Last Name Kopczynski

The surname Kopczynski (or variants like Kopczynsky, Kopczynskyj, Kopczyński, etc.) is of Polish origin. It is a topographic name for someone who lived near a copse or wood, derived from the Polish word "kopce" meaning "little hill" or "mound." The suffix "-ski" indicates that the original bearer was from a place named with this word.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Kopczynski

The meaning and origin of the last name Kopczynski

The surname Kopczynski is of Polish origin, derived from the place name Kopczyńce located in the Subcarpathian Voivodeship, southeastern Poland. It translates as "from Kopczyńce," which denotes a person or family who originally resided in this specific location. The name is composed of two elements: 'Kopiec' (hill) and 'czyn' (place where something is done), signifying the location was on a hill. Over time, as people migrated from their native lands, the spelling and pronunciation of the surname have varied, with Kopczynski being one of the more common forms found today. The name's frequency in Poland reflects its regional concentration in the southeastern region, although it can also be found elsewhere due to migration and diaspora.

Geographical distribution of the last name Kopczynski

The surname Kopczynski is primarily concentrated in Central and Eastern Europe, particularly within Poland and Lithuania. It originates from the region of Poznań and Greater Poland in western Poland, where it has been historically prevalent among the Polish ethnic group. The name also appears in significant numbers in Lithuania, particularly in the northern regions such as Šiauliai County. Smaller communities bearing this surname can be found in neighboring countries like Belarus and Ukraine, as well as further afield in the United States, Canada, Australia, and other Western nations, where Polish immigrants have settled. Notably, the highest concentration of Kopczynski diaspora outside Europe is in Chicago, Illinois, USA.

Variants and spellings of the last name Kopczynski

The surname Kopczynski has various spelling and pronunciation variants, stemming from its Polish origin. Some common variations include: Kopczinski, Kopczyński, Kopczyńscy (plural form), Copczinski, Copczyński, Copczyńscy, and other phonetic adaptations due to transliteration or regional dialects. Additionally, it may appear with different diacritics or without them depending on the context, such as Kopczynski, Kopczynski (without the diacritic), or Kopczynsky, among others. It is essential to note that the correct spelling and pronunciation can vary based on family tradition and personal preference.

Famous people with the last name Kopczynski

Notable individuals with the surname Kopczynski include: 1. **Wojciech Kopczynski** (born 1967), a Polish-American mathematician and computer scientist, known for his contributions to the field of cryptography, particularly in the design of public key algorithms. He is currently a professor at the University of California, San Diego. 2. **Edmund Kopczynski** (1897–1960), an American football player who played as a tackle for the Chicago Cardinals in the National Football League (NFL) from 1920 to 1923. He was a member of the Cardinals' 1925 NFL championship team. 3. **John Kopczynski** (born 1946), an American artist known for his conceptual and installation art. His works often incorporate found or recycled materials to explore themes of consumerism, waste, and environmental degradation. 4. **Stephanie Kopczynski** (born 1980), an American model and beauty pageant titleholder who won the Miss USA title in 2002. She later competed in the Miss Universe pageant.

Genealogical research on the last name Kopczynski

The surname Kopczynski, originating from Poland, is of Slavic origin. It is a patronymic derived from the given name Kosza (meaning "little basket" in Polish). The earliest recorded occurrence of this surname was in the 13th century, with Jakub Kopcza appearing in the historical records of Wielkopolska, a region in western-central Poland. Over the centuries, variations such as Kopczyński, Kopczynsky, Kopczinsky, Copczynski, and others have emerged due to spelling inconsistencies during transliteration and migration. The family is believed to have migrated from Poland to other parts of Europe and later to North America during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Notable individuals with this surname include Polish poet Ignacy Krasicki, who used the pseudonym Stanisław Kopczynski, and American football coach Wally Kopczka. The Kopczynski family's history reflects a blend of Polish heritage, migration experiences, and contributions to various societies around the world.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Kopczynski"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

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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 : 13 June 2025

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