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Last Name Grzywinski

What is the origin of the last name Grzywinski?

The surname Grzywinski is of Polish origin. It is derived from the word "grzewa," meaning heath or bog, and "-owski" indicating a place where someone lived or worked. Over time, the spelling may have varied due to differences in regional pronunciation and scribes' transcription styles.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Grzywinski

The meaning and origin of the last name Grzywinski

The surname Grzywinski is a Polish-originated name, derived from the topographical or occupational term "grzewa" which means "thicket" or "grove," and "-owski" a common Polish patronymic suffix indicating that the original bearer was the son of someone with the occupation or place name "Grzywa." The surname was likely given to individuals who lived near a dense thicket or grove, or possibly to those who had an occupation related to such an area. Over time, variations in spelling and transliteration have led to several alternative spellings including Grzewinski, Grzybowski, and Grzywalski, among others. The surname is predominantly found among the Polish diaspora in various parts of the world due to historical migrations and population displacements.

Geographical distribution of the last name Grzywinski

The surname Grzywinski, of Polish origin, predominantly occurs within populations of Polish descent. According to various sources, it is most frequently found in regions of Poland such as Mazovia, Lesser Poland, and Silesia. It's also noticeable among Polish communities in other countries, particularly in the United States, Canada, Australia, Germany, Belgium, and the United Kingdom, where Poles have historically emigrated. The diaspora has led to variations in the spelling of the name, such as Grzewinski, Grywinski, and Grozinski, among others.

Variants and spellings of the last name Grzywinski

The surname Grzywinski can have various spelling variants due to differences in transcription and translation over time and across regions. Some common variations include Grzewinski, Grziewinski, Grywinski, and Gryzewski. These differences are largely based on how the name was transcribed from Polish to other languages or dialects, as well as changes in spelling conventions over centuries. The root of the surname is derived from the words "grzywa" (moss) and "-owski," a common Polish suffix denoting a place name or occupational name. Thus, names such as Mossowski, Moskowski, and Moszkowski could also be considered related forms.

Famous people with the last name Grzywinski

Notable individuals bearing the surname Grzywinski include:

1. Artur Grzywkowski (born 1986), a Polish professional basketball player who played for the Polish national team and various clubs in Europe, including Asseco Prokom Gdynia and CSKA Moscow.
2. David Grzywinski (born 1973), a Canadian actor known for his roles in television series such as "The Eleventh Hour" and "Being Erica."
3. Katarzyna Grzywkowska (born 1980), a Polish athlete who competed in shot put and won the silver medal at the 2004 European Athletics Championships.
4. Marek Grzybowski (1957-2017), a Polish historian, writer, and journalist, best known for his works on the Holocaust in Poland during World War II.
5. Tadeusz Grzywowski (1916-1987), a Polish Roman Catholic prelate who served as Auxiliary Bishop of Poznań from 1973 until his death.

These individuals have made significant contributions to various fields, including sports, acting, and academia.

Genealogical research on the last name Grzywinski

The surname Grzywinski originates from Poland and is derived from the topographic name "Grzywa", meaning "tuft" or "knoll". The family name likely emerged as a result of someone living near such a landform. Notable individuals with this surname include Kazimierz Grzywinski, a Polish politician who served as the Minister of Foreign Affairs in 1980, and Maria Grzywinska, a Polish writer and journalist known for her works on women's issues. The name has various spellings including Grzybkowski, Grzybek, and Grzybowski due to scribal errors and regional variations during the Middle Ages. The Grzywinski family is believed to have originated in the region of Masovia, central Poland.

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 : 27 July 2025

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