Was it unusual for Polish surnames to be the city or village they lived in? In my research, a cousin is saying my great grandmother's maiden name was Kaclowa. Isn't that a village neat Grybow?
Did Polish last names derive from city / village names?
Was it unusual for Polish surnames to be the city or village they lived in?
It's quite common.
Many Polish-born Jews and/or Jews of Polish shtetl origins typically in the US have city-derived names, e.g. Warsaw, Berliner etc.
As Jews moved from place to place, most adapted the name of the city or town in which they were currently residing.
As Jews moved from place to place, most adapted the name of the city or town in which they were currently residing.
My great grandfather`s aunt`s cousin`s name was Kacwawa. Then it was rare, but today - very popular.
Yes that happens - my own family are named after a village now in Belarus
But Kaclowa might come from Katzel - a quite common German name or from Kazatel - a Czech word for preacher
But Kaclowa might come from Katzel - a quite common German name or from Kazatel - a Czech word for preacher
Katzel - a quite common German name
Catsel in English.
@pawian
Are you sure? I've not heard that word and don't see anything on Dr Google.
Are you sure? I've not heard that word and don't see anything on Dr Google.
I've not heard that word
Strange. The net is full of it. :
comment_6qWbTZ8hcZHv.jpg
Now that's a real kac/Katz.
Don't forget the Catsup..
Don't forget the Catsup..