Olszewski

Olszewski is a Polish surname, ranking among the most common in Poland. Its feminine form is Olszewska, and the plural form is Olszewscy. The name is also found in alternative spelling Olszowski. In 2023, the Polish personal registry PESEL recorded 23,677 bearers of the surname Olszewski and 23,896 of the feminine Olszewska.

Etymology and Origin

Olszewski is a toponymic surname, meaning it derives from a place name. It originates from various locations in Poland named Olszewo, Olszow, Olszowa, Olszno, or Olszew. These place names themselves come from the Polish word olsza (or olcha), meaning “alder tree.” The suffix -ski is typical of Polish noble or landowner surnames. Thus, the name originally denoted a person who lived near an alder tree or hailed from a place named for alder trees.

Belarusian, Lithuanian, and Russian Variants

In Belarusian, the surname takes the form Alshéuski (Альшэўскі), in Lithuanian Olšauskas or Alšauskas (feminine Olšauskienė/Alšauskienė for married women, and Olšauskaitė/Alšauskaitė for unmarried), and in Russian Olshevsky (feminine Olshevskaya).

Nobility

The surname belongs to several Polish noble families (szlachta), bearing different coats of arms. Many early recorded Olszewskis were landowners or minor nobility in various regions of Poland.

Notable Bearers

• Agata Mróz-Olszewska (1982–2008), Polish volleyball player and Olympic medalist who died of leukemia.
• Albert Olszewski (born 1962), American physician and Republican politician, member of the Montana Senate.
• Alfons Olszewski (1916–2006), Polish footballer in the pre-war Polish league.
• Andrzej Olszewski (born 1946), Polish politician and former member of the Sejm and Sejm Marshal in 1993.
• Henryk Olszewski (born 1931), Polish historian of law.
• Jan Olszewski (1930–2019), Prime Minister of Poland (1991–1992) and lawyer.
• Jerzy Olszewski (1940–2021), Polish graphic designer and satirist.
• Michał Olszewski (born 1977), Polish journalist and screenwriter.
• Patryk Olszewski (born 1977), Polish footballer.
• Piotr Olszewski (born 1973), Polish bishop (Roman Catholic).
• Rafał Olszewski (born 231), Polish politician and Vice President of Łomża.
• Włodzimierz Olszewski (born 1956), Polish politician and member of the Sejm.
• Zbigniew Olszewski (born 1923), pseudonym „Malaga”, leader of anti‑communist resistance in the Lutzenski forests (Polish & Lithuanian underground).

Distribution

According to a 2023 Polish registry, Olszewski ranks among the top 50 most common Polish surnames, with over 23,800 bearers. The name is also found among Polish diaspora communities in the United States, France, Argentina, Canada, and Australia.

• Meaning: Denoting a person from a place named for alder trees
• Origin & Language: Polish (with variants in Belarusian, Lithuanian, Russian)
• Type: Toponymic surname
• Relatives: Olszewska (feminine), Olszowski (alternative spelling)
• Frequency: Over 23,000 in Poland (2023)