Last Name Olszewski

Learn more about the origin of the last name Olszewski

The meaning and origin of the last name Olszewski

The surname Olszewski is of Polish origin, derived from the place name Olsztyn or from the word "oleś" which means elk in Old Slavic and Old Polish. The surname signifies someone who lived near an area where elks were common or it could have been a topographic name for someone living by an oak forest, as "olsa" means oak in old Polish. The surname Olszewski is relatively common among the population of Poland, particularly in regions such as Warmia and Masuria, which are historically associated with high populations of elk and oak forests. Over time, many individuals bearing this surname emigrated from Poland to various parts of the world, including North America, where they have made significant contributions to their adopted countries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Olszewski

The surname Olszewski is predominantly of Polish origin and is most frequently found within Poland, where it ranks among the top 200 most common surnames. It is also present in significant numbers in other Eastern European countries with large Polish diasporas, such as Germany, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Lithuania. In these countries, the distribution of the name tends to cluster around urban areas with strong historical ties to Poland or communities established by Polish immigrants. The name's geographical spread reflects historical events like the partitions of Poland and the movement of Poles during the 20th century.

Variants and spellings of the last name Olszewski

The surname Olszewski has several variants and spellings due to differences in transliteration and regional dialects over time. Some common versions include Olczewski, Olczewsky, Oleski, Olesky, Olewski, Olewsky, Olezkiewicz, Oleskiewicz, Oleszak, Oleszek, Olszak, and Olszek. Additionally, there are variations that may have originated from different regions within Poland, such as Olszański, Olszewicz, and Olszewka. These names share a common root with the Polish word "ołszowa," meaning "a swampy meadow," reflecting the original geographical origins of many bearers of this name. It is important to note that these spellings may also vary slightly based on factors such as linguistic assimilation and historical recordkeeping inconsistencies.

Famous people with the last name Olszewski

The Olszewski surname has produced several notable figures across various fields. In the realm of entertainment, Mary-Kate Olsen and Ashley Olsen are twin sisters who rose to fame as child actors on the television series "Full House" and later in fashion through their luxury brand, The Row. In the sports world, NHL player Tomas Oleksiak, who plays for the Pittsburgh Penguins, is another well-known individual with this surname (despite his name being slightly altered from the traditional spelling of Olszewski). Lastly, Hanna Halaburda, a Polish actress and model, also carries the Olszewski name. Her work includes roles in both film and television, as well as appearances on international runways. These individuals demonstrate the diverse achievements and successes associated with the surname Olszewski.

Genealogical research on the last name Olszewski

The surname Olszewski is of Polish origin and derives from the place names Olszówka, Olšava, or any other variation with "Olsza" (meaning alder tree) as a prefix, common in Poland and some parts of Eastern Europe. Historically, the name was most prevalent in the region of Masovia, now central Poland. The first documented appearance of the surname is believed to be around the 15th or 16th century during the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth period. Notable figures with the Olszewski surname include Polish military officer Jan Krzysztof Olszewski, and Polish poet Maria Konopnicka. The name has also spread to other parts of the world due to immigration, notably to the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Olszewski"
• 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 : 13 June 2025