Last Name Szczepanek

The surname Szczepanek is of Polish origin. It is a patronymic surname derived from the given name Szczepan, which is the Polish form of Stephen. This surname was originally used as a nickname for someone named Stephen or a descendant of a man named Stephen. The ending "-ek" in Polish surnames often signifies that the surname belongs to a younger son or a descendant.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Szczepanek

The meaning and origin of the last name Szczepanek

The surname Szczepanek is of Polish origin, derived from the given name "Szczepan," which translates to Stephen in English. It's a patronymic name, meaning it was originally used as a surname for sons or descendants of a man named Szczepan. The name Szczepan itself comes from the Greek name Stephanos, meaning "crown" or "wreath."

The surname Szczepanek became more common during the Middle Ages when naming conventions in many European countries began to include patronymics as a way to identify people. The spelling variations of the name, such as Schtzepek, Szczepanik, and others, may have occurred due to changes in spelling over time or immigration-related influences. Today, Szczepanek is primarily found among Polish populations, both in Poland and among Polish diaspora communities around the world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Szczepanek

The surname Szczepanek is predominantly found in countries with significant Polish populations, primarily Poland itself. It is one of the most common surnames in this country, particularly in regions such as Lesser Poland and Mazovia. Outside of Poland, notable concentrations of individuals with the last name Szczepanek can be found in countries with large Polish diaspora communities, such as the United States, Canada, Germany, Australia, and the United Kingdom. In these countries, the distribution is often clustered in urban centers with high populations of immigrants from Poland or their descendants.

Variants and spellings of the last name Szczepanek

The surname Szczepanek has several variations and spellings due to differences in transliteration, regional dialects, and changes over time. Some common variants include Schzpanek, Szcze panek, Schzcepanek, Schtschepanko, Szczepan, and Zschepanek. These variations may arise from errors in transcription or assimilation during immigration, cultural influences, or simply personal preference. The root of the name comes from the Polish word "szczep" meaning "tribe" or "clan," combined with the diminutive suffix "-ek." In Poland, it is pronounced approximately as [ˈʂt͡ʂɛpanek], but variations in pronunciation and spelling may occur when individuals move to other countries.

Famous people with the last name Szczepanek

Notable individuals sharing the surname Szczepanek include:

1. Jacek Szczepanek (born 1963), a Polish political activist and former member of the European Parliament from the Law and Justice party. He served as a Member of the European Parliament from 2014 to 2019.

2. Agnieszka Szczepanek-Kosior (born 1965), a Polish politician who has been a member of the Sejm since 2015, representing Law and Justice party. She served as Minister of Regional Development from 2017 to 2018.

3. Katarzyna Szczepańska-Szczepanek (born 1962), a Polish actress who has appeared in numerous film, television, and theater productions since the early 1980s. Some of her most notable roles include "Przedwiośnie" (Spring Storm) and "Królewna Śnieżka" (Snow White).

4. Piotr Szczepanek (born 1965), a Polish footballer who played as a goalkeeper for several clubs during his career, including Górnik Zabrze and Lech Poznań. He also earned caps for the Poland national team.

Genealogical research on the last name Szczepanek

The surname Szczepanek originates from Poland and is derived from the given name "Szczepan," a Polish variant of Stephen. It is believed to have been a nickname for someone who was named after Saint Stephen, the first Christian king of Hungary.

The earliest recorded occurrences of the surname Szczepanek date back to the 15th century in Poland. Notable individuals with this surname include Jakub Szczepanek, a Polish artist and architect who worked during the late Renaissance period, and Józef Szczepanek, a Polish politician and economist who served as the Minister of Finance in the interwar Polish government.

The name has various spellings including Szczepanek, Szczepank, Szczepan, and others, which may have arisen due to spelling variations that occurred over time as well as during migration. The Szczepanek family is primarily found in Poland, with smaller concentrations in other countries with significant Polish diaspora communities, such as the United States, Canada, and Australia.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Szczepanek"
• 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 : 28 July 2025

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