Klimek

Klimek is a surname of Polish origin. It is commonly understood to be a patronymic or diminutive form derived from the given name Klim, which in turn is a Polish form of Clemens. The suffix -ek in Polish often conveys a diminutive or affectionate relation, so Klimek can be read as “little Klim” or “son of Klim.”

Geographic distribution and history: The name is most prevalent in Poland, with established presence in areas of Polish settlement across Central and Eastern Europe. Through emigration in the late 19th and 20th centuries, and later migration, Klimek families can also be found in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Australia, among others. In such diaspora communities, the surname may appear with minor spelling variations depending on country, immigration records, and transliteration.

Notable bearers: The surname Klimek has been carried by individuals across fields such as sports, science, and the arts, particularly among people of Polish heritage. The name is also encountered in genealogical and onomastic studies that examine Polish patronymic naming patterns and surname formation.

Related names and variants: Variants arise from regional spelling differences and transliteration practices. Klimek is linguistically linked to Klim-based given names and to related surnames formed from the same root in Polish-speaking regions.