Nowak is a common surname in many countries, including Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Netherlands, Germany and Austria. The name is derived from the Slavic word "nowy", meaning "new". This surname is especially popular in Poland, where it is the 8th most common surname. It is likely derived from the Polish word for people who have recently arrived to a location, indicating that this surname may have been used by people who immigrated from abroad to Poland. The Nowaks have a long and rich history in Europe and are believed to have first appeared in Poland during the Middle Ages.