Skip to website content >

DANIELEWICZ Origin of surname

DANIELEWICZ,  DANIELOVITCH

Surnames derive from one of many different origins. Sometimes there may be more than one explanation for the same name. This family name is a patronymic surname derived from a male ancestor's personal name, in this case of biblical origin.

Danielewicz, in which the Polish ending "-ewicz" stands for "son of", is a form of Daniel. Daniel, meaning "God has judged" in Hebrew, was the name of the son of David and Abigail (1 Chronicles 3.1) and of the biblical prophet of the book of Daniel. This biblical name became a family name and assumed several variants. Daniel took suffixes from various languages to form patronymics indicating descent in the male line (the German "-sohn", the Italian "-i", the Slavic "-vitz/vitch", the Latin "-ius"). Danielillo ("little Daniel" in Italian) is recorded in the 17th century, Danill in the early 18th century, Daniels in the 18th century, Danigel, Dannihl, Danielis and Tannigel in the late 18th century. In the 20th century Danielewicz is documented as a Jewish surname during World War II with Adele Danielewicz who perished in the German death camp at Theresienstadt in February 1944.

Kirk Douglas (born Issur Danielovitch) (1916-2020), actor, producer, director, and author, born in Amsterdam, New York, United States. Raised in a family of Jewish immigrants, Douglas grew up in a modest environment. His parents, Bryna Sanglel and Herschel Danielovitch, instilled in him a strong work ethic and determination. Despite facing financial hardships, he excelled academically and athletically, earning a scholarship to St. Lawrence University in Canton, New York. However, his dreams of a college education were shattered when he had to withdraw due to financial constraints. 

In search of better opportunities, Douglas moved to New York City. He worked a series of odd jobs while pursuing his acting career. In 1941, he legally changed his name to Kirk Douglas, a decision that marked the beginning of his transformation into an iconic Hollywood persona. He made his Broadway debut in 1941 in the play Spring Again and subsequently enlisted in the United States Navy during World War II. 

After the war, Douglas returned to New York and resumed his acting career, finding success on the stage and in radio dramas. In 1946, he made his film debut in The Strange Love of Martha Ivers, alongside Barbara Stanwyck. His performance caught the attention of Hollywood, and his talent and versatility soon propelled him to stardom. 

Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Douglas established himself as one of the most prominent actors of his time. His powerful portrayals in films like Champion (1949), Ace in the Hole (1951), and Paths of Glory (1957) showcased his range and earned critical acclaim. In 1952, he received his first Academy Award nomination for Best Actor for his role in The Bad and the Beautiful. While he did not win that year, his performance in Lust for Life (1956), where he played the tormented artist Vincent van Gogh, earned him another nomination and solidified his status as a leading man. 

Douglas' most iconic role came in 1960 when he played the title character in Spartacus, a film that he also produced. The epic historical drama, directed by Stanley Kubrick, tackled themes of freedom and rebellion, resonating with audiences and earning critical acclaim. However, due to political pressures and the era's anti-communist sentiment, the film's screenwriter, Dalton Trumbo, was initially denied proper credit. In a bold move, Douglas publicly acknowledged Trumbo's involvement, effectively breaking the Hollywood blacklist and restoring the acclaimed writer's reputation. 

As the 1960s progressed, Douglas ventured into directing and producing. He formed his own production company, Bryna Productions, named after his mother. Through Bryna Productions, he produced and starred in films like Lonely Are the Brave (1962), Seven Days in May (1964), and The Vikings (1958). Douglas' passion for storytelling extended beyond the silver screen. In 1988, he published his autobiography, The Ragman's Son, which provided a glimpse into his challenging upbringing and his journey to success. 

During his acting career he appeared in over 95 films and produced over 35 films.

In 1996, he was presented with an honorary Academy Award for his cinematic achievements.

In addition to his film career, he actively contributed to various philanthropic causes, notably establishing the Douglas Foundation with his wife, Anne Buydens. The foundation supported a wide range of charitable projects. 

ANU Databases
Jewish Genealogy
Family Names
Jewish Communities
Visual Documentation
Jewish Music Center
Family Name
אA
אA
אA
DANIELEWICZ Origin of surname

DANIELEWICZ,  DANIELOVITCH

Surnames derive from one of many different origins. Sometimes there may be more than one explanation for the same name. This family name is a patronymic surname derived from a male ancestor's personal name, in this case of biblical origin.

Danielewicz, in which the Polish ending "-ewicz" stands for "son of", is a form of Daniel. Daniel, meaning "God has judged" in Hebrew, was the name of the son of David and Abigail (1 Chronicles 3.1) and of the biblical prophet of the book of Daniel. This biblical name became a family name and assumed several variants. Daniel took suffixes from various languages to form patronymics indicating descent in the male line (the German "-sohn", the Italian "-i", the Slavic "-vitz/vitch", the Latin "-ius"). Danielillo ("little Daniel" in Italian) is recorded in the 17th century, Danill in the early 18th century, Daniels in the 18th century, Danigel, Dannihl, Danielis and Tannigel in the late 18th century. In the 20th century Danielewicz is documented as a Jewish surname during World War II with Adele Danielewicz who perished in the German death camp at Theresienstadt in February 1944.

Written by researchers of ANU Museum of the Jewish People
Kirk Douglas

Kirk Douglas (born Issur Danielovitch) (1916-2020), actor, producer, director, and author, born in Amsterdam, New York, United States. Raised in a family of Jewish immigrants, Douglas grew up in a modest environment. His parents, Bryna Sanglel and Herschel Danielovitch, instilled in him a strong work ethic and determination. Despite facing financial hardships, he excelled academically and athletically, earning a scholarship to St. Lawrence University in Canton, New York. However, his dreams of a college education were shattered when he had to withdraw due to financial constraints. 

In search of better opportunities, Douglas moved to New York City. He worked a series of odd jobs while pursuing his acting career. In 1941, he legally changed his name to Kirk Douglas, a decision that marked the beginning of his transformation into an iconic Hollywood persona. He made his Broadway debut in 1941 in the play Spring Again and subsequently enlisted in the United States Navy during World War II. 

After the war, Douglas returned to New York and resumed his acting career, finding success on the stage and in radio dramas. In 1946, he made his film debut in The Strange Love of Martha Ivers, alongside Barbara Stanwyck. His performance caught the attention of Hollywood, and his talent and versatility soon propelled him to stardom. 

Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Douglas established himself as one of the most prominent actors of his time. His powerful portrayals in films like Champion (1949), Ace in the Hole (1951), and Paths of Glory (1957) showcased his range and earned critical acclaim. In 1952, he received his first Academy Award nomination for Best Actor for his role in The Bad and the Beautiful. While he did not win that year, his performance in Lust for Life (1956), where he played the tormented artist Vincent van Gogh, earned him another nomination and solidified his status as a leading man. 

Douglas' most iconic role came in 1960 when he played the title character in Spartacus, a film that he also produced. The epic historical drama, directed by Stanley Kubrick, tackled themes of freedom and rebellion, resonating with audiences and earning critical acclaim. However, due to political pressures and the era's anti-communist sentiment, the film's screenwriter, Dalton Trumbo, was initially denied proper credit. In a bold move, Douglas publicly acknowledged Trumbo's involvement, effectively breaking the Hollywood blacklist and restoring the acclaimed writer's reputation. 

As the 1960s progressed, Douglas ventured into directing and producing. He formed his own production company, Bryna Productions, named after his mother. Through Bryna Productions, he produced and starred in films like Lonely Are the Brave (1962), Seven Days in May (1964), and The Vikings (1958). Douglas' passion for storytelling extended beyond the silver screen. In 1988, he published his autobiography, The Ragman's Son, which provided a glimpse into his challenging upbringing and his journey to success. 

During his acting career he appeared in over 95 films and produced over 35 films.

In 1996, he was presented with an honorary Academy Award for his cinematic achievements.

In addition to his film career, he actively contributed to various philanthropic causes, notably establishing the Douglas Foundation with his wife, Anne Buydens. The foundation supported a wide range of charitable projects.