Polish

The surname POLISH is an English habitational name derived from the country name Poland. It likely originated during the medieval period when many immigrants from Poland settled in various parts of England and adopted locational surnames based on their place of origin.

The earliest known record of the POLISH surname dates back to the late 13th century in Staffordshire, England. A John Poleys was mentioned in the Hundred Rolls of 1273. This spelling variation suggests the name may have been derived from the Old English term "Polei" or "Poleyn," referring to a person from Poland.

In the 14th century, the surname appeared in various forms, such as Polleye and Polye, as seen in the Subsidy Rolls of Yorkshire in 1379. These variations reflect the inconsistent spelling practices of the time and the adaptation of the name to the local dialects.

One of the earliest notable individuals with the POLISH surname was Sir John Pollard (c. 1457-1537), an English landowner and Member of Parliament for Bedfordshire during the reign of Henry VIII.

Another notable figure was John Polish (c. 1535-1594), an English Catholic priest and martyr who was executed for his religious beliefs during the Elizabethan era.

In the 17th century, the surname appeared in various records, including the marriage of William Polish and Elizabeth Browne in St. Giles Cripplegate, London, in 1629.

An influential figure bearing the POLISH surname was Sir Francis Pollock (1623-1701), an English lawyer and Chief Justice of the King's Bench during the reign of King Charles II.

During the 18th century, the POLISH surname continued to be present in various regions of England. One notable individual was Ezekiel Polish (1718-1786), a prominent English merchant and landowner from Worcestershire.

As migration patterns changed over time, the POLISH surname spread to other parts of the world, including North America and Australia, where descendants of the original English bearers settled and established new roots.