Last Name Zawada

The surname Zawada is of Polish and Czech origin. It derives from a diminutive form of the given name "Zawisza," which means "fearless" or "bold." This name was borne by several prominent figures in medieval Poland, including Zawisła of Czarnków, a 15th-century nobleman who played a significant role in Polish history. Over time, the surname Zawada came to be used as a standalone family name among the descendants of these individuals.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Zawada

The meaning and origin of the last name Zawada

The surname Zawada is of Polish origin, derived from the word "zawód," which means "craft" or "occupation" in English. It was likely an occupational name for someone who practiced a specific craft or trade, such as blacksmithing or masonry. In some cases, it could also be a locative surname, denoting someone who lived near a place with that name, although places named Zawada are relatively common in Poland. The name has been recorded in various forms over the centuries, including Sawada, Sowada, and Sozawa. Notable individuals bearing this surname include Władysław Zawada, a Polish film director, and Józef Zawada, a Polish Roman Catholic bishop.

Geographical distribution of the last name Zawada

The surname Zawada is primarily concentrated in Central and Eastern Europe, particularly in Poland and other Slavic countries. It originates from the Polish word "zawada," which means trouble or nuisance, and is often associated with individuals who lived near areas causing disturbances or difficulties. In Poland, it is most common in regions such as Silesia, Lesser Poland, and Mazovia. The name has also been found among Polish communities settled in other countries, notably in the United States, Canada, Australia, and South America, due to historical migration waves. In the U.S., the largest populations of individuals with the surname Zawada can be found in states with significant Polish-American populations like Pennsylvania, Illinois, Michigan, and New York.

Variants and spellings of the last name Zawada

The surname Zawada has several variations and spellings in different regions and historical periods. Some common versions include:

1. Sawada - This is a Japanese spelling of a name that originated from Poland, due to the historical influence of Polish immigrants in Japan.
2. Sawaida - A variant found among Eastern European immigrants to the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
3. Zawatka - A more uncommon variant, which may be a shortened form or a typographical error of the original surname.
4. Sawada-san - In Japanese culture, it is common to add the honorific '-san' to a surname, so this variation would be used when addressing someone named Zawada in Japan.
5. Zawadka - This is the feminine form of Zawada, typically used for women with the same family name.
6. Sawatsky, Sawaichuk, or Sawatkewicz - These are some examples of Polish-American surnames that may have originated from the surname Zawada due to changes in spelling and phonetic pronunciation over time.

Famous people with the last name Zawada

Notable individuals bearing the surname Zawada include:

1. Piotr Zawada (born 1962), a Polish composer known for his experimental and electronic music. His works have been performed worldwide, including at Carnegie Hall and the BBC Proms.

2. Wojciech Zawada (born 1983), a Polish long-distance runner who competed in the Olympics in 2004, 2008, and 2012. He is a multiple medalist at European Athletics Championships and holds several national records.

3. Hanna Zawada (born 1976), a Polish politician and Member of the European Parliament since 2019. She was previously a member of the Sejm, the lower house of the Polish parliament.

4. Robert Zawada (born 1981), a Canadian-Polish professional ice hockey goaltender who played in the National Hockey League and various European leagues.

5. Marta Zawadzka (born 1990), a Polish actress known for her roles in films such as "The Lure" and "Cold War". She won the Silver Bear for Best Actress at the Berlin International Film Festival for "Cold War".

Genealogical research on the last name Zawada

The surname Zawada originates from Poland and is derived from the Old Polish word "zawoda," meaning occupation or craft. Historically, the name was often associated with artisans or tradesmen, as it was customary for individuals to take on a surname that reflected their profession in medieval Europe. The earliest recorded instance of the name Zawada dates back to the 13th century in Poland. Notable bearers of this surname include Polish-American politician Stanislaus Witold Zawadzki and Polish poet Zygmunt Kazimierz Zawadzki. The name has also spread globally due to migration waves, particularly in the 19th and 20th centuries, with significant numbers of Zawadas found in countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, and Germany. Genealogical research on the surname Zawada is active among Polish diaspora communities worldwide.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Zawada"
• 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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