Surname Polack - Meaning and Origin

Polack: What does the surname Polack mean?

The last name Polack is derived from the Polish word for Poland, Polska, and is used to identify individuals with Polish ancestry or origin. It is one of the most common surnames in Poland, as well as in countries with significant Polish diasporas, such as the USA.

The surname Polack indicates a link to Polish heritage and culture. It reflects the pride that many Poles have in their ancestry and the traditions, traditions which are often still celebrated by many Polish Americans. It is believed that the term was first used outside of Poland when Polish immigrants began arriving in the United States in the late 19th century.

Although the term Polack is still a widely accepted term of endearment within the Polish community, it has become somewhat derogatory when used by non-Poles to refer to those of Polish descent. Some believe that using this term without an understanding of its implications can be seen as an insult to Poles as Europeans and as individuals. Additionally, it is best to avoid using the term at all as it may be interpreted in a negative way.

Over time, however, the term Polack has become part of the bonding process between Poles, a sense of community that is easily identifiable and also a valuable part of the experience for any part of a Polish diaspora. Despite any negative connotations the term may have acquired in certain contexts, for most Poles it still means Polish pride and unity.

Polack: Where does the name Polack come from?

The last name Polack is most commonly found in the countries of Poland, Ukraine and Belarus. Poland’s frequency is the highest, with approximately 18,000 individuals carrying the last name. Ukraine is just behind with 14,000 individuals with Polack as a surname. Belarus follows with 5,000 individuals claiming the last name.

Beyond Eastern Europe, the name is commonly seen in many other countries with immigrant populations from the area, such as the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Brazil and Argentina.

The Polack name originates from the Polish word for Poland— Polska. Originally, the surname was reserved for individuals who hailed from the Ancient Kingdom of Poland, and was likely used as a way to denote national origin in historic documents.

Today, the Polack name is still used by may individuals who are descendants of the historical Polish people, as well as by those who have immigrated to different nations and integrated Polack into their family’s identity.

The last name is still in use, with many individuals carrying on the name today in its original form. However, many times the spelling of the surname is altered and modified to reflect the surrounding countries’ or regions’ dialects, such as “Polak” or “Poliak.” Nevertheless, the fundamental basis of the surname remains and continues to be seen in many countries around the world.

Variations of the surname Polack

The surname Polack is most commonly of Polish or German origin. Polack is a variant spelling of the more common Polish surname Polak, and is also sometimes spelled Polak, Pollack, Polek, or Pollak.

In Polish, the variants to spelling may include Polak, Polish, Polek, Polik, Polaczek, and Polczak. In German, the variants may include Pollak, Pollock, Pollyck, Pollack, and Poleck.

The Polack surname has derivatives and variants in many countries and languages. Variants in different languages include Frankel or Ostermann in German, Poliakov or Polovets in Hebrew, Palach or Paal in Hungarian, Paulick or Paulic in Czechoslovakian, and Powder or Polver in Yiddish.

The Polack surname is also linked with the names Polonus, Polansky, Polaczek and Polaszewski. In the U.S. there are additional surname derivatives, including Pollock, Pollack, Polish, Polanco, and Paulus.

In the U.S., some Polack families associated with the surname spelled it "Pallack," while some Ukrainian families spelled it "Poleck". Other similar spellings of the surname include Pollick, Polacek, Pelak, Pallak, and Paulick.

Overall, the Polack surname is associated with many other surnames, including those of Polish, German, Hungarian, Czech, Hebrew, and Yiddish origin. Variant and derivative spellings of Polack, such as Polak, Pollack, Polek, and Pollak, are found in many countries and languages.

Famous people with the name Polack

• Jack Polack: a former wide receiver in the National Football League.
• Richard Polack: an Australian rugby union player.
• Mike Polack: an American bodybuilder and entrepreneur.
• Bob Polack: a former defensive lineman in the Canadian Football League.
• Arnold Polack: a former field hockey player for the Canadian national team.
• Moishe Polack: a fictional character in the movie Spaceballs.
• David Polack: an American psychologist and professor at Harvard University.
• Alexandra Polack: a German-Polish Olympic volleyball player.
• Laura Polack: a sculptor and stone carver.
• Mark Polack: an American actor best known for his role as Mikey on the sitcom Hangin' with Mr. Cooper.
• Joe Polack: a former professional ice hockey player who played for the Detroit Red Wings and Chicago Blackhawks.
• Jim Polack: a former catcher in Major League Baseball.
• Shlomo Polack: an Israeli-Hungarian painter.
• Peter Polack: a British author and historian.
• Andrew Polack: a Canadian actor and director.
• Jonathan Polack: an American musician and record producer.
• Susan Polack: an American writer and artist.
• Robert Polack: a British artist.
• James Polack: an American football coach and former player.
• Steve Polack: an English football manager and coach.

Other surnames

PolacekPolaczek