Surname Koziollek - Meaning and Origin
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Koziollek: What does the surname Koziollek mean?
The last name Koziolłek is a locative surname of Slavic origin primarily found in Silesia, a region of Central Europe now located in Poland and the Czech Republic. It is derived from the Polish word ‘kozi’ which means small goat or sheep and the suffix ‘olek’, a diminutive that denotes endearment. Thus, Koziolłek is a term of endearment referencing a small sheep.
The Koziolłek surname New York City and other US cities that had a significant influx of Polish immigrants in the 19th and early 20th centuries. That was the largest population of people with the Koziolłek surname outside of their native Silesia.
Today, people with the Koziolłek surname often trace their roots back to small farming communities in Silesia. Little is known of the early Koziolłek families, as records were lost in the ravages of WWII when much of Poland was destroyed. Historians have been able to note the family’s relationship with traditional farming and their gradual migration towards cities in central and western Poland.
The Koziolłek family comes from a proud and vibrant culture. Even though many moved away from their original farming culture, they held onto their heritage and traditions until the present day. This family’s heritage and love of their past greatly influence how they live and operate today.
Order DNA origin analysisKoziollek: Where does the name Koziollek come from?
The last name Koziollek is most commonly found in Poland today. According to research conducted by the Social Security Administration (SSA), less than 100 people had the last name in the United States in 2020.
The Koziollek surname has been documented in Polish records since the 15th century. It is an occupational name derived from the Old Polish word Kuziołek which means “hat maker”. It is believed to be of Germanic origin, however research suggests that the word dates back to Old Slavic.
The Koziollek surname appears to be particularly concentrated in northern Poland. Records from the early 20th century indicate that this name was most common in the towns of Toruń and Chmielnik. In more recent times, the population has spread across several larger cities in northern Poland such as Gdansk, Szczecin, and Warsaw.
Since the 1800s, many people bearing the Koziollek surname have migrated abroad. Many were believed to have gone to the United States, but their presence has diminished over time. They have also been documented in other countries such as France, Germany, Denmark and Australia.
Despite the decrease in number, the surname Koziollek is still common in Poland today. Records suggest that upwards of 20,000 people with this last name still live in Poland today, and it remains one of the 100 most common surnames within the country.
Variations of the surname Koziollek
The surname Koziollek is a variant of the surname Koziolka, which originated in central Europe centuries ago. It is believed to be derived from a nickname meaning small goat (Kozioł) and the diminutive ending of lek / lka. It could also be understood as a diminutive of the given name Kazimierz (Kazimero) and is a popular Slavic surname in Poland and surrounding countries.
Koziollek is a commonly seen spelling of the surname, but other variants can be found as well, such as Koziolka, Koziołek, Koziolka, Koziołlka, Kozielka, Koziellek, and Kozielska.
When the name is found in English speaking countries, the surname may have been changed to Kozelka, Kozelka, Kozlek, Kozlik, Koselka, Koselek, or Koselka.
Some other surnames of similar origin are Kozłowski, Kozlowski, Kozłowska, Kozłowska, Kozłowicz, and Kozlewski.
The surname is a great reminder of European heritage, and it is likely that still more variants can be found, reflecting the long-standing name traditions and migrations of various peoples across national boundaries.
Famous people with the name Koziollek
- Edward Koziollek: an American actor, producer, and stuntman with an extensive list of credits.
- Aristide Koziollek: a French mathematician who worked in the fields of algebraic topology and differential topology.
- Delaney Koziollek: a Canadian actress, best known for her roles in Everything is Fine and Motherland.
- Darlene Koziollek: a Canadian figure skater who competed at the 1984 World Championships.
- Patrick Koziollek: a German biathlete and Olympian who competed in the in 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.
- Stefanj Koziollek: a former professional football player who played in the German Bundesliga.
- Mark Koziollek: a German rally driver who competes in the WRC Championship.
- Dominic Koziollek: a German professional cyclist who currently competes for the development team of Team Sunweb.
- Eric Koziollek: an American race car driver who competes in the NASCAR Winston Cup Series.
- Bill Koziollek: an American ice hockey player who was the first American to be drafted into the NHL in 1974.