Polish Names

An attractive and little-known member of the group of romantic, Euro-chic boys' names ending in -ian: think Julian, Fabian, Florian, Adrian.

Though the name Kinga has penetrated the international consciousness via the Slovakian model Kinga Rajzak, it's a rare choice for American baby girls: Only six were named Kinga last year. Is that because Kinga sounds like pseudo-royalty, ala Princessa? Though with names such as Reign and Royal rising through the ranks, the time-honored Kinga may see more widespread usage.

Makes a serious name frilly and feminine, which, depending on your viewpoint, might be a good or a bad thing. In this case, we vote good.

Jasper and its many international variations, from Kasper to Casper to Gaspard, is finding new popularity.

Nadezhda is more familiar in the English-speaking world by its short forms, Nadia or Nadya. Well-used through the Slavic countries and Russia, Nadezhda was the name of Lenin's wife. Viewers of The Americans learned that this was the original Russian name of the spy known as Elizabeth Jennings, played by Keri Russell.

Zosha is a feminine name with Slavic origins, most commonly found in Polish culture. It functions as a diminutive form of Zofia, which is the Polish version of Sophia, meaning "wisdom." With its distinctive 'zh' sound (often written as 'ż' in Polish), Zosha carries an exotic yet accessible quality for English speakers. While relatively uncommon outside of Poland and Polish communities, the name has a warm, affectionate tone typical of Slavic diminutives. Zosha combines the increasingly popular 'Z' initial with a friendly, approachable ending. The name's brevity and interesting sound make it an intriguing option for parents seeking something unique yet pronounceable with cultural significance.

This diminutive of Valeria has a strong and striking sound to match its meaning. It has also been used in Brazil in recent decades.

Daniella, Daniela, and Danielle were among the hottest names for twenty years, but now, though still popular, they can no longer be considered stylish options, lagging behind the newer Ella, Stella, Bella, Gabriella, and Isabella.

Wala is a feminine name with multicultural origins and meanings. In Arabic, it can mean "loyalty" or "devotion," making it a name that symbolizes faithfulness and commitment. In some Native American languages, particularly Chinook, Wala refers to discourse or conversation. The name also appears in Polish as a diminutive of Waleria (Valerie). With its simple two-syllable structure and open vowel sounds, Wala has a gentle, flowing quality that transcends language barriers. Though relatively uncommon in Western countries, it has maintained consistent usage in Arabic-speaking communities, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa. The name's brevity and meaningful associations make it an attractive choice for parents seeking a name that's both internationally accessible and rich in significance.

Teodora is an extremely attractive and international choice, with several equally attractive, user-friendly nicknames. Appealing short forms might include Tea, Dora, or Dory for English speakers, however, classic diminutives include the Spanish, Italian, Serbian and Portuguese Dora, the Bulgarian Todorka, and the Swedish Thea.

Tytus is a masculine name of Latin origin, representing the Polish form of Titus. The original name Titus was prominent in ancient Rome, famously borne by the Roman Emperor Titus Flavius Vespasianus who ruled from 79-81 CE. The name is believed to mean "title of honor" or "strong" in Latin. While uncommon in English-speaking countries, Tytus has maintained steady usage in Poland and among Polish diaspora communities. The distinctive spelling with 'y' instead of 'i' gives the classical name a fresh, modern appearance while preserving its historical significance. The name carries a strong, masculine sound with its crisp consonants, and its ancient roots provide a sense of timeless dignity. For families with Polish heritage or those seeking a unique variant of a classical name, Tytus offers both cultural significance and distinctive character.

Jena is a succinct name with a number of different roots, making it a versatile choice. On one hand, it might be used as a diminutive for the 70s favorite Jennifer, a name of Cornish origin that was hugely popular in a number of countries in the latter half of the 20th century. Jena might feel sleeker and more contemporary to some than the long form.

Alisia is a feminine name variant of Alice or Alicia, ultimately derived from the Germanic name Adalheidis, meaning 'noble type' or 'of noble kind.' This spelling variation offers a slightly exotic twist on more common forms, while maintaining recognizability. The 's' instead of 'c' gives it a distinctive look and potentially a softer pronunciation. Alisia has never been among the most popular names in the United States or Europe, but has maintained steady, modest usage. It appeals to parents seeking a name with classic roots but a slightly unconventional spelling, offering the perfect balance between familiarity and uniqueness. The name carries connotations of nobility, grace, and timeless femininity.

An international possibility, heard from England and Israel to Poland, Latvia, and Albania. It is a name with a vast range of possible meanings and origins, including: a Polish variation of Jane, meaning "God is Gracious"; a Croatian, Bosnian, and Serbian short form of Susanna, meaning "lily"; a Persian name meaning "woman"; a Mongolian name meaning "bullfinch"; and a Shona name from Zimbabwe meaning "a hundred".

Henryk is the Polish, Czech, and Scandinavian variant of Henry, derived from the Germanic name Heinrich, meaning "home ruler" or "ruler of the household." This distinguished name combines the elements "heim" (home) and "ric" (power, ruler). Henryk has been borne by several Polish kings and notable figures, including the renowned composer Henryk Górecki and the writer Henryk Sienkiewicz, who won the Nobel Prize in Literature. While consistently popular in Eastern European countries, particularly Poland, the name has gained modest international recognition. Henryk offers a distinctive alternative to the more common Henry, with its distinctive Slavic spelling adding character and cultural depth.

Gustave is a masculine name of Swedish and French origin, derived from the Old Norse elements 'Gautr' (referring to the Geats people of southern Sweden) and 'stafr' meaning 'staff' or 'support.' The name gained prominence through Swedish royalty, including several kings named Gustav. In French-speaking regions, Gustave has been used since medieval times, made notable by figures like French artist Gustave Doré and writer Gustave Flaubert. While the more anglicized 'Gustav' appears in Scandinavian countries, the form 'Gustave' is distinctly French in character. Though never extremely common in English-speaking countries, the name carries an air of classic sophistication and European elegance that appeals to parents seeking a distinguished yet approachable traditional name.

A feminine multicultural nickname name perfectly able to stand on its own, Zanna might technically relate to either Susanna or Jane, making it a flexible honor name for an ancestral Susan or Jane or even John.

Diminutive for all the Slavic names that start with Jar-. If for family or cultural reasons you're seeking such a name, then this is a reasonable short form.

Kristi is a feminine name primarily used as a diminutive form of Christina or Kristina, derived from the Greek word 'Christos,' meaning 'anointed one.' This short, sweet variation gained particular popularity in the United States during the 1960s and 1970s. The name carries Christian religious connotations while maintaining a contemporary feel. Kristi strikes a balance between familiarity and distinctiveness, as it's widely recognized but not overly common. The spelling with 'K' rather than 'C' gives it a slightly Nordic flair, reflecting its popularity in Scandinavian countries. Notable bearers include several athletes and performers, adding to its dynamic, spirited associations.