NomOrigine Background

Last Name Wolski

What is the origin of the last name Wolski?

The surname "Wolski" is a Polish-language surname. It is an occupational name derived from the Old Polish word "wół," which means ox. Thus, the surname "Wolski" was likely given to someone who worked with or tended oxen. Like many surnames in Poland, it originated during the Middle Ages when people began using fixed family names. The occupational nature of the name reflects the feudal system and agrarian economy prevalent in medieval Poland.

Unlock and discover the hidden secrets of the surname Wolski

Unlock the Secrets of Your Surname Now

For only 3.95 $, you get:

  • Full access for 7 days
  • Unlimited access to all name and surname profiles
  • High-quality Origin Certificate
  • Download: Keep a precious memory with your origins downloadable in PDF format.
  • Unlimited search
  • Ad-Free: Enjoy a smooth and uninterrupted user experience.
  • ✅ 15-Day Money-Back Satisfaction Guarantee!
Unlock the Secrets of Your Surname Now
🎁 Special offer today: 3.95 $ instead of 6.95 $
⏳ This exclusive offer expires in:

✅ 15-Day Money-Back Satisfaction Guarantee!

What our users say

“I discovered fascinating details about my family history. This service is amazing for tracing our roots!” - Jean D.

“This site strengthened our sense of family belonging by uncovering our origins. Highly recommended!” - Marie L.

“The information was detailed and accurate. I learned interesting facts about my ancestors. A must-have!” - Paul S.

✅ Join the 5,000+ people who have already discovered the fascinating history of their last name!

Discover my family history now

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What will I discover by exploring my last name?
Answer: You will discover the geographical origin, etymology, and unique history of your last name. You can also explore family traditions and historical events connected to it.

Question: How long does it take to access the information?
Answer: Once your payment is confirmed, access is instant. You can start exploring right away.

Question: Are the details about my last name accurate?
Answer: Our data comes from extensive research in reliable archives and historical databases. While we cannot guarantee 100% accuracy, we strive to provide the most complete and precise information possible.

Payment Information

or pay by card

By clicking 'Confirm my payment', you agree to our refund policy, accessible via this link: Refund Policy, as well as our cancellation policy accessible via this link: Cancellation Policy

Learn more about the origin of the last name Wolski

The meaning and origin of the last name Wolski

The surname Wolski is of Polish origin, derived from the occupational name for a wolf trapper or keeper. In Old Polish, "wolc" referred to a wolf, while "-ski" is a common Slavic suffix indicating a profession. The original bearer of this surname was likely someone who worked with wolves, such as a hunter, guard, or caretaker of wolf packs in a zoo or wildlife preserve. Over time, the name has been transmitted and spread across different regions, notably among populations of Polish descent due to historical migrations and diaspora. Today, Wolski remains a common surname in Poland and among Polish communities worldwide.

Geographical distribution of the last name Wolski

The surname Wolski is predominantly found in Central and Eastern Europe, particularly in Poland, Lithuania, Belarus, and Ukraine. It also appears in significant numbers in Russia, Latvia, and Estonia. Migration patterns have dispersed the name to various countries worldwide, with a noticeable presence in the United States, Canada, Australia, Germany, France, Sweden, and the United Kingdom, among others. This distribution pattern suggests that the Wolski family originated from one of the aforementioned regions and migrated or spread throughout Europe over time. The name's global dispersion can be attributed to historical events such as war, religion, and economic opportunities.

Variants and spellings of the last name Wolski

The surname Wolski has various spellings and variations. It originates from Poland, where it is most commonly spelled as "Wolski." Other common spellings include Wolsky, Wahlsky, Wohlsky, and Volsky. These variations arise due to differences in phonetic pronunciation, regional dialects, and transcription errors over time. Some branches of the family may have anglicized the name to Wolfsky or Wolfecky when immigrating to English-speaking countries, while others might have adopted the spelling Wolschik, Volchik, or similar variants. Additionally, in some cases, family members may intentionally alter their last names for various reasons, such as assimilation or simplification. These variations and adaptations reflect the diverse history and migration patterns of the Wolski family.

Famous people with the last name Wolski

Notable individuals sharing the surname Wolski include:

1. **Władysław Wolski** (1926-2008), a Polish journalist and writer, known for his work during World War II as a courier for the Polish Underground State and later as editor-in-chief of the Warsaw daily newspaper "Express Wieczorny."

2. **Piotr Wolski** (born 1967), a Polish politician who served as the Minister of National Defense from 2015 to 2018, and is currently a Member of European Parliament representing Poland's Law and Justice party.

3. **Roman A. L. Wolski** (1919-2014), a Canadian diplomat, academic, and writer, who served as the first Canadian Ambassador to the People's Republic of China from 1971 to 1975 and later worked extensively on Chinese studies and Canada-China relations.

4. **Andrzej Wolski** (born 1950), a Polish film director, writer, and screenwriter, known for films such as "Kolberg" (1980) and "The Promised Land" (1975). His works often revolve around historical events and themes.

These figures have made significant contributions in their respective fields, spanning journalism, politics, diplomacy, and the arts.

Genealogical research on the last name Wolski

The surname Wolski is predominantly of Polish origin and is believed to have emerged from various regions within Poland, notably Masovia and Silesia, during the Middle Ages. It is a habitational name derived from numerous villages named Wolski or similar variations, meaning "from the village." One of the earliest recorded instances of the surname dates back to the 14th century in the Duchy of Masovia, where Jakub Wolski was documented in 1390. The Wolski family expanded throughout Poland and immigrated to other parts of Europe and later the Americas during the mass migrations in the 19th and 20th centuries. Today, the Wolski lineage is found globally, with significant communities in the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. Genealogical research on the Wolski family can be traced through various records, including church records, census data, immigration lists, and military documents from Poland and their respective countries of settlement.

Last name distribution maps

Chargement de la carte...

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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 : 15 June 2025

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

Wolamo (Last name)

surnames > wolamo

The origin of the last name "Wolamo" is Ethiopian. It is derived from the Amharic word "wolamo," which means "plentiful" or "abundant."

Wolanski (Last name)

surnames > wolanski

The surname "Wolanski" is of Polish origin. It is derived from a place-name, most likely "Wołoska", which was the Polish term for "Volhynia", a region in present-day western Ukrai...

Wolarba (Last name)

surnames > wolarba

The surname Wolarba is of unknown origin and does not seem to have a specific meaning in English. It is possible that it is a rare or uncommon surname with a unique history or back...

Wolate mikaele (Last name)

surnames > wolate-mikaele

The last name "Wolate Mikaele" appears to be of Samoan origin. The surname Mikaele is a common Samoan first name, derived from the Hebrew name Michael, meaning "Who is like God?" T...

Wolchok (Last name)

surnames > wolchok

The surname Wolchok is of Jewish origin, specifically Ashkenazic, which refers to a historical group of Jews from Central and Eastern Europe. It's derived from the Yiddish "Wolf" m...

Wolck (Last name)

surnames > wolck

The last name "Wolck" is of German origin. It is believed to be a variant spelling of the surname "Wolk," which is derived from the Middle High German word "wolc," meaning "cloud."...

Wold geberile (Last name)

surnames > wold-geberile

The surname "Wold Geberile" appears to have origins in Ethiopia. The first part "Wold" is a common Ethiopian surname meaning "son of", while "Geberile" could be a given name that h...

Wolda (Last name)

surnames > wolda

Please wait, data loading. It may take 1 minute or 2...

Wolday (Last name)

surnames > wolday

The surname "Wolday" is of Eritrean and Ethiopian origin. It is derived from the Tigrinya word "welde" meaning "son of" and "ay" which is a common suffix in many Eritrean and Ethio...

Woldegebriel beyene (Last name)

surnames > woldegebriel-beyene

The last name "Woldegebriel Beyene" appears to have Ethiopian origins. "Woldegebriel" may be related to the Amharic word "wold" meaning "son," and "gebriel" may be derived from the...

Woldegerima (Last name)

surnames > woldegerima

The last name "Woldegerima" is of Eritrean and Ethiopian origin. It is derived from the Ge'ez language, with "Wolde" meaning "son of" and "Gerima" likely a given name or family nam...

Woldehana (Last name)

surnames > woldehana

The surname "Woldehana" is of Ethiopian origin. It consists of two parts: "Wolde" which means "sons of" in Amharic, a language spoken in Ethiopia, and "Hana" which is probably a gi...

Woldi (Last name)

surnames > woldi

The last name "Woldi" does not have a widely-known origin or history. It appears to be a fairly rare or unique surname that may have specific ties to a particular family or region....

Woldsenbet (Last name)

surnames > woldsenbet

The last name Woldsenbet is of African origin, specifically from Eritrea. It is derived from the Tigrinya language and is a combination of the words "wold" meaning son and "senbet"...

Woledahasanebate (Last name)

surnames > woledahasanebate

The last name "Woledahasanebate" appears to have origins in Ethiopia. The name may be of Ethiopian Amharic or Tigrinya origin.