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Zawadzki Family History

Family Name History

Overview

The surname Zawadzki (feminine form: Zawadzka; plural: Zawadzcy) is a common Polish family name with a rich historical and etymological background. Unlike many other surnames, Zawadzki is not just a name but is deeply rooted in geographical and personal associations in Poland. By the end of the 20th century, approximately 37,600 people in Poland bore this surname.

Etymological Background

The surname Zawadzki originates from the Old Polish word "zawada," which means "obstacle" or "hindrance" in a landscape. It could refer to either a physical object that blocks the way or to a person who impedes progress. Over time, this word evolved into a surname, signifying someone associated with such a "hindrance" or who perhaps lived near one.

Origins of the Name

There are two key origins for the surname:

  1. Toponymic Origin: The name derives from place names like "Zawada," of which there are around 90 across Poland. The suffix "-ski" suggests that the original bearers of the name either came from a place named Zawada or owned land there.
  2. Patronymic Origin: The surname could also be derived from a personal name, "Zawada," with the "-ski" suffix indicating family ties or patronage. This is in line with traditional Polish surname structures, where the suffix implies belonging to a particular place or family.

Linguistic Structure

The construction of Zawadzki follows a familiar Polish pattern:

  • The root "Zawad-" comes from the name "Zawada."
  • The suffix "-ski" is added to indicate origin or possession, marking the family as being from Zawada or descended from someone named Zawada.
  • In some cases, outside Poland, the name has been adapted into forms like "Zawadzky" due to linguistic variations and immigration patterns.

Historical Records

Several historical records highlight the variations and legacy of the Zawadzki name:

  • In 1793, the record of Teodor and Zofia Zawadzcy in Brańsk (NBrań 421).
  • Monika Zawatzke was documented in 1881 (NOpol 239).
  • Franziska Zawadzki appeared in 1900 records (NOles 132).
  • By 1934, the surname had further evolved into "Sawatzki" in some regions (GórPow 248).

These historical references showcase the long-standing presence of the Zawadzki family in Poland, as well as the slight regional adaptations of the surname over time.

Global Presence

Although the surname is of Polish origin, it has traveled beyond Poland's borders and taken on various forms due to migration and adaptation to local languages. In some cases, the name has been simplified or adjusted to fit phonetic and spelling conventions in countries outside of Poland, such as the graphical adaptation "Zawadzky."

Geography

Geographical Distribution of the Zawadzki Surname

The Zawadzki surname is widespread in Poland, with a total of 34,836 individuals holding the name. It ranks 54th in popularity among Polish surnames.

Regional Overview

The highest concentrations of the surname can be found in:

  • Mazowieckie: 9,081 individuals
  • Łódzkie: 2,945 individuals
  • Śląskie: 2,530 individuals
  • Dolnośląskie: 2,473 individuals

Global Presence

Outside Poland, the surname appears in:

  • Germany: 832 occurrences
  • Sweden: 124 occurrences
  • Norway: 112 occurrences

Special Interest: The Dubienka Region

A particularly interesting branch of the Zawadzki family has deep roots in the Dubienka region, located in the Lublin Voivodeship near the Bug River and the town of Chełm. The family has been present here for over two centuries, primarily engaged in agriculture and craftsmanship.

This historical connection to Dubienka, along with nearby villages like Siedliszcze, Uchanka, and Dudenki, reflects the long-standing ties of the Zawadzki family to this area.

Family Members of Interest

Name Birth Death Father Mother Notes
Franciszek Zawadzki 10.02.1900 07.01.1963 Wiktor Zawadzki Stanislawa Bojanowska
Wiktor Zawadzki 06.12.1870 Jozef Zawadzki Rozalia Radomska
Stanislawa Bojanowska 08.04.1865 Wojciech Bujanowski Elzbieta Czyzewska
Marianna Dabrowska 08.11.1902 04.12.1973 Albin Dabrowski Aniela Radomska
Albin Dabrowski 27.02.1869 Jozef Dabrowski Tekla Lopuszynska
Aniela Radomska 26.07.1874 ca. 1914 Izydor Radomski Antonina (Antonia) Rodzajewska
Alfred Dabrowski 13.11.1899 Albin Dabrowski Aniela Radomska

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