The name is derived from the Old Polish common noun nowak meaning ‘a person new to a certain environment, a newcomer', and refers to a characteristic feature. It may also be derived from the Polish place name (settlement name) Nowaki with the suffix -ski and refer to a place of residence, origin or estate. Alternatively, it may also be derived from the Polish personal name Nowak with the suffix -(s)ki and refer to the connection with the father or another ancestor by that name. Variant: Nawacki.