Polish surnames often reflect the country's rich history and culture. Many surnames are derived from occupations, geographical locations, or personal characteristics. For example, names like Kowalski come from the word for "blacksmith," while Nowak means "newcomer" and is one of the most common surnames in Poland. Additionally, Polish surnames frequently have gender-specific forms. For instance, a male with the surname Kowalski would have a female counterpart named Kowalska. This distinction highlights the importance of gender in Polish naming conventions and adds a unique aspect to the study of Polish culture.