Most popular names in Poland – ranking

There are over 500 1000 different names in Poland, but only a tiny part of them are very common. On the basis of data from the PESEL register, I checked what names are most popular in Poland and how many people wear them.

It's worth knowing:

• The most popular name in Poland is Nowak – 198 125 people wear them.

• The TOP 3 closes: Kowalski / Kowalski and Wiśniewski / Wiśniewska.

• Just 500 surnames carry as many as 23% of Polish residents.

Most popular names in Poland

By data from the PESEL registry provided by the Ministry of Digital Affairs (as of January 20, 2026, without the dead) The most common surname in Poland is Nowak – until 198 125people bear this name (women and men).

Nowak

Name Nowak is no uncertainty most popular surname in Poland. It comes from the adjective “new” and suggests that originally people who were fresh in a given village or occupied fresh homes wore it. Nowak is simply a synonym of a individual who started again – an perfect name for those who value change and fresh beginnings. It is simply a very old name that can be found among different social layers.

Kowalski / Kowalski

The second most common name in Poland is Kowalski ♪ I've got to go ♪ Swalleryand the number of persons holding that name is 134 435.

Kowalski is simply a surname derived from the blacksmith's profession. In the mediate Ages, blacksmiths were highly crucial craftsmen, liable for for forging tools, weapons and armor elements. Therefore, the name Kowalski can attest to families who have maintained this prestigious craft.

Wiśniewski / Wiśniewska

In 3rd place the ranking of the most common names in Poland is Wiśniewski / Wiśniewskawhich has 107 459 representatives in Poland.

Name Wiśniewski It derives from the word “harvest” and identifies persons associated with the localities where the cherries grew. This is an example of a surname derived from a geographical feature, which was common in the past of names.

Most common names in Poland – TOP 20
Source: improvement of interesting statistics.pl based on data from the PESEL register

Why are so many people in Poland named Nowak?

Nowak is simply a decisive leader among Polish names. But why? The answer goes back to the roots of Polish history. In the past, erstwhile names were not so common, the name of the profession was frequently added. ‘New’ simply means ‘new’. It was so a very general term, frequently attributed to peasants who came to fresh areas or started fresh farms. In time, this simple word established itself as a surname and was passed on to subsequent generations.

Why are these names so popular?

Other popular names

Next popular names in Poland is:

• Wójcik – 96 302
• Kowalczyk — 95 258
• Kamiński / Kamińska – 92 802
• Lewandowski / Lewandowska – 90 992
• Zieliński / Zielińska – 88,722
• Szymanski / Szymanska – 86 025
• Wozniak — 85 616

Summary – what is the consequence of these numbers?

It is clear from the data of the Ministry of Digital Affairs that in Poland there are respective names that have been at the tallness of popularity for generations. Nowak, Kowalski and Wiśniewski are not only the best known names, but besides circumstantial symbols of Polishness – simple, rooted in tradition and frequently derived from professions, localities or characteristics of their first hosts.

Although there are over half a million different names in our country, only 500 of them carry almost a 4th of Poles. This means that despite apparent diversity, Polish names are mostly common and repetitive. It is simply a consequence of centuries-old traditions, low mobility of the population in the old age and simple rules for naming names – from the name of the father, profession or place of residence.

Statistics besides show that in Poland the kind of names ending in -ski / -ska that originally referred to localities or noble families dominates. Today, however, these tips wear people of all social classes.

Names are not just numbers – they are a communicative about who our ancestors were and how Poland changed. all name, even the most common, has a trace of past that connects generations.

FAQ – Frequently asked questions about surnames in Poland

How many names be in Poland?
In Poland there are over 500 1000 unique names registered in the PESEL system. This is simply a immense variety, although many of them bear only a fewer people.

What is the most popular name in Poland?
The leader has not been interrupted for years – in 2026 they are worn by 198 125 people (women and men together).

Where does the name Nowak come from?
The word “Nowak” meant “new” – a individual who was a fresh resident of a village or settler on fresh lands. This name was frequently given to peasants who settled in fresh areas.

Why so many Polish names come from the competition?
In the past, names were applicable – they allowed to separate people with the same name. Therefore, the definition of the profession was frequently added, e.g. Kowalski (from the blacksmith), Miller, Baker or Rybak.

Why do so many names end up in -ski or -ska?
The tip -ski / -ska derives from local names (e.g. Wiśniewski from Wiśniewski) or ancestral names. Initially, it was characteristic of the nobility, but in time it spread throughout society.

Are there abroad names in Poland?
Yeah. Modern Poland is increasingly diverse. Ukrainian, Belarusian, German or English names can be found in the PESEL register, which reflects the migration and multiculturalism of our country.

Does the name say anything about household background?
Often. An etymological analysis of the surname may uncover where the lineage came from, what the ancestors did, or what features they distinguished them. It's a circumstantial time capsule hidden in respective letters.

Is my name on the list of 500 most popular in Poland?
If you want to find out, check the ranking developed by me on the basis of the PESEL registry data of 2026.

What do you think?

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