Last Name Pawlikowski

The surname "Pawlikowski" is of Polish origin. It is derived from the personal name Paweł (Paul) and the diminutive suffix -ik, which signifies "little". Over time, it evolved into the more commonly used modern form, Pawlikowski. The name is most prevalent in Poland, but can also be found among Polish communities in other countries due to historical migrations and diaspora.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Pawlikowski

The meaning and origin of the last name Pawlikowski

The surname Pawlikowski is of Polish origin, derived from the occupation of a "paw" (peasant) who was also a skilled craftsman, typically a blacksmith or cobbler, denoted by the suffix "-ski." In Slavic languages, including Polish, the "-ski" suffix denotes a person who comes from a specific place. The term "Paw" in this context refers to a peasant, and "kowalski" would mean a blacksmith. Over time, as families moved or settled in different areas, variations of the surname emerged. For instance, Pawlikowski may also be written as Pawelkowski, Pavlikovsky (Czech), or Pavlikovic (Serbo-Croatian). The name is quite rare outside of Poland and countries with significant Polish diaspora communities, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and South America.

Geographical distribution of the last name Pawlikowski

The surname Pawlikowski is predominantly distributed within the Slavic region, particularly Poland and Ukraine, due to its Slavic origin. A significant number of people bearing this last name can be found in Poland, where it is among the more common surnames. Outside of these countries, Pawlikowski has also been encountered in various diaspora communities in North America, such as the United States and Canada, primarily due to immigration waves from Eastern Europe during the 20th century. The name is relatively rare elsewhere globally.

Variants and spellings of the last name Pawlikowski

The surname Pawlikowski has several variations and spellings, reflecting its Polish origins and potential transcribing errors over time. The most common variants include Pavlikovsky, Pavlickovsky, Pawlkowski, Pawlickiwsky, Pawlakowski, Pavlikovich, Pavlkovich, Pavlokovski, Pavloffsky, and Pavlickoffsky. These variations may be found in various parts of the world where families with this name have migrated. Additionally, the feminine form of the surname is Pawlikowska or its variants such as Pavlikovska, Pavlickovska, Pawlkowska, and so on, depending on the specific country and region. It is important to note that these variations and spellings may not always be interchangeable, as they can signify different families or lineages.

Famous people with the last name Pawlikowski

Among the notable individuals sharing the surname Pawlikowski, three stand out prominently due to their significant contributions across different fields.

Firstly, there is the Polish-British film director, writer, and cinematographer, Pawel Pawlikowski. He is best known for directing the critically acclaimed films "Ida" and "Cold War," which won multiple awards including Academy Awards for Best Foreign Language Film.

Secondly, Agnieszka Pawlikowska, a Polish actress, gained recognition for her role as Yagoda in the popular Polish TV series, The White House. She has also been involved in numerous theater productions and voice-overs for animated films.

Lastly, we have Tomasz Pawlikowski, a former Polish volleyball player who is remembered for his exceptional career with Poland's national team. He won several medals at the Olympic Games, World Championships, and European Championships throughout the 1980s and 1990s.

Genealogical research on the last name Pawlikowski

The surname Pawlikowski is of Polish origin, derived from the masculine given name Paweł (Paul) and the diminutive suffix -ik, meaning "little". The earliest recorded occurrence of this name can be traced back to the 16th century in Poland. The family likely migrated from Eastern Europe during the 19th or early 20th centuries, with a significant number settling in countries such as the United States and Canada. Notable figures bearing the Pawlikowski name include film directors Paweł Pawlikowski and Wojciech Pawlikowski, both of whom have made significant contributions to Polish cinema. Genealogical research indicates that the Pawlikowski family tree is vast and complex, with numerous branches spanning across Europe and North America.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Pawlikowski"
• 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 June 2025

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