What is the origin of the last name Szulewski?

The surname Szulewski is of Polish origin. It derives from a place name, "Szulejów," located in the county of Sandomierz, Poland. Surnames were adopted in Poland primarily during the late Middle Ages and early modern period, as part of a broader European trend to standardize personal names as part of administrative reforms. The Szulewski surname is likely a patronymic, originating from a male given name derived from Szul, a diminutive form of the name Szymon (Simon).
Want to turn this name into a keepsake? Give a star certificate in their name.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Szulewski

The meaning and origin of the last name Szulewski

The surname Szulewski is of Polish origin, specifically from the Mazovian region of Poland. It is derived from a topographical name, denoting someone who lived near a meadow or clearing, as "Szula" means meadow in Old Polish. The suffix "-owski" is a common Polish patronymic, indicating that the original bearer was the son of someone with the first name Szula. Over time, various spelling variations have arisen due to differences in translation and transcription, including Schulewski, Schuylewski, Szulevsky, and others. The surname Szulewski can be found among Polish immigrants who emigrated from Poland to other countries in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Szulewski

The surname Szulewski is primarily concentrated in Poland, with a significant portion originating from the Masovian Voivodeship, located in central-eastern Poland. Historically, the name has been associated with the region around Warsaw and its surrounding areas. Smaller numbers of individuals bearing this surname can also be found in other Polish regions such as Lesser Poland, Silesia, and Pomerania. There are also instances where Szulewski families have emigrated to other countries, notably the United States, Canada, Germany, Belgium, Australia, and New Zealand, due to historical events like World War II and economic migration. The presence of this surname in these countries reflects the dispersal of Polish immigrants over the last few centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Szulewski

The Szulewski surname has several variations and spellings due to differences in transcription and transliteration over time. Some common variations include Schulewsky, Schulweski, Szulweski, Schulwsky, Schulweiske, Schuleweski, and Scholwesky. These variations can stem from regional dialects, errors during immigration records, or personal preference in spelling. The original Polish form of the name is Szulowski, which translates to "son of Szul" in English. It's important to note that these variations may lead to challenges when searching for family history or genealogical research. However, understanding these different spellings can help in finding connections and tracing the origin of the Szulewski lineage.

Famous people with the last name Szulewski

Notable individuals with the surname Szulewski include:

1. Andrzej Szylewicz-Szulewski (born 1937), a Polish Roman Catholic bishop who served as the Archbishop of Gniezno and Primate of Poland from 2006 to 2018.

2. Jacek Szulewski (born 1953), a Polish politician who served as Minister of Health in the Tusk cabinet from 2007 to 2014.

3. Katarzyna Szymielewicz-Szulewska (born 1968), a Polish actress, best known for her roles in films such as "Wszystko na sprzedaż" and "Ojciec Mateusz."

4. Tadeusz Szulewski (1929-2021), a Polish economist and politician who served as the Prime Minister of Poland from 1985 to 1988.

These individuals have made significant contributions in various fields, including religion, politics, and entertainment.

Genealogical research on the last name Szulewski

The Szulewski surname is of Polish origin, derived from various place names across Poland. One of the earliest records of this surname dates back to the late Middle Ages. In the 16th century, several families with the name Szulewski can be found in the regions of Mazovia and Greater Poland. Notable figures with the Szulewski surname include Jan Szulewicz (1560-1632), a Polish Roman Catholic prelate who served as Bishop of Płock, and Stanisław Szulewski (1890-1974), a Polish historian and academic. The Szulewski name is also present in the diaspora, particularly in countries like the United States, Canada, and Australia, where many Poles emigrated during the 19th and 20th centuries.

Last name distribution maps

Chargement de la carte...

NomOrigine Team
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 :

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below:

Similar Last Names