What is the origin of the last name Klodzinski?

The surname Klodzinski is of Polish origin. It is derived from the topographic name for someone who lived near a small clearing (Polish: "kloda") in a forest or a swampy area. The name can be found in various spellings such as Klodzinski, Kłodziński, Kłodzin, and so on, due to historical spelling variations.
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Learn more about the origin of the last name Klodzinski

The meaning and origin of the last name Klodzinski

The surname Klodzinski is of Polish origin, derived from various place names in Poland. The name can be traced back to several locations such as Kłodzko (Klodzko County) or Kłodziny (Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship), both of which are towns located in southwestern and central-northern Poland, respectively. The name is likely a topographic surname, indicating that the original bearer lived near a river named Kloda (a Polish word meaning "swampy"). Over time, the spelling and pronunciation of the name have varied due to migrations and assimilation in different regions.

Geographical distribution of the last name Klodzinski

The last name Klodzinski is predominantly of Polish origin and has its highest concentration within Poland, particularly in regions such as Mazovia, Silesia, and Pomerania, due to the historical presence of German settlers in these areas during the Middle Ages. There are also significant populations of individuals with this surname in countries with a large Polish diaspora, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. In the United States, the highest number of Klodzinskis can be found in states with a high concentration of Polish immigrants like Illinois, Pennsylvania, New York, Ohio, Michigan, and Wisconsin. The name is less common but still present in other European countries with significant Polish communities such as Germany, Czech Republic, and Slovakia.

Variants and spellings of the last name Klodzinski

The surname Klodzinski has several variants and spelling adaptations due to historical transcription errors, migration patterns, and regional dialects. These include Klodzynski, Klodzienski, Klodzenski, Klodzynsky, Kłodziński (the original Polish form), Kłodzin, Kłodziniec, and possibly others based on individual family lineage or cultural influences. The name originates from Poland, where it is common for Polish-American families to maintain variations of their names due to phonetic changes during the immigration process. These spelling alterations serve as a testament to the diverse history and migrations of the Klodzinski family.

Famous people with the last name Klodzinski

Notable individuals with the surname Klodzinski include:

1. John Klotz (born 1941), an American television writer and producer, known for his work on shows such as "M*A*S*H," "The Golden Girls," and "Cheers."

2. Anna Klodzinski (born 1985), a Polish-American professional ice hockey player who represented the United States at the international level.

3. Tadeusz Klodzinski (1887–1940), a Polish Army officer and journalist, known for his resistance against Nazi Germany during World War II and was posthumously recognized as Righteous Among the Nations by Yad Vashem.

4. Krzysztof Klodzinski (born 1965), a Polish former footballer who played as a defender and is best remembered for his time with Legia Warsaw and the Poland national team.

These individuals have made significant contributions in their respective fields, spanning television, sports, journalism, and politics.

Genealogical research on the last name Klodzinski

The Klodzinski surname is of Polish origin and is derived from several possible sources, including topographic names for someone who lived near a cliff or rocky outcrop (kloda), occupational names for a furrier or skin-dresser (klodzien - from kloda meaning fur), or habitation names for someone who lived by such a feature. The earliest recorded instances of the name date back to the 16th century in Poland, with prominent figures such as Jan Klodzinski, a notable Polish poet and writer during the Renaissance period. Over time, the Klodzinski family migrated from Poland to other parts of Europe and later to North America. In the United States, the name is most concentrated in areas with significant Polish immigrant populations like Chicago, Milwaukee, and Detroit. Today, variations such as Kłodziński, Klodzinskis, and Klodzinski can still be found globally, reflecting the diverse history and dispersal of this surname throughout the centuries.

Last name distribution maps

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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.

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