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Polish Names for Boys

Nameberry
By Nameberry
Updated Tue Jun 09 2020
Polish names for boys have never been popular outside of their homeland, despite the large numbers of Polish immigrants who have settled in the US, Canada, Britain and others over the past two centuries. Many Polish names were lost at the border: Andrzej became Andrew, Michał became Michael, and Jan became John. But Polish baby names for boys and girls are now starting to receive fresh attention from the many millions of people around the world who claim Polish ancestry. Popular boy names in Poland include Polish variants of international classics like Jakub, Aleksander and Szymon, as well as characteristically Polish boy names like Wojciech and Stanisław.

Browse the full list of Polish boys' names on Nameberry here. The top names below rank among the current US Top 1000 Baby Names and are ordered by popularity. Unique names rank below the Top 1000 and are listed alphabetically.
  1. Casimir

    • Origin:

      English; French, from Polish

    • Meaning:

      "destroyer of peace"

    • Description:

      Casimir, a traditional name of Polish kings, could do quite well these days as we see the rise of Caspian, Cassius, Castiel, et. al. Like Leopold and Laszlo, Casimir is strong and worth considering if you've got an adventurous streak — and bet your son will too.
  2. Rye

    • Origin:

      English, diminutive of Ryder or Riley; word name; British surname

    • Meaning:

      "cavalryman, messenger; rye"

    • Description:

      Rye has the potential to become the masculine version of Rue—a short and sweet name for nature lovers (and whiskey fans too!). Rye might be short for Ryder or Riley or Rylan or any Ry-beginning name, but increasingly it stands on its own. It can also be considered a place name, after the town in England.
  3. Kasper

    • Origin:

      Polish variation of Casper, form of Jasper, Persian

    • Meaning:

      "bringer of treasure"

    • Description:

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

    • Origin:

      Polish, Czech and Romanian form of Marianus/Marius

    • Meaning:

      "related to Mars, Roman god of war"

    • Description:

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

    • Origin:

      Dutch from Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "city of the king; king of light"

    • Description:

      The least used of the Three Wise Men's names, but a strong option for bold namers to consider.
  6. Ola

    • Origin:

      Norwegian and Swedish form of Olaf

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  7. Gustave

    • Description:

      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.
  8. Walenty

    • Description:

      Walenty is a masculine name of Polish origin, serving as the Polish form of Valentine. Derived from the Latin 'valens' meaning 'strong, vigorous, healthy,' the name carries connotations of strength and vitality. Historically popular in Poland, Walenty celebrates the same saint honored in Valentine's Day traditions. The name has a distinctive Slavic character while maintaining its connection to broader European naming traditions. While more common among older generations in Poland, Walenty occasionally experiences renewed interest as parents explore heritage names. The pronunciation (vah-LEN-tee) features the characteristic Polish softening of consonants. For families of Polish descent, Walenty offers a way to honor cultural roots while using a name with recognizable European parallels.

  9. Michal

    • Origin:

      Czech, Slavic, and Polish variation of Michael

    • Meaning:

      "who is like God?"

    • Description:

      Michal may be one of several Eastern European forms of Michael, though there is a biblical Michal who is female, the daughter of Saul and wife of David.
  10. Zenon

    • Origin:

      Ancient Greek and Polish form of Zeno and Zeus

    • Meaning:

      "sky, shine; gift of Zeus"

    • Description:

      Zenon is a relative of Zeno, which is a form of Zeus, used in both ancient Greece and modern Poland. With the new rise of all names mythological, this one may deserve a fresh look.
  11. Demeter

    • Description:

      Demeter, while historically a feminine name from Greek mythology, has occasionally been used as a masculine name in some contexts. In Greek mythology, Demeter was the powerful goddess of agriculture, grain, and fertility who controlled the seasons and harvest. The name derives from the Greek elements 'de' (possibly meaning earth) and 'meter' (mother). As a masculine name, Demeter is extremely rare and represents a bold, unconventional choice. It carries strong associations with nature, abundance, and life-giving power. The name has a distinguished, classical quality with its mythological heritage. For parents drawn to Greek naming traditions who appreciate its unique sound and powerful connotations, Demeter offers a distinctive option that bridges ancient tradition with contemporary uniqueness.
  12. Janek

    • Origin:

      Polish

    • Meaning:

      "god is gracious"

    • Description:

      A short form of the very popular Polish name Jan, which is the equivalent of John in English. Short forms ending in -ek are very widespread in Poland, but it is rare that one is given as the official birth certificate name.
  13. Tymon

    • Origin:

      Polish variation of Timon, Greek

    • Meaning:

      "reward, honor"

    • Description:

      Timon has strong associations with The Lion King, making it a tough sell for American parents. Attractive Polish variation Tymon, with the emphasis on the first syllable, preserves the strength of the original while eliminating the meerkat connection.
  14. Maksym

    • Description:

      Maksym is a masculine name of Slavic origin, particularly popular in Ukraine, Poland, and other Eastern European countries. It is the Eastern European variant of Maximus, which comes from Latin meaning "greatest" or "largest." The name carries connotations of strength, achievement, and excellence - qualities traditionally valued for sons. In Ukraine, Maksym consistently ranks among the more popular boys' names, while it remains less common in Western countries. The spelling with 'k' and 'y' reflects Slavic transliteration practices, distinguishing it from the more Latinized Maxim. People with this name often go by the nicknames Maks or Max in casual settings.
  15. Jas

    • Origin:

      Abbreviation of James or short form of Jasper
  16. 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.
  17. Konrad

    • Origin:

      German, Scandinavian, Polish

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  18. Maury

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Maurice

    • Meaning:

      "dark skinned"

    • Description:

      Old-man name, soft as a fraying gray cashmere cardigan, that would be even cuter for a girl.
  19. Tytus

    • Description:

      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.
  20. Waclaw

    • Description:

      Wacław is a traditional Polish masculine name derived from the Slavic name Václav (Wenceslaus in English). The name combines two Slavic elements: 'vyache' meaning 'more' or 'greater,' and 'slava' meaning 'glory' or 'fame,' thus signifying 'greater glory' or 'more famous.' Historically significant in Poland and other Slavic nations, Wacław honors Saint Wenceslaus, a 10th-century Bohemian duke and martyr. The name remains moderately popular in Poland, though it's more common among older generations than newborns today. In pronunciation, the 'ł' creates a sound similar to the English 'w.' Outside Poland, the name is relatively rare but represents a strong connection to Polish heritage and Slavic cultural traditions.