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Last Name Kobylinski

What is the origin of the last name Kobylinski?

The surname Kobylinski is of Polish and Slavic origin. It is derived from the word "kobyla," which means mare or female horse in Polish. This surname may have been given to someone who owned a mare, lived near a stable, or had some connection to horses. As with many Slavic surnames, it was often occupational and geographical in nature. The -ski suffix indicates that the original bearer of the name was from a place named Kobylin or lived near such a place.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Kobylinski

The meaning and origin of the last name Kobylinski

The surname Kobylinski is of Polish origin, derived from the word "kobyla," which translates to "mare" or female horse in English. It is an occupational name that originally denoted someone who was involved with horses or farming horses, such as a blacksmith who worked on horse equipment or a horse breeder. The surname Kobylinski may also have been given to someone who lived near a place where horses were kept. As with many Polish surnames, it is most likely a regional name, concentrated in areas like Mazovia and Silesia, regions traditionally known for their horse-breeding activities. Over time, the name has been adopted by various immigrant families from Poland to other parts of Europe and the world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Kobylinski

The last name Kobylinski is primarily distributed across Eastern Europe, particularly in Poland and Belarus, due to its Slavic origin. Historically, numerous Polish settlers bearing this surname can be traced back to the regions of Masovia, Podlasie, and Lesser Poland. In Belarus, it's most prevalent in the Minsk region. The name has also been found sporadically in Lithuania, Ukraine, Russia, and other Slavic nations, as a result of migration patterns over centuries. Smaller clusters of Kobylinski families can be found in North America, primarily among Polish immigrants who settled in the United States and Canada during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Kobylinski

The surname Kobylinski has several variations and spellings due to historical, geographical, and linguistic factors. These variations include Kobielinski, Kobylinzki, Kobielinszky, Kobelinsky, Kobilensky, Kobilinski, Kobielan, Kobilansky, Kobelian, Kobyliński (Polish), Kobylinskiy (Russian), Kobylénski (Lithuanian), and possibly others based on regional dialects or transcription errors. The common thread among these variations is the Slavic root "kobyl-" which translates to "horse" or "mare" in several Slavic languages, likely indicating an early association with horses or a geographical location with horse-related significance.

Famous people with the last name Kobylinski

Notable individuals with the surname Kobylinski include:

1. **Jan Krasicki Kobylinski** (1762-1832), a Polish philosopher, poet, and literary critic who was one of the key figures in the Great Emigration period following the Partitions of Poland. He is known for his works on aesthetics and philosophy.

2. **Lech Kobylinski** (1937-1995), a Polish musician, composer, pianist, and conductor. He was a significant figure in the development of contemporary Polish music, particularly in the field of electronic music.

3. **Jakub Kobylinski** (born 1980), a Polish actor known for his roles in television series such as "Wojenne dziewczyny" and "Ojciec Mateusz". He has also worked in theatre and film productions.

4. **Władysław Kobylinski** (1859-1932), a Polish general who served in the Austro-Hungarian Army during World War I, rising to the rank of Major General. He was a participant in the Polish-Soviet War and played a significant role in the creation of the modern Polish military structure.

5. **Daniel Kobylinski** (born 1976), an American professional ice hockey coach who is currently the head coach for the Omaha Mavericks men's ice hockey team. He previously coached at the University of Denver and was an assistant coach with the Chicago Blackhawks in the National Hockey League (NHL).

Genealogical research on the last name Kobylinski

The surname Kobylinski originates from Poland and is derived from the word "kobyla," meaning mare or female horse. Historically, the name was likely used to identify someone who owned a horse or lived near a stable.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the surname in historical documents dates back to the 16th century in the Kingdom of Poland. Over time, variants such as Kobylinsky, Kobyliński, and Kobilinski emerged due to spelling variations in official records, differences in language dialects, and cultural influences.

The Kobylinski family has a rich history within Polish society, with notable figures appearing throughout the centuries, including scholars, soldiers, and political leaders. Notable individuals bearing this surname include Władysław Kobyliński, a renowned 19th-century painter, and Jan Kobylański, a prominent military officer during the Polish-Swedish War in the 17th century.

The distribution of the Kobylinski surname today is primarily concentrated in Poland but can also be found among Polish communities around the world, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and other Western nations. Genealogical research on the Kobylinski name continues to provide insight into its history and the stories of those who bear this ancient Polish surname.

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 : 15 June 2025

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