Piłsudski (surname)

Piłsudski is a Polish surname, most notably associated with:

• Józef Piłsudski (1867-1935): A Polish statesman, marshal, and de facto dictator of Poland from 1926 until his death in 1935. He played a crucial role in Poland regaining its independence after World War I and establishing the Second Polish Republic. He is considered a key figure in Polish history and a national hero.

The surname is relatively common in Poland. It derives from a place name, likely a village or estate once owned or associated with the family. The exact origin and meaning of the place name are subject to scholarly debate, but it is generally believed to have Lithuanian or Belarusian roots, reflecting the historical multiculturalism of the region.

Individuals bearing the surname "Piłsudski," besides Józef, include his family members, descendants, and other unrelated individuals. Historical figures related to Józef Piłsudski include his wives Maria Piłsudska and Aleksandra Piłsudska, as well as his daughters Wanda Piłsudska and Jadwiga Piłsudska-Jaroszewicz. The legacy of Józef Piłsudski continues to influence Polish politics and national identity.