Sienkiewicz (surname)

Sienkiewicz is a Polish surname. It is derived from the given name "Siemion" or "Simeon," which is of Hebrew origin and means "God has heard." The suffix "-iewicz" is a patronymic suffix common in Polish surnames, indicating "son of" or "descendant of." Thus, Sienkiewicz essentially means "son of Siemion/Simeon."

The surname is most famously associated with Henryk Sienkiewicz (1846-1916), a Polish novelist, journalist, and Nobel laureate in Literature (1905). He is best known for his historical novels, particularly the Trilogy consisting of With Fire and Sword, The Deluge, and Fire in the Steppe, which depict 17th-century Poland. His other notable works include Quo Vadis, set in ancient Rome, and In Desert and Wilderness, a popular adventure novel for young adults.

The surname Sienkiewicz is relatively common in Poland, and individuals with the surname can be found in various fields and professions. Due to Henryk Sienkiewicz's international fame, the name is also recognized and encountered outside of Poland.