274 Polish Baby Names With Meanings

polish-baby-names-with-meanings

Do you know what's common between Warsaw, Pope John Paul II, and Kielbasa? All of them are Polish. Polish baby names are deeply rooted in Polish culture and are a fusion of Slavic and Christian traditions. Poland is one of the most religious countries in Europe. Hence, many Polish names have religious significance. These names have a profound etymology and beautiful pronunciation, things that parents look for in an ideal baby name.

Polish personal names consist of two elements - the given or first name, followed by the surname, last name, or family name (1). And you cannot just pick and use any name you like. Naming customs in Poland are influenced by three key factors: Church regulations, civil laws, and long-standing traditions. Additionally, family practices and individual preferences play a role. Ensuring that the name aligns with the baby's gender is of utmost importance in Polish naming conventions. Hence, the majority of female names conclude with the vowel- a (1), while male names usually end with consonants or other vowels, except- a. Nonetheless, there are a few deviations from this pattern. For instance, Maria, conventionally a name for girls, is sometimes used as a middle or second name for boys. Similarly, a handful of less common and old names like Boryna, Kuba, Barnaba, and Jarema, also conclude with the letter -a.

In Poland, children are typically given one or two names, as the law allows a maximum of two registered names. While most of the population is Catholic, adopting a saint's name as an informal third name during confirmation is common although it doesn't hold legal weight. Traditionally, parents select names with origins in Christianity, including Biblical and saint names, as well as Slavic names with roots in pre-Christian times. Below is a list of unique, popular, traditional, and latest Polish names with meanings.

Name Gender Meaning
heart image Adorjan Baby Boy Sign Boy Person from Hadria; A variant of Adrian
heart image Adrean Baby Boy Sign Boy Man from Hadria; Dark One; A variant form of Adrian
heart image Adriano Baby Boy Sign Boy A man from Hadria; Dark one; A variant form of Adrian
heart image Adrianus Baby Boy Sign Boy A man from Hadria; Dark one; A variant form of Adrian
heart image Adrien Baby Boy Sign Boy Man from Hadria
heart image Adrion Baby Boy Sign Boy A man from Hadria; Dark one; A variant form of Adrian
heart image Adron Baby Boy Sign Boy A man from Hadria; Dark one; A variant form of Adrian
heart image Aleksander Baby Boy Sign Boy Defender of mankind
heart image Aleksandra Baby Girl Sign Girl Defender of mankind
heart image Alicja Baby Girl Sign Girl Of the noble kind; Noble; Honorable; Ornament; A derivative of Alice
heart image Alohilani Baby Boy Sign Boy Bright sky
heart image Amelia Baby Girl Sign Girl Hardworking and industrious
heart image Anatol Baby Boy Sign Boy Sunrise; East; A variant form of name is Anatoli
heart image Andrzej Baby Boy Sign Boy Male; Manly; Brave; Virility; A variant of the name Andrew and Andreas
heart image Antek Baby Boy Sign Boy Priceless, Inestimable; A variant of name is Anthony
heart image Antoni Baby Boy Sign Boy Priceless; Inestimable; A variant of name is Anthony
heart image Antonin Baby Boy Sign Boy Priceless; Inestimable; A variant of name is Anthony
heart image Arek Baby Boy Sign Boy Enlighted; Mountain of strength; A variant of name Aaron
heart image Arkadiusz Baby Boy Sign Boy Archer; Dedicated to God
heart image Armia Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Army
heart image Artek Baby Boy Sign Boy Stone; Bear; Thor; The eagle; A variant of the name Arthur
heart image Augustyna Baby Girl Sign Girl Polish form of Augustina
heart image Aurek Baby Boy Sign Boy A bold, blond person; golden haired
heart image Aurelian Baby Boy Sign Boy An emperor who is golden colored; Broadminded
heart image Bakula Baby Boy Sign Boy One who lies
heart image Balint Baby Boy Sign Boy Strong and healthy
heart image Barley Baby Boy Sign Boy Woodland clearing; Grower or seller of barley
heart image Bartholomeus Baby Boy Sign Boy Farmer's Son
heart image Basile Baby Boy Sign Boy Royal; Kingly
heart image Bazyli Baby Boy Sign Boy Kingly
heart image Beatris Baby Girl Sign Girl Voyager through life
heart image Bedrich Baby Boy Sign Boy A Peaceful Ruler
heart image Bendek Baby Boy Sign Boy Blessed
heart image Benedetto Baby Boy Sign Boy Blessed; Similar to Latin Benedict
heart image Beniamino Baby Boy Sign Boy Right-hand Son; Similar to Benedict; Son of the Right Hand
heart image Benoni Baby Boy Sign Boy Son of my strength; Son of my sorrow
heart image Berna Baby Girl Sign Girl Brave bear; Young girl
heart image Bernardette Baby Girl Sign Girl Strong; Brave bear
heart image Bernhardina Baby Girl Sign Girl Brave Like a Bear; Strong Bear
heart image Berty Unisex Baby Sign Unisex High-born; Brilliant; Shining brightly
heart image Betzalel Baby Boy Sign Boy In God's Shadow
heart image Bianka Baby Girl Sign Girl White; Shining; Fair
heart image Binak Baby Boy Sign Boy Eye; Vision
heart image Birger Baby Boy Sign Boy Rescue; To Save; To Help; To Protect
heart image Blaithin Baby Girl Sign Girl Flower; Little; Blossom
heart image Bogdi Baby Boy Sign Boy Given by God; A derivative of Bogdan
heart image Bogumil Baby Boy Sign Boy One who is dear to God
heart image Boguslav Baby Boy Sign Boy God's glory
heart image Boguslawa Baby Girl Sign Girl She who brings glory to God
heart image Bolek Baby Boy Sign Boy To achieve great glory
heart image Bonifacy Baby Boy Sign Boy A man whose faith is good
heart image Borys Baby Boy Sign Boy One who is a short snow lepard
heart image Bozena Baby Girl Sign Girl Divine
heart image Brada Baby Boy Sign Boy An Ukrainian surname; Affectionate and compassionate being
heart image Bronislaw Baby Boy Sign Boy A protector of glory
heart image Bronislawa Baby Girl Sign Girl A woman who protects the glory
heart image Bronya Baby Girl Sign Girl A woman who gives protection
heart image Bryda Baby Girl Sign Girl A holder of great power and strength
heart image Bryga Baby Girl Sign Girl The one who is exalted
heart image Brygid Baby Girl Sign Girl A praised man
heart image Brygida Baby Girl Sign Girl One who is highly esteemed
heart image Casimir Baby Boy Sign Boy To destroy; World; Peace
heart image Casimira Baby Girl Sign Girl She who proclaimed peace
heart image Celestyn Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Person from heaven
heart image Cezary Baby Boy Sign Boy Variant of Caesar; Hairy and cut out of womb
heart image Chestibor Baby Boy Sign Boy Battle honor
heart image Curie Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Scientific brilliance or genius
heart image Czeslaw Baby Boy Sign Boy Glory; stable
heart image Daiya Baby Girl Sign Girl A gift from God
heart image Demian Baby Boy Sign Boy One who can be tamed and polished
heart image Dobry Baby Boy Sign Boy Good
heart image Dorota Baby Girl Sign Girl One who has a bright mind
heart image Edek Baby Boy Sign Boy A guardian of property; owner of many spears
heart image Edmunda Baby Boy Sign Boy One who has prosperity; name of a king
heart image Edyth Baby Girl Sign Girl A rare and wonderful gift
heart image Edytha Baby Girl Sign Girl A neat and wealthy present
heart image Elwira Baby Girl Sign Girl White
heart image Elzbieta Baby Girl Sign Girl My God is bountiful; God of plenty
heart image Emalia Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Industrious; Determined
heart image Emeryk Baby Boy Sign Boy Work power
heart image Emeryth Unisex Baby Sign Unisex An industrious leader with work power
heart image Eryk Baby Boy Sign Boy Someone who is a ruler for eternity
heart image Eryka Baby Girl Sign Girl Someone who rules for eternity
heart image Eugeniusz Baby Boy Sign Boy Nobility; High born
heart image Ewa Baby Girl Sign Girl She who brings life to everything
heart image Ewelina Baby Girl Sign Girl One who is desired
heart image Fela Baby Girl Sign Girl A lucky woman
heart image Felcia Baby Girl Sign Girl A lucky lady
heart image Felicjan Baby Boy Sign Boy A man of good fortune
heart image Feliks Baby Boy Sign Boy A lucky and successful man
heart image Ferdynand Baby Boy Sign Boy One who starts a brave journey
heart image Fil Baby Boy Sign Boy A person who loves horses
heart image Filip Baby Boy Sign Boy A horse lover
heart image Franciszek Baby Boy Sign Boy Frenchman; Free one
heart image Furman Baby Boy Sign Boy A driver of a horse-cart for delivery
heart image Gabryjel Baby Boy Sign Boy God is my shelter
heart image Genek Baby Boy Sign Boy Upper class birth
heart image Genowefa Baby Girl Sign Girl Polish accent of Genevieve; Wave that reflects white color
heart image Geralt Baby Boy Sign Boy Warrior; Protector; Son of strength
heart image Gerek Baby Boy Sign Boy Variant of Gerald; Ruling by spear
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Each Polish baby name is a testament to the fusion of Slavic and Christian traditions, resonating with profound significance. These names encapsulate the heart of Polish identity, carrying stories, values, and aspirations. As parents consider these names for their precious children, they embrace a legacy that intertwines the past, present, and future, fostering a sense of pride and connection to Poland's heritage. The above list of Polish names features names ranging from classic to modern with versatile meanings and histories.

Infographic: Captivating Polish Baby Names With Meanings

Polish baby names are a fusion of Slavic and Christian traditions. These names carry the essence of Poland's vibrant cultural heritage. From timeless classics to modern gems, each name reflects the country's identity and values. Explore this infographic to find a name that resonates with you and gift it to your affectionate baby.

intriguing polish names for your baby (infographic)

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

Get the high-quality PDF version of this infographic.

Download Infographic in PDF version

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the history behind Polish baby names?

In the 13th century, family names emerged in Poland and were initially used by the upper social classes. The Polish nobility formed heraldic clans with names associated with their coats of arms. Families within a clan could have different surnames derived from their estates. Sometimes, family and clan names were combined to create double-barrelled names. The Polish heraldic system allowed unrelated families to adopt the same coat of arms, resulting in a relatively low number of coats of arms. It became customary to refer to noblemen by their family name, coat of arms, or clan name. During the 15th to 17th centuries, Polish naming conventions resembled the ancient Roman style, with given names, clan names, and surnames forming double-barrelled names. Polish names are primarily rooted in the Bible or taken from Old Slavic names (2).

2. What are some common Polish baby names?

Some common feminine Polish baby names are Anna (favor, grace), Maria (beloved, rebelliousness), and Zofia (wisdom). Antoni (flower), Jan (Yahweh is gracious), and Alexsander (defender of men) are some common male names.

3. How do Polish baby names differ from names in other European cultures?

Polish baby names differ from other European cultures because there is no set naming pattern for given names. Polish babies would often be referred to by the Polish form of their Latin names (2).

References

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  1. Law Enforcement Guide to International Names
    https://info.publicintelligence.net/ROCICInternationalNames.pdf
  2. Poland Personal Names
    https://www.familysearch.org/en/wiki/Poland_Personal_Names#Given_Names
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