Kowalewski is a surname of Polish origin, commonly found in Poland and among Polish communities worldwide. It is derived from the word "kowal," meaning "blacksmith," indicating that the name may have originally referred to someone who worked in that profession. Notable individuals with the surname include Sofia Kowalewski, a prominent 19th-century mathematician known for her contributions to differential equations and mechanics. The name is also associated with various places in Poland, reflecting its cultural significance in the region.