The name is derived from the Polish common noun kaczmarek ~ karczmarek (diminutive form of the common noun kaczmarz ~ karczmarz meaning ‘tavern keeper’) and refers to an occupation. It may also be derived from the Polish personal name Kaczmarz (from the above-mentioned common noun) with the patronymic suffix -ek and refer to the connection with the father or another ancestor by that name. Variant: Karczmarek.