Skórzasta

Skórzasta is a Polish surname that originates from the adjective skórzasty, meaning “leathery” or “tough.” The name likely derived as a nickname for a person who was resilient, of sturdy build, or worked with leather. In Polish onomastics, surnames based on physical traits or occupations were common, and skórzasta fits into this pattern as an epithet that eventually became hereditary.

The surname is predominantly found in the central and eastern parts of Poland, with historical records in the 18th and 19th centuries indicating its presence among rural populations in Silesia and Masovia. Genealogical sources show that bearers of the name were often involved in trades such as tanning, shoemaking, or leather crafting, though not exclusively. During the partitions of Poland, some members of the Skórzasta family served in the military and civil service, contributing to local governance and cultural life.

Notable individuals with the surname include Józef Skórzasta (1882–1945), a Polish engineer known for his work on early radio transmitters, and Marta Skórzasta (born 1953), an artist whose canvases depict the leather industry’s historical significance in Łódź. In contemporary times, Piotr Skórzasta, a professional footballer, has represented the lower divisions of the Polish league system.

The name’s distribution has declined slightly in the latter half of the 20th century, partly due to urban migration and the decline of traditional leather crafts. Nonetheless, Skórzasta remains an identifiable surname within Polish genealogical studies and is occasionally referenced in regional historical literature.