Last Name Szczerbicki

Szczerbicki is a Polish surname derived from a place name or a personal name. The suffix "-cki" indicates that it originated from a place called Szczerbic or was originally a nickname for someone associated with such a place or person. The name Szczerbic itself may have several possible origins. One possibility is that it comes from the word "szczeber," meaning a type of wild animal, possibly a boar, and therefore could be an occupational surname for a hunter or butcher. Another possibility is that it originates from toponyms, such as places named Szczerbica (a village in Poland) or Szczerbiec (an old Polish name for the sword used in the coronation of Polish kings). It's worth noting that surnames in Polish, like Szczerbicki, were not hereditary until the late Middle Ages and often changed over time due to various factors such as migration, local customs, and administrative decisions.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Szczerbicki

The meaning and origin of the last name Szczerbicki

The surname Szczerbicki is of Polish origin, derived from various places named Szczerbik or Szczerbice, scattered throughout Poland. These place names are believed to have originated from the word "szczerbiec," which refers to a type of falcon, indicating that early inhabitants of these areas may have been associated with falconry or were named after someone who owned such a bird. The surname, over time, has several variations including Szczerbik, Szczęrbicki, and Szczerbiński. As is common in many Slavic countries, the Polish surnames often originated from the location where their bearers lived or were born.

Geographical distribution of the last name Szczerbicki

The surname Szczerbicki has its origins from Poland and is primarily found within that country. According to data from various sources, it is most prevalent in regions such as Masovia, Lesser Poland, and Greater Poland, which are historically significant areas with a rich Polish cultural heritage. It's also worth noting that due to emigration, particularly during the 20th century, there are Szczerbickis residing in various parts of the world, including North America, Australia, and Western Europe, primarily where large Polish communities have formed. The distribution within these foreign countries is not as concentrated as in Poland, but it remains a notable Polish surname globally.

Variants and spellings of the last name Szczerbicki

The surname Szczerbicki has several variants and spellings due to differences in transliteration and local conventions. Some common variations include Scherbicki, Szczarbicki, Szczerbitzki, Szczerbecki, Szczerbik, Szczerbicz, and Szczerbyszewski. These variations may occur due to factors such as the influence of languages other than Polish, regional dialects, or individual preferences in spelling. It is also worth noting that Polish surnames often originate from occupations, geographical locations, or personal attributes, with Szczerbicki potentially deriving from a profession related to woodworking or a nickname referring to someone with red hair or beard (szczerb means "bristly" in Polish).

Famous people with the last name Szczerbicki

Notable individuals with the surname Szczerbicki include:

1. Michał Szczerbicki (born 1984), a Polish footballer who plays as a defender for GKS Tychy and the Poland national team.
2. Wojciech Szczerbiak (born 1978), an American former professional basketball player who played in the NBA for teams such as the Minnesota Timberwolves, Boston Celtics, Seattle SuperSonics, Detroit Pistons, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Orlando Magic.
3. Maciej Szczerbicki (born 1976), a Polish historian specializing in early modern Poland and its relations with other European powers. He is a professor at the University of Warsaw.
4. Konrad Szczerbicki (1857-1926), a Polish painter known for his landscapes and portraits, as well as for being a member of the Society for Encouragement of National Art.
5. Władysław Szczerbiak (born 1943), a Polish physicist who has made significant contributions to the field of solid-state physics. He is a professor at the University of Warsaw and a member of several academic societies.

Genealogical research on the last name Szczerbicki

The surname Szczerbicki is of Polish origin and is derived from the occupational name "Szczerbiec," which referred to a blacksmith who made or repaired farm tools. Variations of this surname include Szczebrzyk, Szczepbrzyk, Szczerbik, Szczerbek, and Szczerbiak. The earliest recorded instances of the name are in the 16th century, with Jan Szczerbicki appearing in the Krakow archives in 1543. The family was originally from Silesia, a region that is now part of Poland, Czech Republic, and Germany. Notable individuals with the surname Szczerbicki include Michal Kazimierz Ogiński, a Polish nobleman and military commander during the late 18th century. The name remains common in Poland today, primarily in its western regions.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "szczerbicki"
• 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 : 29 July 2025

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