Pankowski

Pankowski is a surname of Polish origin. It is a patronymic surname, derived from the given name "Panka" or "Panek," which are diminutives of the name "Piotr" (Peter). The suffix "-owski" is a common Polish suffix indicating origin or affiliation, often meaning "of" or "from" a place associated with the root name. Thus, Pankowski can be interpreted as "belonging to Panka/Panek" or "descendant of Panka/Panek."

Surnames ending in "-owski" are generally associated with nobility or gentry (szlachta) in Polish history, although the prevalence of the name across different social classes makes it difficult to definitively ascertain ancestral status without genealogical research. The name is found primarily in Poland, with diaspora communities also present in countries with significant Polish immigration, such as the United States, Canada, and Germany. Variations in spelling may occur due to transliteration differences or regional dialects.

The etymology of the name ultimately traces back to the Greek name "Petros" (πέτρος), meaning "stone" or "rock." The surname Pankowski has a distinct Polish linguistic structure and historical context.