Surname Kowarz - Meaning and Origin
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Kowarz: What does the surname Kowarz mean?
The last name Kowarz is believed to be of German or Polish origin, and is a variation of the surname Kowal (blacksmith). The meaning of the name Kowarz is believed to be derived from the Proto-Germanic word "kula", meaning "vessel" or "tub". The name could also have been derived from the German word "Kocher", meaning "drum".
The name Kowarz has been found extensively in Germany, Poland, and Austria, and is believed to have been adopted by those living nearby wooded areas, as it was historically a profession synonymous with working with wood and metal. The name could also be derived from Kowarski, meaning "person from the mountains".
Over the centuries, the meaning of the name has likely evolved. Today, the Kowarz name may simply be traced back to one's family and be seen as a surname related to one’s a localized heritage or culture. In addition to this cultural identity, the surname may also carry a personal meaning, conveying an emotional commitment to, and identification with, one’s family, ancestors, and traditions.
Order DNA origin analysisKowarz: Where does the name Kowarz come from?
The last name Kowarz is most commonly seen today in Germany and Austria, though variations such as Kowarz and Kowarcik can be found in other parts of central and eastern Europe.
The root of the name is believed to be Slavic, with the first recorded use of the name in the 14th century in a town in what is now the Czech Republic. The name was spread mostly by German and Austrian settlers, who brought the name to their respective countries.
In Germany, the name is most commonly found in the state of Thuringia and the southwestern Baden-Wurttemberg region, with a substantial presence in Berlin and Munich as well. In Austria, the name is more widely spread, with records showing that the Kowarz name is popular in the states of Styria, Lower Austria and Carinthia.
The Kowarz name continues to remain quite popular in its country of origin, with records showing that there are around 3,000 people who bear that name in the Czech Republic.
In the United States, the name is not especially common, though anecdotal evidence suggests there may be several families here who can trace their heritage back to prominent Kowarz families in Europe.
Variations of the surname Kowarz
The surname Kowarz is a variant spelling of the German surname Kowarz, which derived from the ancient personal name Co(e)uarz, police or counter-magician. It is also related to the nickname “The Great One”, often associated with successful hunters and trackers in German folklore.
Variants of the name Kowarz include Kowherz, Kowartz, Kowaertz, Kouartz, Kowarzakis, Kowaarz, Kowarcki, Coulart, Coulartz, Kolwart and Koulart.
A less common variant of the name is Kowarsh or Kowarrs. This spelling is found in a few regions in the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
The surnames Kowar, Kowalski, Kowarzewski, Kowalczyk, Kowalkowski, Kowalewski, and Cowarz are all derived from Kowarz.
In the United States, Kowarz has also become fashionableized as Kowarzik, Kowark, and Kowork.
The Polish surname Kowarz is the most common variant of the Kowarz surname. It is derived from the root word kowary, meaning “lake” or “marsh”. This surname can also be spelled as Kowal, Kowalski, Kowalczyk, and Kowalkowski.
The nickname form of Kowarz is Kowa, which is sometimes shortened to Kow. In the Netherlands, the surnames Kowar and Kowal are derived from the Kowarz surname.
Other surnames derived from Kowarz are Kowarz-Harren, Kowarzik, Kowamik, Kowalik, and Kowarczyk. The surnames Kowalec and Kowalczik are also derived from Kowarz.
Famous people with the name Kowarz
- Monika Kowalczyk-Kowarz: Polish professional cyclist
- Matthias Kowarz: Austrian slalom canoeist
- Karol Kowarz: Polish politician
- Eike Kowarz: German romanticist poet
- Tadeusz Kowarz: Polish biologist
- Wojciech Kowarz: Polish historian
- Franz Kowarz: Austrian private tutor
- Cristina Kowarz: Austrian TV presenter
- Martin Kowarz: Austrian professor of sociology
- Oskar Kowarz: Austrian hygienist