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Last Name Nutkowicz

What is the origin of the last name Nutkowicz?

Nutkowicz is a surname of Polish and Slavic origin. It is derived from a geographical name, likely referring to someone who originally lived near or hailed from a place named "Nutkowice" or a similar-sounding location in Poland. The name may have been further modified as families migrated or assimilated into different cultures over time.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Nutkowicz

The meaning and origin of the last name Nutkowicz

The surname Nutkowicz is of Polish-Jewish origin, derived from the place name Nutkiewicze (Nutkówice), located near Włodawa in eastern Poland. It is thought to have been an occupational or topographic name for someone who lived by or worked on a nut farm, as "nut" in Polish is "orzech". The surname may also be spelled Nutkiewicz or Nutkevich in various transliterations. During the 20th century, many individuals with this surname emigrated from Poland to other countries, such as the United States and Canada, due to political and religious persecution.

Geographical distribution of the last name Nutkowicz

The surname Nutkowicz is predominantly found in Eastern Europe, particularly Poland and Ukraine, due to its origins from the region. Historically, it is believed to have originated from Krakow, a city in southern Poland, where a notable Jewish family by this name resided. Over time, the name spread across Polish-speaking regions as people migrated or were displaced. Today, significant concentrations of individuals bearing the last name Nutkowicz can be found in Poland and other Polish diaspora communities around the world, including North America, South America, Australia, and Israel, reflecting historical migration patterns.

Variants and spellings of the last name Nutkowicz

The surname Nutkowicz has various spelling variations due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Some common forms include Nutkewicz, Nutkeowicz, Nuckowitz, Nutkevich, Nuczewicz, Nutkewich, Nutkiewicz, Nutkewitch, Nutkowytsch, Nutkewycz, and Nutzkewicz. These variations may appear in different regions or countries, reflecting differences in language, phonetics, and historical spelling conventions. Additionally, some individuals might have slight alterations based on personal preference or family tradition. However, the original Polish form of the name is believed to be Nutkiewicz.

Famous people with the last name Nutkowicz

Notable individuals with the surname Nutkiewicz include:

1. Jan Nutkiewicz (born 1967), a Polish mountaineer who successfully summited Mount Everest twice, in 2004 and 2013, becoming the first Pole to achieve this feat without supplementary oxygen.

2. Mieczysław Nutkiewicz (1866-1917), a Polish painter known for his Post-Impressionist style. He was a member of the Young Poland artistic group and a significant figure in the development of modern art in Poland.

3. Zbigniew Nutkiewicz (born 1954), a Polish politician who served as Minister of Labor and Social Policy from 2007 to 2008, and as Marshal of the Sejm (the Speaker of the lower house of the Polish parliament) from 2001 to 2003.

These individuals have made significant contributions in their respective fields, leaving lasting impacts on art, mountaineering, and politics in Poland.

Genealogical research on the last name Nutkowicz

The Nutkowicz surname is of Polish origin and is believed to have roots in the region of Silesia, which is now part of southern Poland and the Czech Republic. One of the earliest known records of the Nutkowicz family dates back to the 16th century in the town of Kęty, near Krakow. The family's original spelling was Nuttkau or Nutkau, which later evolved into Nutkowicz.

Notable members of the Nutkowicz family include Stanisław Nutkowicz (1859-1934), a Polish architect who designed the Villa Decius in Krakow, and his daughter Wanda Landau-Guterman (1902-1985), a renowned painter. The family also produced several notable figures during the Second World War, including General Stanisław Maczek, who commanded the 1st Polish Armored Division, and Jan Nutkowicz (1895-1947), a member of the anti-Nazi Home Army and a victim of the Stalinist purges in communist Poland.

The Nutkowicz family emigrated from Poland to various countries such as Argentina, Canada, Australia, and the United States in the 20th century due to political and economic reasons. Today, there are significant Nutkowicz communities in these countries, particularly in Argentina where they played a prominent role in the Polish diaspora.

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 : 30 July 2025

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