Surname Kowollek - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'K'
Kowollek: What does the surname Kowollek mean?
The last name Kowollek is of German origin. It is derived from the German surname Kowal, which means "blacksmith" or "ironworker." It likely originated from the town of Kowal in what is now western Poland.
Kowollek is a relatively rare name, and the individuals who bear it comprise a tight-knit community with shared roots and a shared past. It is believed that those with the same name could have been part of a single extended family at some point in history.
Kowollek is derived from the Bavarian term kowalec, which translates to blacksmith. This is fitting, as several of the name’s earliest known bearers earned their living by forging metal artifacts. In addition, some of the earliest known individuals with the Kowalec name were cattle dealers, suggesting a strong connection between the family and commodities. It is possible that the family farmsteads also served a dual purpose as metalworking shops.
Many Kowalecs were highly respected members of their communities, and the family name is often associated with hard work and dedication. Those who bear the name today continue to perpetuate this proud tradition by working hard and achieving success in their respective fields.
Order DNA origin analysisKowollek: Where does the name Kowollek come from?
The last name Kowollek is most commonly found in Germany, with some individuals living in Poland, Austria, and the former Yugoslavia. The name is derived from the German words koppen (head) and licker (forest)." Known as Koppenlicker, it is commonly found as a first name and sometimes as a surname in Germany. The name Kowollek is usually pronounced with a soft "w" sound.
In the United States, Kowollek can be found as a variant spelling of the surname Kovalik. One prominent family with this name originally came to the United States from Austria in the early 20th century and settled in Cleveland, Ohio. This family underwent a surname transformation due to the often-unfriendly anti-immigrant sentiment in the US at the time, which was even more pronounced against Austrians because of World War I.
Kowollek is still commonly found in Germany, where individuals may have kept the original spelling or adopted a variant spelling such as Kovalik, Kowolek, or Kovalak. The name appears in Germany's phone directories, suggesting that it is still in use. Kowolek is also commonly found in Poland, especially among those of Sorbian descent. There are not many Kowolleks in the United States, though some can be found in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and other Midwestern states.
Variations of the surname Kowollek
The surname Kowollek can have various variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. In many cases, surnames are derived from similar sounding place names or are adopted from others who have taken on similar-sounding surnames. As such, the various variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin for the surname Kowollek include:
Kowalik – this spelling is derived from a Polish spelling of the surname and is also known as Kowaliszek in some cases.
Květon – this is a Czech spelling for the surname and means 'floret' or 'blossom'.
Kowal – this spelling is derived from a Polish word meaning 'blacksmith'.
Koval – this is a Czech spelling for the surname and means 'blacksmith'.
Kovář – this is a Czech spelling for the surname and means 'blacksmith'.
Kowalski – this surname is derived from a Polish word meaning 'son of a blacksmith' and is the most common spelling of the surname.
Kováč – this is a Slovakian spelling for the surname and means 'blacksmith'.
Kovi – this spelling is derived from a Czech word meaning 'blacksmith' and is also known as Kovič in some cases.
Kovalcik – this is a Slovakian spelling for the surname and means 'little blacksmith'.
Kovalič – this is a Slovenian spelling for the surname and means 'blacksmith'.
Kovachev – this is an often used Bulgarian spelling.
Kovačević – this is a Serbian spelling of the surname and is also known as Kovačevič in some cases.
Kováčik – this is a Slovakian spelling for the surname and means 'little blacksmith'.
Kovaľ – this is a Slovakian and Ukrainian spelling of the surname.
Kowalewicz – this is a Polish spelling of the surname and means 'son of a blacksmith'.
Kowalewski – this is a Polish spelling of the surname and means 'son of a blacksmith'.
Kowalikowski – this is a Polish spelling of the surname and means 'son of a blacksmith'.
Kowalik- this is a Polish spelling of the surname and means 'son of a blacksmith'.
The various variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin for the surname Kowollek can have various levels of variation, but are still related to the surname in origin. While there are numerous possibilities for what the surname could be based on, the most likely origin is the Slavic word for blacksmith.
Famous people with the name Kowollek
- Tad Kowollek: American actor known for the movies 'Birdman' and 'Big Hero 6'.
- Karim Kowollek: French film director. He is best known for his film debut 'Les Lyonnais'.
- Niles Kowollek: Professional endurance swimmer and endurance coach.
- Sarah Kowollek: Hockey player with the University of Wisconsin–Madison, also a member of the United States Women's Under-18 Hockey Team.
- Eric Kowollek: Professional American football player with the Green Bay Packers.
- Mike Kowollek: Actor, writer, director and producer known for movies such as 'Suburban Gothic', 'Devil’s Canyon' and 'The Preacher’s Daughter'.
- William Kowollek: American artist and sculptor known for his public and monumental works.
- Marta Kowollek: Polish actress known for her roles in 'Joanna', 'Bitter Home' and 'Forgotten River'.
- Amber Kowollek: American long-distance runner, currently specialising in the marathon.
- Joe Kowollek: Retired professional ice hockey player and coach. He was a member of the 1980 US Men's Olympic Hockey Team.