Polish Names
- Eda
Origin:
English, TurkishMeaning:
"wealthy, well-mannered"Description:
An medieval English diminutive of Edith, which could make an unusual addition to simple vintage revivals like Eva, Ada and Ida. In Turkish, it means "well mannered".
- Zosha
Description:
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.
- Kalina
Origin:
PolishMeaning:
"viburnum"Description:
Kalina, known as a girls' name throughout Eastern Europe, translates literally to viburnum in Polish, making it a botanical name. Viburnum is a flowering shrub. Some sources translate this name as simply "flower." Variations may include Kaline, Kalena, and Kalene.
- Ania
Description:
Ania is a feminine name with Slavic origins, particularly popular in Poland and other Eastern European countries. It functions as a diminutive form of Anna, which ultimately derives from the Hebrew Hannah, meaning 'grace' or 'favor.' The name features a straightforward pronunciation (AHN-yah or AHN-ee-ah, depending on regional accents) that travels well across language boundaries despite its specific cultural roots. Ania has a delicate, feminine quality while maintaining simplicity and brevity. Though not widely used in English-speaking countries, it has gained some recognition with increased global cultural awareness. The name carries the warmth and timeless quality of its root name Anna while offering a fresh, slightly exotic alternative that's still easy to pronounce and spell.
- Fela
Description:
Fela is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins. In Yoruba (Nigerian) culture, it means 'luck' or 'success' and gained recognition through Nigerian musician Fela Kuti. In Spanish-speaking regions, it often serves as a diminutive for names like Felicia or Rafaela, connecting to Latin 'felix' meaning 'happy' or 'fortunate.' In Polish, Fela can be a nickname for Felicja. The name's simplicity, positive meanings, and cross-cultural presence make it appealing for diverse families. Despite its rich heritage, Fela remains relatively uncommon in Western countries, offering a concise, melodic option with meaningful cultural connections and uplifting associations of happiness and good fortune.
- Kasper
Origin:
Polish variation of Casper, form of Jasper, PersianMeaning:
"bringer of treasure"Description:
Jasper and its many international variations, from Kasper to Casper to Gaspard, is finding new popularity.
- Ola
Origin:
Norwegian and Swedish form of OlafMeaning:
"ancestor's relic"Description:
Simple, friendly, distinctive name heard in several cultures. The a ending may feel more feminine in the US than Ole, though both variations are acceptable in Scandinavia.
- Valeska
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"strong"Description:
This diminutive of Valeria has a strong and striking sound to match its meaning. It has also been used in Brazil in recent decades.
- Szymon
Description:
Szymon is the Polish form of Simon, a masculine name with biblical origins. Simon derives from the Hebrew name Shimon, meaning 'he has heard' or 'listening.' In the Bible, Simon was one of the twelve apostles who later became known as Peter. The distinctive Polish spelling reflects the language's orthographic conventions, with 'Sz' representing the 'sh' sound and 'y' representing a sound similar to the short 'i' in English. Szymon is a common name in Poland and Polish communities worldwide but remains relatively rare in English-speaking countries. The name carries the weight of its biblical heritage while connecting to Polish cultural identity. Individuals named Szymon outside Poland often maintain a connection to their Polish heritage through this traditional spelling.
- Karol
Description:
Karol is traditionally a masculine name in many Slavic countries, though it can be used for both genders in different cultures. It's the Eastern European equivalent of Charles, derived from Germanic origins meaning 'free man' or 'manly.' In Poland, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic, Karol is a common male name, while English speakers might perceive it as a feminine variant of Carol. The name gained international recognition when Karol Józef Wojtyła became Pope John Paul II. Karol has a strong, straightforward quality with its two distinct syllables and firm ending. Its cross-cultural versatility makes it appealing to parents with Slavic heritage or those seeking a name that works in multiple languages.
- Konrad
Origin:
German, Scandinavian, PolishMeaning:
"brave counsel"Description:
German, Scandinavian and Polish spelling of Konrad, borne by several German and Polish rulers throughout history, as well as the German chancellor Konrad Adenauer.
- Michalina
Origin:
Feminization of Michal, PolishMeaning:
"who is like God?"Description:
A classic name in Poland, where it has been in the Top 50 since 2007. Michalina is the feminine form of Michal, the Polish, Czech, and Slavic variation of Michael.
- Maciej
Origin:
Polish variation of Matthew, HebrewMeaning:
"gift of God"Description:
The pronunciation barrier looms large, but Maciej has such a pleasant sound, we think it deserves a second look.
- Cesia
Description:
Cesia is a feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may derive from the Latin name 'Caesia,' meaning 'bluish-gray,' often referring to eye color. Alternatively, it could be a variation of Cesiah or a feminine form of Caesar, meaning 'hairy' or 'head of hair' in Latin. In some Hispanic communities, Cesia is used as a variation of Cecilia. The name remains relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries but has some usage in Latin American communities. Cesia has a gentle, flowing sound with a distinctive quality that sets it apart from more common names. Its rarity makes it an intriguing choice for parents seeking something melodic yet unusual.
- Ela
Origin:
TurkishMeaning:
"terebinth tree"Description:
A sweet, simple mini-name that fits into many cultures. The only drawback is the potential for confusion with Ella, Ayla, and other similar names.
- Inka
Origin:
Norse, diminutive of Ingrid or IngaMeaning:
"guarded by Ing or Ing is beautiful"Description:
Inka is a feminine name with rich multicultural origins. Most prominently, it references the Inca civilization of South America, lending the name historical and cultural significance. In Finnish and other Baltic languages, Inka serves as a diminutive form of names containing 'Ing' such as Ingrid or Inge.
- Ita
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"thirst"Description:
The name of one of the most famous medieval Irish saints, who was known as "the foster-mother of the saints," and founded a nunnery in the county of Limerick. Might be of interest to someone looking for an unusual 3-letter name.
- Zofia
Origin:
Czech, Polish, and Ukrainian variation of SophiaMeaning:
"wisdom"Description:
An international variation of Sophia that ranks in the Top 10 in Poland and the Top 1000 in England and Wales. Zosia is a charming diminutive.
- Basha
Origin:
Yiddish, variant of BATYAMeaning:
"foreign woman"Description:
Basha bears a family resemblance to other newly popular Slavic names Sasha and Mischa, all of them hearty, warm and welcoming.
- Rysio
Description:
Rysio is a masculine Polish diminutive name derived from names like Ryszard (the Polish equivalent of Richard). This affectionate nickname carries a warm, friendly connotation in Polish culture. The name Rysio combines familiarity with endearment, commonly used by family and close friends. Its etymology traces back to Germanic roots, with 'ric' meaning 'ruler' and 'hard' meaning 'brave' or 'strong,' giving Rysio connections to strength and leadership. While primarily used in Poland and Polish communities worldwide, it remains relatively uncommon outside these circles. The diminutive '-sio' ending creates a sense of fondness and informality, making Rysio feel approachable and good-natured. The name balances traditional heritage with personal warmth.
