11th Century Source of the Surname Bieniasz
 Benedictine Abbey at Tyniec near Krakow in the 18th Century |
| The surname Bieniasz is quite old, stems from Bienadykt, and can be literally translated as "related to Benny". In this particular case, "Benny" is the Benedictine religious order and their monastery school at Tyniec. The Benedictines were the first Catholic missionaries to arrive in Poland after its official conversion in 966 AD and they founded their main monastery and schools at Tyniec in 1044 AD . |
| After 300 years, the Benedictines discountinued their schools and conversion efforts in the 14th Century. But by this time the surname Bieniasz is found in various administrative roles requiring literacy in the Sieradz Region northwest of Krakow and in Krakow itself. |
Dennis Benarz, Chicagoland USA 2010, 2011