Surname Wasilew - Meaning and Origin
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Wasilew: What does the surname Wasilew mean?
The last name Wasilew is a Polish surname believed to be derived from the Hebrew phrase Was zel Av, meaning "who is like his Father". The surname has a broad range of variants such as Waszlaw, Wasylow, Vashilov, and Wazlaw. These are thought to originate from different areas where the family once lived.
The Wasilew family has a remarkable history in Poland. A bishop from the 12th century was mentioned to have been a Wasilew. Later, a leading military figure, Jan Wasilew, served with distinction in important battles throughout the 1600s.
Historically, the Wasilew surname has been associated with people in specialist positions in Poland. Members of the family have traditionally worked in medicine, engineering, and the military. In more recent times, the Wasilew family has helped lead communities in local politics, industry, and commerce.
Today, the Wasilew heritage is still alive in Poland and outside of it. The surname is to be found throughout the world among those who are connected to the Wasilew family. Whatever form of the Wasilew name is used, it is representative of a proud family with a long and distinguished history.
Order DNA origin analysisWasilew: Where does the name Wasilew come from?
The surname Wasilew is most prevalent in Poland today. Specifically, data from the Central Statistical Office of Poland in 2020 indicates that there are around 21,773 people in the country with the surname. The surname is also fairly common in other Slavic countries, such as Ukraine, Belarus, and the Czech Republic.
The name Wasilew is thought to be derived from the Old-Polish word 'wazyl' meaning 'guardian' or 'mayor' and the word 'lew' meaning 'lion'. This suggests that the surname is linked to a family of guardians or mayors of a specific area.
Although the name Wasilew can be found all over Poland, it is more widely spread in districts surrounding the capital city of Warsaw. Wasilew is listed as the 113th most common surname in the whole country, and it is the 59th most popular surname in the Masovian Voivodeship which covers the area of Warsaw. In other parts of the country, there is a similar amount of Wasilew family members, but the figure decreases the further you travel from the capital.
In summary, the surname Wasilew is most common in Poland today. It is particularly popular in the Masovian Voivodeship, but it is also found in other Slavic countries including Ukraine, Belarus, and the Czech Republic. The name is thought to have originated from the Old-Polish words 'wazyl' and 'lew', meaning 'guardian' or 'mayor' and 'lion' respectively.
Variations of the surname Wasilew
Wasilew is a name of Slavic origin derived from the Latin term ‘vasilevs’, meaning ‘king’ or ‘ruler’. Variations of this surname include Vasilev, Vasiliev, Vasiljevic, Wasiljew and Wasilewski. Other spellings are Vasilyev, Wasilyev, Wasilev, Vasilewski, Vasiljew and Vasyljev.
Wasilew may also be found as a patronymic, such as Wasilewicz, which is a Polish name meaning ‘son of Wasilew’. This variation evolved into varied spellings, including Wasielwicz, Wasilewicz, Wasiletwicz, Wasiliwcz and Wasilewitz. Eventually, the Wasilew suffix was adopted by other Slavic countries and merged with their own language word endings, giving the name further variations.
Other surnames of the same origin include Wasylewicz and Wasylewycz, which can be found in Ukraine, as well as Wasyliw from Belarus, Wasilevsky from the Ukraine and Wasilczuk from Lithuania and Poland.
The name Wasilew has also been adopted by those who have migrated to other countries, especially where there is a high population of Slavic speakers. Variations can also be found in English and American populations as Wasilow, Vasilow and Vasillow.
In conclusion, the Slavic ruler-inspired surname Wasilew has many variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. These variations have spread across many countries and through multiple generations, creating an intricate and dynamic pattern of changing spelling.
Famous people with the name Wasilew
- Ludwik Wasilewski: Polish astronomer, best known for his contributions to the science of celestial mechanics.
- Adam Wasilewski: Polish dramatist, actor, and opera director.
- Wiktor Wasilewski: Polish pianist and music educator.
- Mieczysław Wasilewski: Polish theater and film actor, known for roles in films such as Mój Nikifor and Pokój z lustrem.
- Cyprian Wasilewski: Polish painter, most widely known for his portraiture and still-life watercolors.
- Kazimierz Wasilewski: Polish architect, professor, and director of the Museum of History of Art in Kraków during the interwar period.
- Józef Wasilewski: Polish pianist, composer, and professor at the National Music Academy in Warsaw.
- Juliusz Wasilewski: Polish composer, known for both sacred and instrumental works.
- Wojciech Wasilewski: Polish diplomat, known for his work in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of Poland in 1970s and 1980s.
- Krystyna Wasilewska: Polish opera singer, appearing in productions in both Warsaw and Kraków from the 1960s onward.