Surname Sowada - Meaning and Origin
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Sowada: What does the surname Sowada mean?
The last name Sowada is believed to be of Polish origin. Its literal meaning is “miller” or “miller of grains.” The etymology of the name is believed to date back to the Middle Ages when grain mills were an integral part of agricultural life in the region.
The surname Sowada has long been associated with many Polish communities. Records dating back to the 16th century show that it was a common family name in the area. In early records, the name was often spelled as “Sowada” or “sowadka” and is believed to come from the Old Polish phrase “soweds” or “sowecie” which translates to “grinder” or “miller”.
Today, the last name Sowada is still found in Poland, though its usage has diminished in recent decades. It is likely that the original family of Sowada has assimilated into mainstream Polish culture while retaining some of its traditional roots. The name can also be found in the United States, where immigrants from Poland have introduced it.
The surname Sowada reflects the tradition and heritage of a proud people from the country of Poland and its surrounding region. It is a reminder of simpler times when grain mills provided sustenance for the community and life moved at a slower, more peaceful pace. Those who still carry the name Sowada today are both inheritors and guardians of a long Polish offshoot of tradition and heritage.
Order DNA origin analysisSowada: Where does the name Sowada come from?
The surname Sowada is most commonly found in Japan. Records from 1875 show a concentration of Sowada throughout the Kanagawa, Ehime, Osaka, Tokyo, and Aichi prefectures.
Yutaka Sowada is the author of “The Art of Japanese Calligraphy” and one of the few living masters of the art. The Sowada family of calligraphers, located in Kurume City in Fukuoka Prefecture, have been known for their work since the beginning of the Meiji period in the 1800s.
As of 2020, the surname Sowada appears to have spread further throughout Japan, with many more people carrying the name now living in the Kanagawa, Chiba, Saitama, Tokyo, and Mie prefectures. Although there are some families living outside of Japan today, such as in the United States, Canada, and Germany, the surname appears to be mainly concentrated in Japan.
The name Sowada is a combination of two kanji characters, the first meaning “grass” or “weeds,” while the second means “benevolent.” It’s generally thought that the name “weeds” in the Sowada surname is seen as a positive, since “weeds” can grow in any environment, no matter the odds. This symbolizes the family’s ability to adapt and overcome hardships.
Variations of the surname Sowada
The surname Sowada is a Polish name originating from the Polska region. It is believed that the name is derived from the word "Sowadaci", which translates to "fighting monks of the Masurian region." The original form of the surname is usually spelled Sowada, however, it has variations in spelling for different countries and regions.
In the United States, variations of the surname Sowada include Sowada, Siebada, Szweda, Siewada, and Szuwada. In Germany, variations would be Zchebada, Zchewada, Seebada, and Seehwada. In France, variations are Chevada, Chevada, Zebada, and Zewada. In Austria, variations are Siewada, Zcheweda, Schieweda, and Schwebeda. Additionally, in Ukraine, variations include Sevada, Zeweda, Seveta, Seveda, and Szavoda.
Variations of the surname can also be seen in other countries such as Norway, Lithuania, Sweden, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic. In many regions, the surname is rare, yet in certain countries such as Poland, it is quite common. Surname variations represent different transliterations of the same name and can provide additional insight into a family’s place of origin.
Famous people with the name Sowada
- Anthony Sowada- professional ice hockey player for DEL2 team ESV Kaufbeuren.
- Jonathan Sowada- professional beach volleyball player and athlete.
- Jeffrey Sowada- Former professional basketball player for the Portland Trail Blazers and Dallas Mavericks.
- Maria Sowada- American-born Youtuber known for make-up tutorials and beauty advice.
- Kirsten Sowada- Award winning professional film producer and actress.
- James Sowada- Award-winning Australian cinematographer and director.
- Abigail Sowada- Professional food stylist and recipe developer.
- Torri Sowada- Professional snowboarder and two-time X Games gold medalist.
- Stephanie Sowada- Professional actress and fashion model.
- Kristen Sowada- Professional photographer and printmaker.