Wozniaks

Wozniaks is a surname of Polish origin. In English-language usage, Wozniaks refers to people who bear the surname Wozniak. The Polish form is Woźniak, with diacritics; Wozniak without diacritics is a common transliteration found in many countries. The name is typically regarded as a patronymic or occupational surname.

Etymology and meaning: The surname is generally linked to the old Polish word woźny, meaning an official, bailiff, porter, or court usher. The suffix -ak is a common element in Polish surnames and often denotes a diminutive or familial association. Thus, the name is commonly understood to indicate a person connected with someone who held the role of woźny, or to evoke a familial line from that occupation.

Distribution: Wozniak is particularly common in Poland and among Polish communities abroad. Due to immigration, the name is widespread in North America, especially in the United States and Canada, where many individuals and families bearing the surname have established themselves in business, academia, and public life. The surname is also found in other parts of Europe and in diaspora communities worldwide.

Notable people: The best known bearer of the surname is Steve Wozniak (born 1950), American inventor and electronics engineer who co-founded Apple Inc. With the surname present across various professions, other individuals named Wozniak have gained recognition in fields such as science, arts, and entrepreneurship, reflecting the surname’s broad presence in contemporary society.

See also: Woźniak.