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Last Name Zurawski

What is the origin of the last name Zurawski?

The surname Zurawski originates from Poland and is derived from the Old Polish word "Zuraw," which means 'crane.' It was originally an occupational name for someone who worked as a crane operator or a nickname for someone with long legs, resembling a crane. The name has been commonly found among the Polish population, especially in regions such as Masovia and Podlasie.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Zurawski

The meaning and origin of the last name Zurawski

The surname Zurawski is of Polish origin and it translates to "of the crane" in English. This surname derives from a nickname for someone who resembled a crane or lived near a marsh where cranes were often found. Nicknames, such as Zurawski, were a common method of creating personal names in medieval Europe. The name became widespread across Poland and was particularly prevalent among the peasantry and rural populations. The surname Zurawski is one of the most common Polish surnames, reflecting its deep roots within the nation's history and culture.

Geographical distribution of the last name Zurawski

The surname Zurawski is primarily concentrated in Eastern Europe, particularly in Poland and Belarus. It originates from the Polish word "Zuraw," meaning crane, and has been used as a surname since the Middle Ages. In Poland, it is most prevalent in regions such as Mazovia, Podlasie, and Lublin, where many crane-bird species reside. In Belarus, the name is also common, particularly in Minsk and Vitebsk provinces. Smaller populations of Zurawski individuals can be found in other parts of Europe, the Americas, Australia, and Africa, due to migration from Poland and Belarus over centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Zurawski

The surname Zurawski has several variations and spellings, primarily due to differences in transliteration and regional pronunciation. Some common variants include Zorawski, Zurawek, Zurawsky, Zurawich, Zura, and Zurovsky. These variations originate from Poland, where the name is relatively common. It derives from the Polish word "Zuraw," which means "crane." The name may have been given to someone who was thought to resemble a crane or lived near a place named after the bird. The spelling of the surname can also be influenced by factors such as migration, assimilation, and changes in language norms over time.

Famous people with the last name Zurawski

Notable individuals with the surname Zurawski include:

1. Henryk Zurawski (1896-1974), a Polish philosopher and professor who was one of the pioneers of existentialist thought in Poland. He also served as a member of the Polish resistance during World War II.
2. Artur Zurawski (born 1966), a Polish politician who has been a Member of the European Parliament since 2014, representing the Law and Justice party.
3. Anna Zurawska (born 1984), a Polish actress who has appeared in numerous film and television productions, including the popular series Wataha.
4. Józef Zurawski (1796-1852), a Polish priest and writer who is considered one of the founders of modern Polish literature. He was a proponent of realism and wrote about social issues in his works.
5. Kazimierz Zurawski (1903-1940), a Polish military officer and resistance fighter during World War II. He was posthumously awarded the Virtuti Militari, Poland's highest military decoration, for his bravery.

Genealogical research on the last name Zurawski

The surname Zurawski originates from Poland and is derived from the occupational name Ząbrowski, meaning "from Ząbrowo," a place named for its abundance of willows (zurawa in Polish). The surname evolved over time, with variations such as Zorowski, Zoravski, Zurawsky, and Zurawski. Notable individuals with the surname include Casimir Kaczorowski Zurawski, a Polish-American painter, and Władysław Kuron-Zurawski, a Polish military officer and political activist. The name is most prevalent in Poland and other Eastern European countries due to its historical origins.

In genealogical terms, the surname can be traced back to the 14th century in Poland, with records showing the presence of Zurawski ancestors primarily in regions such as Lesser Poland and Mazovia. The migration patterns of the Zurawski family show that many members moved from rural areas to cities, particularly during the 19th and early 20th centuries, often seeking better opportunities in urban environments. Today, the Zurawski surname is found in various countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and Western Europe, as a result of migration waves during these historical periods.

Last name distribution maps

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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 : 26 July 2025

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