One of the most common
Polish surnames (quite common also among Americans of
Polish origin). Used to be the most typical surname, now holds second place (after Nowak).
The origin of the surname comes from word "kowal" what means blacksmith in
Polish.
Used as an archetype of common citizen.
"
Jan Kowalski" corresponds to "John Smith" in US.
Used in sample pictures of documents,
credit cards etc. Often used in
jokes.