Last Name Jozefowiez

Learn more about the origin of the last name Jozefowiez

The meaning and origin of the last name Jozefowiez

The surname Jozefowiez is of Polish origin, derived from a geographical location or an occupational name. It is formed by combining two elements: "Józef" which is a common given name in Poland, derived from Hebrew and meaning "God will increase," and "-owiez," which is an ethnonym indicating someone who was a member of a group called Owiecarze, herdsmen or shepherds in old Polish. The surname Jozefowiez may have been originally used to identify someone living in a place inhabited by the Owiecarze or possibly someone who was a shepherd himself. Over time, the name has spread beyond Poland due to migration and assimilation of Polish populations into other communities.

Geographical distribution of the last name Jozefowiez

The surname Jozefowiez is predominantly found in Poland and has possible origins from the city of Gdańsk, located on the Baltic coast. However, it can also be found in other parts of the country due to migrations over time. According to genealogical databases, the name is relatively rare compared to more common Polish surnames, but its distribution remains concentrated primarily within Poland. The Jozefowiez family name has been traced back to the 17th century, with many descendants emigrating from Poland in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, especially to countries such as the United States, Canada, and Argentina. In these countries, the surname can be found among Polish immigrants and their descendants, although it remains less common than in Poland.

Variants and spellings of the last name Jozefowiez

The surname Jozefowiez has several variations and spellings, primarily due to differences in transliteration and transcription over time. Some common variants include:

1. Josifowicz
2. Jozefovitz
3. Józefowicz (Polish variant)
4. Josephowitz (Anglicized form)
5. Jozefowski
6. Josifowsky
7. Józefowski (Polish variant)
8. Josefowitz (variant with an additional "t")
9. Josephowski (Anglicized form)
10. Jozefovich (Russian transliteration)

It's important to note that the spelling can also vary based on regional dialects and historical periods. Additionally, individuals may have adapted their surnames over time for various reasons, leading to additional variants.

Famous people with the last name Jozefowiez

Notable individuals with the surname Jozefowiez include:

1. Michael Jozefowiez: An American writer and academic, who has authored several books on poetry, literary theory, and cultural studies. He currently serves as a professor at Arizona State University.

2. Dariusz Jozefowiez: A Polish politician and former Member of the European Parliament (MEP) representing the Civic Platform (PO). He served from 2014 to 2019, focusing on issues related to civil liberties, human rights, and foreign affairs.

3. Paul Jozefowiez: A Polish-American violist, who has performed as a soloist and chamber musician worldwide. He is currently the principal viola of The Philadelphia Orchestra and was the founder and artistic director of the Chamber Music Society at Lincoln Center.

These individuals have made significant contributions in their respective fields, spanning literature, academia, politics, and music.

Genealogical research on the last name Jozefowiez

The surname Jozefowiez is primarily found in Polish and Belgian populations, with origins tracing back to medieval Poland. One notable variant is Jossefowitz, which emerged among Jewish families in Poland during the Middle Ages. The name is believed to be a patronymic derived from the given name Jose (a Hebrew form of Joseph).

Notable bearers of this surname include Polish painter and graphic artist Wojciech Jozefowiez (1927-1986) and Belgian professional road bicycle racer Eddy Merckx's business partner, Andre Jozefowiez. The name's distribution in Belgium is largely due to Jewish immigration from Poland during the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Genealogical records indicate that the name was predominantly found in the regions of Greater Poland (Wielkopolska) and Lesser Poland (Małopolska) in Poland, as well as in the provinces of Antwerp and Limburg in Belgium. Ancestry research for individuals with this surname can be fruitful in examining these geographical areas.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "jozefowiez"
• 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 : 30 July 2025