Last Name Lipinski

The surname Lipinski is of Polish origin. It derives from the male given name "Lipski," which is a diminutive form of the name "Lech" or "Lechyslaw," both of which have Slavic roots. The name "Lech" means "hare" in Old Slavonic, and it was traditionally associated with one of the three mythical founders of Poland. The surname Lipinski is commonly found among Polish-speaking populations, particularly those in Poland and in communities of Polish descent around the world.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Lipinski

The meaning and origin of the last name Lipinski

The surname Lipinski is a Polish variant of the more widespread Germanic surname Lipps or Lepp. It originates from a nickname for someone with reddish-lip or rosy cheeks, derived from the Old High German "lippo" meaning 'lip' and the diminutive suffix "-sin-ki." The use of physical traits as surnames was common in Medieval Europe, particularly among those who migrated to Poland during the Middle Ages. The Lipinski name spread across regions like Silesia, Mazovia, and Lesser Poland, becoming a prominent surname within the Polish community. It is now found worldwide, with descendants of Lipinskis emigrating to other countries in search of economic opportunities or escaping political upheaval, such as during the Partitions of Poland (1772–1918).

Geographical distribution of the last name Lipinski

The surname Lipinski is predominantly of Polish origin, with a significant concentration within Poland, particularly in regions such as Silesia and Lesser Poland. It also has a notable presence among the Polish diaspora, with large populations in countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. In these countries, Lipinski is often found in urban areas with high concentrations of Polish immigrants. Additionally, smaller communities can be found in other parts of Europe, such as Germany, Belgium, and France, as well as in South America, notably in Argentina and Brazil. The global distribution of this surname reflects the historical migration patterns of Poles and their descendants.

Variants and spellings of the last name Lipinski

The surname Lipinski has several variations and spellings, primarily due to transliteration differences between languages, regional dialects, and historical influences. The most common spelling is Lipinski, which originates from Poland and means "son of Lipiec" or "from Lipiec," a place name. Other variations include Lipinskiy (Russian), Lipinszky (Hungarian), Lipinskiis (Lithuanian), and Lipinsky (English and other languages). Additional variants may include Lipynski, Lipinscy, Lipiński, or Lipińczuk, depending on specific regional pronunciations and diacritical mark usage. These variations reflect the diverse cultural backgrounds and linguistic influences that have shaped the name over time.

Famous people with the last name Lipinski

Notable individuals with the surname Lipinski include:

1. Joseph Lipinski (born 1948), an American chemist and medicinal chemist who has made significant contributions to the field of cancer research, particularly in the design and synthesis of novel anticancer agents. He is currently a senior scientist at Pfizer Global Research & Development.

2. Regina Lipinski (born 1965), a German former competitive swimmer who represented East Germany. She won a total of five gold medals at the European Championships and three gold medals at the World Aquatics Championships. After retiring from swimming, she became a sport scientist.

3. Karol Lipiński (1790-1861), a Polish violinist and composer. He was one of the most celebrated violinists in Poland during his lifetime and was known for his virtuosity. His compositions include concertos, sonatas, symphonies, and chamber music.

4. Paul Lipke (1986-2013), an American professional skateboarder who gained recognition for his street skating abilities. He competed in several X Games competitions and was a regular feature in skateboarding magazines. Unfortunately, he died in a car accident at the age of 27.

5. Janina Lipińska-Karpińska (1908-1993), a Polish historian who specialized in Polish literature and culture of the Middle Ages. She was one of the most prominent medievalists in Poland in the second half of the 20th century.

Genealogical research on the last name Lipinski

The surname Lipinski originates from Poland and is one of the most common Polish surnames, indicating a person originally from the Lipno region. Historically, it was primarily associated with the Mazovian, Greater Poland, and Lesser Poland regions. The name Lipinski is a patronymic derived from the given name Lipko or Lipold, which in turn was formed from the Slavic elements 'lipka' (small linden tree) or 'Lupold' (derived from the Germanic name 'Ludolf').

The earliest recorded instances of the Lipinski surname can be traced back to the 14th century, with documented families found in various Polish cities such as Kraków, Poznań, and Lublin. Over time, Lipinskis migrated to other parts of Europe due to political instability and economic opportunities, particularly to Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Russia. Today, the Lipinski surname can be found globally, with significant populations in the United States, Canada, Australia, and South America.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Lipinski"
• 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 : 15 June 2025

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