Last Name Wolak

The surname Wolak is of Polish and Czech origin. It is derived from a given name, which was a diminutive form of the Slavic name Vladislav (meaning "ruled by glory"). In Poland, the surname has been recorded as Wolak, Wołak, Wolaś, and other variations, while in the Czech Republic it can be found as Vlach or Volák. The surname spread throughout Poland due to migration patterns during the Middle Ages and was also brought to other parts of Europe by Polish immigrants, particularly during the 16th and 17th centuries.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Wolak

The meaning and origin of the last name Wolak

The surname Wolak is of Polish origin, derived from the occupational name for a shepherd or cowherd. The word "Wolak" is derived from the Old Slavic term "volok," meaning cattle or oxen. The name was originally used as a nickname for someone who tended to livestock, and it later became an hereditary surname. It is most common in Poland, but also appears in other Eastern European countries with significant Polish populations. The spelling may vary slightly due to transliteration or local dialects, such as Volak, Wolakowski, or Wolański.

Geographical distribution of the last name Wolak

The surname Wolak is predominantly of Polish origin and is commonly found within Poland and among its diaspora communities worldwide, particularly in countries with significant Polish immigrant populations such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and Germany. In Poland, the highest concentration of the Wolak family can be found in the south-western region, specifically in Silesia, where it is one of the more common surnames. Outside of Poland, large communities of people with the Wolak last name can be found in urban centers with significant Polish populations, such as Chicago, New York, and Toronto. Additionally, there are smaller populations of Wolaks throughout other European countries and North America due to historical migratory patterns.

Variants and spellings of the last name Wolak

The surname Wolak can be found with various spelling variations due to differences in transliteration, regional dialects, and the passage of time. Some common variants include Wolfack, Wolfeck, Wolac, Wolakowski, and Wohlack. These variations may arise from minor misspellings during historical record-keeping or intentional alterations to adapt to local linguistic conventions. Additionally, some families might have slightly different ways of spelling their surname within their own lineage. While these variations exist, the original Polish form of the name is Wolak, meaning "a shepherd."

Famous people with the last name Wolak

Notable individuals with the surname Wolak include:

1. Steve Wolak (born 1964), an American professional ice hockey player who played for teams like the New York Rangers and Los Angeles Kings in the National Hockey League (NHL).
2. Magdalena Wolak (born 1987), a Polish-born Norwegian actress, known for her roles in Norwegian films such as "Oslo, August 31st" and "The Wave".
3. Robert Wolak (born 1940), an American politician who served as the Pennsylvania Secretary of Labor and Industry from 2015 to 2017.
4. Małgorzata Wolak (born 1976), a Polish actress and singer, known for her work in popular Polish TV series like "Ludwik Ostrowski" and "Na Wspólnej".
5. Alicja Wolanin-Wolak (born 1948), a Polish architect and designer who has received numerous awards for her work, including the Golden Lion of Architecture award in 2002.

Genealogical research on the last name Wolak

The surname Wolak originates from Poland and is derived from the occupation of a 'vulcan' or blacksmith. The name has several variations including Wola, Wolack, Volak, and Voloch. The earliest recorded instance of the name dates back to the late Middle Ages in Poland. The Wolak family migrated to other parts of Europe and North America during the 19th and early 20th centuries, with significant populations settling in Germany, France, Belgium, and the United States. In the United States, the highest concentrations of Wolaks can be found in states like Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Illinois, and New York. The Wolak genealogy is rich and diverse, with many notable individuals, including politicians, artists, and scholars, carrying the surname. Genealogical research and resources such as census records, church documents, immigration records, and family trees can help trace the lineage of individuals bearing the name Wolak.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Wolak"
• 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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