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