The surname Wojdyla has its roots in Poland, a country known for its rich linguistic and cultural history. It is primarily found in the southern regions of Poland, particularly in areas such as Lesser Poland (Małopolska). The name itself is derived from the archaic Polish personal name Wojdzieł, a diminutive form of the ancient Slavic given name Wojciech, which means "joy" or "to rejoice in battle." The suffix "yla" is a diminutive or pet form, often used to show familiarity or affection.

The earliest written records of the surname Wojdyla date back to the late Middle Ages, where it appeared in various local documents and manorial records. One of the earliest mentions can be traced back to the 14th century in parish registers. The name was recorded in various forms, including Wojdzieł and Wojdyłło. An example can be found in the 1423 record of a Wojdyla family in the Kraków region, suggesting the family had considerable local influence.

By the 16th century, the name Wojdyla had gained some prominence, often appearing in legal documents and land grants. Historical references include the 1585 listing of a Jan Wojdyla, a minor noble who participated in regional councils in Kraków. His participation in regional affairs helped solidify the surname's presence in local historical records. Another notable figure was Adam Wojdyla, born in 1610, who was a landowner in the Podkarpackie Voivodeship and was involved in various land disputes, which were well-documented in regional courts.

In the 18th century, the name continued to be prominent in southern Poland, with figures such as Tomasz Wojdyla, a merchant born in 1765 in Lviv, who played a significant role in the trade between Poland and Ukraine. His business acumen led to his inclusion in several economic history texts of the period. Additionally, there was Franciszek Wojdyla, born in 1799 in Żywiec, who became noteworthy as a local politician and philanthropist, contributing to various social causes in his community.

Nineteenth-century records also mention the surname in connection with industrial and agricultural developments in Poland. One example is Józef Wojdyla, born in 1834, who was a prominent figure in the coal mining industry in Silesia. His contributions to the modernization of mining techniques were widely recognized and are a part of regional industrial history.

The surname Wojdyla has thus traversed centuries, evolving through various forms and finding its place in different societal roles. From minor nobility and landowners to merchants and industrialists, individuals with the surname Wojdyla have made their mark on Polish history, leaving a legacy that continues to be remembered in historical records and regional annals.