Find out how popular the last name Wnek is in the United States and learn more about the meaning, history, and race and ethnic origin of people in America who are named Wnek.

Wnek, like all of the last names we have data for, is identified by the U.S. Census Bureau as a surname which has more than 100 occurrences in the United States in the Decennial Census survey. The most recent statistics we have for the Wnek surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Wnek in America

Wnek is the 26598th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Wnek surname appeared 916 times in the 2010 census and if you were to sample 100,000 people in the United States, approximately 0 people would have the surname Wnek.

We can also compare 2010 data for Wnek to data from the previous census in 2000. The table below contains all of the statistics for both years in a side-by-side comparison.

The history of the last name Wnek

The surname Wnek has its origins in Poland, a country known for its intricate system of surnames deeply rooted in language and local history. The name Wnek is particularly associated with the southern regions of Poland, such as Lesser Poland (Małopolska), which boasts a rich tapestry of historical and cultural influences.

The name Wnek is derived from the Old Polish word "wnęka," meaning "a recess" or "a corner." This etymology suggests that the original bearers of the surname might have lived in a particularly notable location characterized by a recess or a corner. In the context of surnames, it is also possible that Wnek could be a shortened diminutive form of a given name or a patronymic referencing a notable ancestor.

Historical references to the surname Wnek can be found in various records. One of the earliest known instances is a mention in parish registers in the early 17th century, indicating that families bearing this surname were established enough to be documented during this period. These records show the presence of the Wnek family in village communities, engaged in farming and local crafts, adhering to the social fabric of traditional Polish village life.

In the mid-18th century, a notable individual named Jan Wnek was involved in local politics and is recorded in municipal documents. He played a significant role as a council member in a small town near Krakow, showcasing the surname's presence and influence in local governance.

Another key historical figure is Stanisław Wnek, born in 1835 and passed away in 1900, who was known for his contributions to regional folk art. Stanisław’s carvings and woodwork, often depicting religious scenes and local legends, remain celebrated in local museums and collections, cementing the Wnek name in the cultural history of the area.

The name also appears in mid-19th century emigration records, as many individuals bearing the surname Wnek sought new opportunities abroad, particularly in the United States and Canada. This wave of emigration included Michał Wnek, who settled in Chicago in the late 1800s. His descendants contributed significantly to the Polish-American community, particularly in establishing cultural and social institutions.

A later historical figure is Maria Wnek, born in 1920, who was a renowned scholar focusing on Slavic languages and cultures. Her extensive research and publications have contributed to a deeper understanding of Polish and Central European history, further highlighting the name Wnek in academic circles.

In summary, the surname Wnek is deeply embedded in Polish history, deriving from regional linguistic roots and marked by notable contributions from various individuals across centuries. These historical narratives illustrate how the bearers of the surname Wnek have influenced and enriched local and broader cultural heritage.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Wnek

We also have some data on the ancestry of people with the surname Wnek.

The below race categories are the modified race categories used in the Census Bureau's population estimates program. All people were categorized into six mutually exclusive racial and Hispanic origin groups:

1. White only
2. Black only
3. American Indian and Alaskan Native only
4. Asian and Pacific Islander only
5. Hispanic
6. Two or More Races

For the most recent 2010 census data, the race/ethnic origin breakdown for Wnek was:

Note: Any fields showing (S) means the data was suppressed for privacy so that the data does not in any way identify any specific individuals.

Since we have data from the previous census in 2000, we can also compare the values to see how the popularity of Wnek has changed in the 10 years between the two census surveys.

Data source

The last name data and ethnic breakdown of last names is sourced directly from the Decennial Census survey, conducted every 10 years by the United States Census Bureau.

The history and meaning of the name Wnek was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Wnek, please contact us.

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