What is the origin of the last name Rozanski?

The surname Rozanski is of Polish origin. It comes from a geographical name, specifically a place name derived from "Rozanki," a village in Poland. The name could also be a habitational name for someone who lived near a place named with this toponym. Over time, it has been anglicized to various forms such as Rozinski, Roszanski, and others.
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The meaning and origin of the last name Rozanski

The surname Rozanski is of Polish origin, derived from a place name or a professional occupation. The root "Rozan" means 'roses' in Polish, suggesting either an association with a location named after rose fields or a nickname for someone who resembled a rose. Alternatively, the surname could have been occupied by someone who was a roofer (from the word "roznik," meaning thatcher or roofer in Old Polish). The suffix "-ski" is a common Polish patronymic indicating 'of' or 'belonging to'. Over time, variations of this name such as Rosinski, Rozansky, and Rozinsky may have arisen due to spelling variations and migrations.

Geographical distribution of the last name Rozanski

The last name Rozanski is predominantly of Polish origin and is primarily found within Polish communities, both domestically and internationally. Its distribution extends beyond Poland, particularly among Poles who have migrated to other countries, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and some European Union countries. In the United States, Rozanski is most common in states with a significant Polish-American population like Illinois, Pennsylvania, and New York. In Canada, it's frequently found in provinces with high Polish immigration like Ontario and Alberta. Globally, Rozanski ranks among the more common Polish surnames, reflecting its widespread usage within the diaspora.

Variants and spellings of the last name Rozanski

The surname Rozanski has various spelling variations due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Here are some common variants:

1. Rosinski - A Polish version, which is phonetically similar to Rozanski.
2. Rożański - Another Polish variant with diacritic marks above the 'o' and 'z'.
3. Rozanovsky or Rozhansky (Russian) - These variations represent an adaptation of the Polish surname when transcribed from Cyrillic script, common among immigrants to Russia.
4. Ruzinsky - An alternative spelling that may appear in some historical records.
5. Roszinski, Rożański, Rozanowski, and Rozansky are other less common variations.

Each of these variations shares a similar origin, deriving from the Slavic given name 'Rożek' (meaning little rose) or 'Rosa' (Rose in Latin). The surname is typically of Polish origin but may also be found among Eastern European immigrants and their descendants.

Famous people with the last name Rozanski

Notable individuals with the surname Rozanski include:

1. John P. Rozanski - A retired United States Army General who served as Chief of Engineers and Commanding General of the United States Army Corps of Engineers from 2007 to 2010.

2. Marcin Rozanski - A Polish chess grandmaster who, as of 2021, holds an Elo rating of 2648, making him one of Poland's highest-rated players.

3. Lukasz Rozanski - A Polish professional footballer who plays as a defender for Pogoń Szczecin and the Poland national team.

4. Agnieszka Holland - A Polish-Jewish film director, screenwriter, and actress whose work includes such films as "Europa Europa," "In Darkness," and "The Secret Garden." Although not surnamed Rozanski by birth, she is often referred to professionally as Agnieszka Holland-Rozánski due to her marriage.

5. Andrzej Rozanski - A Polish-American astrophysicist who has made significant contributions to the study of quasars and cosmology. He currently serves as the Charles A. Dana Professor of Science at Mt. Holyoke College.

Genealogical research on the last name Rozanski

The surname Rozanski originates from Poland and is derived from the geographical location Rosnowo, a town in Pomerania, which was under Polish rule until the late 19th century. The name is a locational surname, indicating that the original bearers lived near a place called Rosnowo. Variations of the name include Rozinski, Roszanski, and others due to spelling variations over time and across language boundaries. The family migrated in large numbers during the 19th and early 20th centuries, with many settling in countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, and Brazil. Notable individuals with the Rozanski surname include Polish-American journalist Stanislaw Rozanski (1874-1965) and Canadian ice hockey player John Rozumalski (born 1960). The distribution of the name today reflects these historical migrations, with significant populations in Poland, North America, and Australia.

Last name distribution maps

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NomOrigine Team
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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.

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