Jankiel

Polish

"god is gracious"

Jankiel Origin and Meaning

The name Jankiel is a boy's name.

Jankiel is a masculine name with Polish Jewish origins, serving as a Yiddish diminutive form of Jacob (Yaakov in Hebrew). The name appears prominently in Poland's cultural heritage, notably in Adam Mickiewicz's epic poem 'Pan Tadeusz,' where Jankiel is a Jewish innkeeper and cymbalist character who symbolizes Polish-Jewish relations. The name combines Jewish tradition with distinctive Polish linguistic elements, creating a culturally rich identity marker. While uncommon outside of Polish and Jewish contexts, Jankiel carries significant historical resonance within these communities. The name peaked in usage in pre-WWII Poland and has become less common in modern times, though it maintains cultural significance. Jankiel's distinctive sound profile and cultural depth make it notable despite its relative rarity.

Famous People Named Jankiel

• Jankiel "Yankel" Wiernik Polish Holocaust survivor and memoirist