The surname Powilewicz is of Polish origin. It derives from a topographic name for someone who lived near a field, meadow, or clearing. The term "Powiele" refers to a pasture or a meadow in Old Polish language. Therefore, the surname Powilewicz would have been given to someone who resided by such a location.
The use of topographic names as family names was common during the Middle Ages in Europe, particularly among rural populations as an easy way to identify individuals within communities. Over time, these names evolved and adapted as families migrated or moved to different regions. The surname Powilewicz is one such example, originating from Poland.
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The meaning and origin of the last name Powilewicz
The surname Powilewicz is a Polish name that derives from a topographical location. In this case, the name likely comes from the village of Polewica, located in central Poland, near the river Warta. Topographical names were among the most common types of surnames in Poland, and they were often derived from geographic features like rivers, mountains, or places where the original bearer lived or worked. Over time, as people migrated or settled in new areas, variations of these names evolved due to differences in pronunciation and spelling. The name Powilewicz is one such variation of the original Polewica.
Geographical distribution of the last name Powilewicz
The surname Powilewicz is predominantly found in regions with significant Polish diaspora, particularly North America and Western Europe. In North America, it is most common among populations of Polish descent in the United States and Canada. In Europe, countries like Germany, France, Belgium, and the Netherlands have a higher concentration of individuals bearing this surname, likely due to immigration from Poland over centuries. Additionally, smaller populations can be found in Australia, New Zealand, and South America, as a result of migration waves during the 19th and 20th centuries. In Poland itself, Powilewicz is less common compared to other Polish surnames but can still be found in various regions throughout the country.
Variants and spellings of the last name Powilewicz
The surname Powilewicz has several variants and spellings due to differences in transliteration and transcription over time. Some variations include: Powilewicze, Powilewicz-Kowalczyk, Powilewicz-Dudek, Powilewicz-Janicki, Powilewicz-Mikolajewski, Powilewicz-Nowak, Powilewicz-Olszewski, Powilewicz-Piotrowski, and Powilewicz-Szymczak. These variations may arise from married names, regional dialects, or errors in historical records. Additionally, the surname can also be found with different spellings due to English transliteration from various alphabets, such as Povilevich (Cyrillic) and Powilewicz-Powiljewicz (Latin).
Famous people with the last name Powilewicz
One of the most notable individuals with the surname Powilewicz is Mateusz Powielek, a Polish professional footballer who plays as a forward for FC Twente in the Dutch Eredivisie. Born on March 3, 1987, he started his career at Lech Poznań before moving to German clubs such as VfB Stuttgart and Mainz 05. He also represented Poland internationally between 2011 and 2016, appearing in various European Championship qualifiers. In the art world, Magdalena Abakanowicz-Powilewicz is a renowned Polish sculptor and textile artist. Born on April 6, 1930, she has exhibited her work worldwide and received numerous accolades for her large-scale, figurative fiberglass and bronze works. Another noteworthy figure with the surname Powilewicz is Aleksandra Powilewicz, a Polish volleyball player who played as an outside hitter for AZS KS DevelopRes Rzeszów in the Polish League. She was a member of the Poland women's national volleyball team and won the bronze medal at the 2015 European Games.
Genealogical research on the last name Powilewicz
The Powilewicz surname is of Polish origin and is believed to have derived from various locations with similar names in Poland, such as Powidz or Powielewo. Historically, the family is traced back to the 14th century, primarily in regions like Greater Poland and Masovia. Notable individuals bearing this surname include Jan Powilewicz (1527-1569), a Polish poet, and Michał Powilewicz (1830-1899), a Polish educator and historian. The name is also common among the Poles who immigrated to countries like the United States, Canada, and Australia during the 19th and 20th centuries in search of better opportunities. Today, the Powilewicz family can be found worldwide, with notable concentrations in Poland, the United States, and Canada.
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