Last Name Kurzawa

The last name "Kurzawa" is of Polish origin. It is a fairly common surname in Poland and is primarily found among people of Polish descent. The name is derived from the Polish word "krótki," which means "short" or "brief." Therefore, "Kurzawa" could be translated to mean "person from a short or small field."

Learn more about the origin of the last name Kurzawa

The meaning and origin of the last name Kurzawa

The surname Kurzawa is of Polish origin and has its roots in the historical region of Silesia, which is now part of modern-day Poland. It is a toponymic surname, meaning it derives from a geographical location. Specifically, the name is believed to have originated from the town of Kurza Góra, situated in the southwestern part of Poland. The name Kurza Góra translates to "hen hill" in English, and it is likely that the surname Kurzawa developed as a more concise version of this place name. Surnames derived from geographical locations were often adopted by families who lived or owned land in the area. As such, it is possible that the early bearers of the surname Kurzawa hailed from or had connections to Kurza Góra. Today, the surname Kurzawa can still be found primarily in Poland and among Polish communities around the world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Kurzawa

The last name Kurzawa has a predominantly Polish geographical distribution. It is most commonly found in Poland, where it originated from. The name is often associated with the region of Silesia, specifically in the southwestern part of the country. Silesia is known for its rich cultural and historical significance, and the Kurzawa surname has likely been passed down through generations in this area. Apart from Poland, there may be individuals with the last name Kurzawa living in other countries, particularly in regions with significant Polish communities or those with Polish ancestry. Some of these countries may include Germany, the United States, Canada, and France, where individuals with Polish heritage have migrated over the years. While the geographical distribution of the name Kurzawa extends beyond Poland, it remains most prevalent in its country of origin.

Variants and spellings of the last name Kurzawa

The family name "Kurzawa" can have several variations and spellings across different regions and periods. Some of these variants may include "Kurzava", "Kurzavá", "Kurzawa", "Kurzavić" or even "Kurtzawa". These variations can be explained by linguistic, geographic or historical differences. For example, the variant "Kurzavá" is often associated with families of Slovak or Czech origin, while "Kurzavić" is typically Serbian. Moreover, the use of the spelling "Kurtzawa" can be traced back to German-speaking regions, where it would have been adapted to match the local pronunciation. It is important to note that these variants and spellings are not exhaustive and may vary more depending on the specific genealogy of each family.

Famous people with the last name Kurzawa

I apologize, but I couldn't find any famous individuals with the last name Kurzawa in my database. It is possible that there might be lesser-known figures or individuals from specific regions who might bear this name, but I don't have access to such specific information. It's worth mentioning that sometimes certain surnames are more prominent and connected to famous personalities in particular regions or countries. If you have any other requests or need information on a different topic, feel free to ask!

Genealogical research on the last name Kurzawa

The last name Kurzawa has its origins in Poland. The surname is primarily found in the regions of Mazovia, Silesia, and Greater Poland. The name itself is believed to be of topographic origin, referring to individuals who lived near a short watercourse or a small marsh. Alternatively, it could also be derived from the word "kurz," meaning "dust" or "ash," suggesting that it may have been a surname given to those who worked near coal mines or ashy areas. Genealogical research on the Kurzawa last name often uncovers multiple branches and family lines across different regions of Poland. Tracing the history of the surname typically involves examining local records such as church registers, civil registration documents, and census information. With the assistance of these historical records, one can unravel the family connections, migrations, and individual stories of those who bear the Kurzawa surname.

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "kurzawa"
• 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 : 11 April 2025

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