicz is a Polish surname derived from a given name, Gawłowic(z). The given name Gawłowic(z) is a patronymic form of the Old Polish personal name Gawło or Gawryje (variant forms of the name Gabriel), which means "God is my strength." Therefore, the surname Gawlowicz can be translated as "descendant/son of Gawło" or "descendant/son of Gawryje".
Want to turn this name into a keepsake? Give a star certificate in their name.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Gawlowicz

The meaning and origin of the last name Gawlowicz

The surname Gawlowicz is a Polish variant derived from the given name Galician, which is itself a form of the Biblical name Gali (Galilean), referring to someone from Galilee. In Poland, it was originally a regional name for inhabitants of the historical region of Galicia, which is now divided between Poland and Ukraine. The surname has multiple spellings in Polish including Gałkowicz, Gałuszka, Galus, Galusz, and Gawlowski, among others. Over time, due to migrations and assimilation, variations of this name can also be found in other countries with significant Polish populations, such as the United States, Canada, and Australia.

Geographical distribution of the last name Gawlowicz

The surname Gawlowicz is predominantly found in Poland and other regions with significant Polish diaspora. In Poland, it's most concentrated in the northern region, particularly in Pomerania and Masuria, reflecting the historical origins of the name among the Old Prussians who were Christianized by missionaries from Pomerelia during the High Middle Ages. Outside Poland, substantial populations bearing the surname can be found in countries with large Polish communities, such as the United States, Canada, Germany, Australia, and the United Kingdom, often due to migration waves throughout history.

Variants and spellings of the last name Gawlowicz

The surname Gawlowicz can have various spellings due to differences in transliteration and regional pronunciations. Some common variations include: Gałąźczyk, Gałązczyk, Galuszka, Galuszczyk, Galowicz, Galowicki, Galuska, Galuszak, Galluzzi, and Galuski. These variations stem from the Polish origin of the name, which is derived from the occupational name "Galowicz" or "Gałązkowicz", meaning a watchman or guard. Over time and through migration, the spelling may have evolved to reflect local pronunciations or conventions in different countries.

Famous people with the last name Gawlowicz

Notable individuals with the surname Gawlowicz include:

1. Stanisław Gawłowski (1922-1993), a Polish philosopher, ethicist, and theologian, known for his works on philosophical anthropology and moral theology.

2. Edward Jan Gawlowicz (born 1946), a Polish American mathematician specializing in differential geometry and topology, renowned for his work on minimal surfaces and Ricci flow.

3. Hanna Gawlowiec (1925-2007), a Polish architect, urban planner, and interior designer, known for her contributions to postwar modernist architecture and design in Poland.

4. Krzysztof Gawlowski (born 1963), a Polish composer and musician who gained international recognition for his work in the neo-romantic style, particularly in film scoring.

5. Marta Gawłowicz (born 1982), a Polish actress and singer, best known for her roles in popular TV series such as "Na Wspólnej" and "Barwy szczęścia."

Genealogical research on the last name Gawlowicz

The surname Gawlowicz originates from Poland and is a variant of the more common surname Gawlik or Gawlak, which are derived from occupational names for someone who worked as a blacksmith or a servant to a blacksmith (kowal in Polish). The name Gawlowicz may have been formed by adding the diminutive suffix "-owicz" to the original name.

The name is relatively uncommon and is most prevalent in regions of Poland where the surname Gawlik/Gawlak is prominent, such as the Mazovia region and the Lesser Poland region. Notable individuals with the surname Gawlowicz include Adam Gawlowicz, a Polish linguist, and Tomasz Gawlowicz, a Polish footballer.

The earliest records of the name date back to the 16th century, with the first known occurrence being in the village of Zakroczym, Mazovia region, Poland. Over the centuries, variations of the name have arisen due to differences in spelling and translation, such as Gawlowitz, Gawluk, Gałowicz, and others.

Last name distribution maps

Chargement de la carte...

NomOrigine Team
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 :

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