Zalewski

Zalewski (feminine: Zalewska, plural: Zalewscy) is a Polish-language surname. Alternate spellings include Zelewski, Zaleski, Zeleski, Zalewska, Zalescy and Zaller

The form Zalewski is a mutated version of Zaleski. This mutation was the consequence of many regional influences and the creation of various derivates to suit the local nomenclature, e.g. Chotomow / Chotomowski / Chotomoski. The original form Zaleski was derived from a place called Zalesie or Zalas, which literally means "an area close to a forest, behind a forest". It is difficult to assess which regions were primarily connected with it, because of the significant number of villages by such names.