Surname Smolareck - Meaning and Origin

Smolareck: What does the surname Smolareck mean?

The last name Smolareck is of Polish origin and is thought to have derived from the words 'smok’ (dragon) and 'larek’ (market), thus meaning “dragon market”. The literal translation of the term refers to a traditional weekly market in the form of an open-air fair. It is thought that the Smolareck surname in its modern form dates back to the country’s medieval period from between the 19th and 20th centuries.

The Smolareck surname is found predominantly among families from the region of Łódź, and is especially common among the Polish Jew population. Records from prior to the 19th century demonstrate that Smolareck families were usually found in towns where the former Smolareck castles were located, the most famous of which was a former castle in the Warsaw district of Praga.

Due to the fact that Smolareck is a relatively rare last name, it is possible that it was once an occupational type of name, given to those who sold goods and services at the open-air markets. Other records suggest that it may have once been given as an honorary name, given to those who provided worthy service to the local community, or of a nick name given amongst families and friends. In other words, the exact origin of the Smolareck name is still a mystery today.

Smolareck: Where does the name Smolareck come from?

The last name Smolareck is most commonly found in Poland. It is believed to be a Polish habitational name, meaning someone from a place called Smolarek. Records show that the earliest recorded Smolarecks were found in the region of Czestochowa in the 1890s.

Due to Polish emigration, the surname can also be found in other countries and regions such as the United States, Canada, Australia and parts of Europe such as the United Kingdom, Germany, Sweden and Lithuania.

In the U.S., the last name Smolareck can mostly be found in states such as Illinois, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Missouri and New Jersey.

The name certainly does not seem to be extremely popular in the world, however, it is estimated that there are around 10,000 individuals living today who own the last name.

The use of the name as a first name however is much more common outside of Poland, with the name often shortened to ‘Smokey’. Despite this, the surname is still used proudly by both men and women who can trace their heritage back to Poland.

Overall, the last name Smolareck is most commonly found in its homeland of Poland, but also widely used in the United States, Canada, Australia and other parts of Europe. Its use as a first name is not extremely popular in Poland, however, it is still proudly used to pay homage to the country’s legacy.

Variations of the surname Smolareck

The Smolareck surname has many different variants, spellings, and surnames of similar origin. The most common forms of the surname are spelled Smolarek, Smolarecki, and Smolarecz, however, other variants exist such as Smolarz and Smolarec.

The surname Smolareck is derived from the Polish language, and is derived from the combination of "smola" which means tar, and the suffix "-arek" which is a diminutive. The name thus likely initially referred to someone who was associated with tar in some way, for example, a tar-maker or tar-seller.

The Smolareck surname is also seen in some other languages, such as German spelled as Smolarz, and Czech as Smolarec / Smolárcek. It has also been anglicised as Smolarek, and seen in some English-speaking countries as Smollerack and Smallerack.

Variants of the surname have been found in records in many countries, including other Slavic countries such as Belarus, Ukraine, and Russia, as well as in Germany, Lithuania, the Czech Republic, and even the United States. Smolareck and its variants were also adopted by many Jewish families.

Overall, the Smolareck surname has many variants, spellings, and surnames of similar origin, and is a surname that has been found in many different countries throughout Europe and beyond.

Famous people with the name Smolareck

• Youssef Smolareck: French footballer for RC Lens.
• Jakub Smolarek: Polish footballer who formerly played for Bolton Wanderers, Feyenoord and Poland.
• Mariusz Smolarek: Polish footballer who formerly played for Hertha BSC, Bolton Wanderers and Poland.
• Adam Smolarek: Polish footballer who formerly played for Ligasport FK Čáslav, Widzew Łódź, Jagiellonia Białystok and Poland.
• Jadwiga Smolarek: Polish opera singer who performed in roles of principal soloists of National Opera in Warsaw from 1937-46.
• Igor Smolarek: Polish footballer who formerly played for FC Sheriff Tiraspol, OKS 1945 Olsztyn and Lechia Gdańsk.
• Grzegorz Smolarek: Polish footballer who formerly played for Borussia Dortmund, Racing Santander and Poland.
• Elzbieta Smolarek: Polish architect and sculptor who designed numerous monuments in the cities of Poland.
• Stanislaw Smolarek: Polish WWII veteran and recipient of the Order of the Cross of Merit for his wartime service.
• Barbara Stanislawa Smolarek: Polish film producer and director whose films include “Wezwany” and “Cisza”.

Other surnames

Smolarek