Pawlak

Pawlak is a Polish surname. It is derived from the given name Paweł, the Polish form of Paul, with the diminutive/patronymic suffix -ak, commonly interpreted as meaning “son of Paweł” or “little Paweł.” The construction reflects a widespread pattern in Polish naming, where several surnames are formed from first names with diminutive or locative suffixes.

The surname is widespread in Poland and has spread to communities abroad through migration and diaspora networks. In Poland, it is found across regions, with higher frequencies in some areas, reflecting historic settlement patterns and regional dialects. Outside Poland, Pawlak appears among immigrant families in North America and Western Europe, often assimilated into local naming conventions while retaining the original form.

Notable bearers include individuals in politics, academia, sports, and culture who have contributed to Polish public life and to international fields. The name is one of many Polish patronymic surnames derived from given names, and it may be encountered in historical records, civil registries, and contemporary media.