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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. 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.
  2. 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.
  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. 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.
  5. 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.
  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. Antoni

    • Origin:

      Polish, Catalan and Welsh form of Antonius, Latin

    • Meaning:

      "priceless"
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. Blazek

    • Description:

      Blazek is a masculine name of Slavic origin, particularly common in Czech and Slovak cultures. It derives from the name Blaise (Blažej in Czech), ultimately from the Latin name Blasius, which may have meant 'lisping' or 'stuttering' in its original form. In Slavic languages, the element 'blaz' is associated with 'blessing' or 'well-being.' Blazek functions both as a given name and surname throughout Eastern Europe. The name carries a strong, distinctive sound and projects qualities of strength and individuality. While uncommon in English-speaking countries, it remains a traditional choice in Slavic regions. For parents with Czech, Slovak or Polish heritage, Blazek offers a way to honor cultural roots while giving their son a name that stands out in Western contexts.
  11. Olek

    • Description:

      Olek is a masculine name of Slavic origin, primarily used in Polish culture. It functions as a diminutive or nickname for Aleksander (Alexander), creating a friendly, approachable alternative to the longer formal name. The name Alexander derives from Greek elements meaning 'defender of the people,' and Olek carries this noble heritage in a more casual form. In Poland and other Eastern European countries, Olek has traditional usage, though it's less common internationally. The name's brevity and distinctive sound make it memorable while its Slavic character gives it a specific cultural identity. For those with Polish heritage, Olek offers a way to honor cultural roots with a name that's both authentic and accessible.
  12. 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.
  13. Jas

    • Origin:

      Abbreviation of James or short form of Jasper
  14. Bronislaw

    • Origin:

      Polish

    • Meaning:

      "weapon of glory"

    • Description:

      Also spelled Bronisław, this Polish name has a strong, rugged meaning. It was briefly popular in France in the first half of the 20th century and has been notably borne by Polish anthropologist, Bronisław Malinowski and Polish Prime Minister, Bronisław Komorowski.
  15. Zbigniew

    • Origin:

      Polish

    • Meaning:

      "to dispel anger"

    • Description:

      One of the first authentically Slavic names many Americans heard (but couldn't pronounce), via 1960s to 70s former presidential advisor Zbigniew Brzezinski. Even after all these years, it is still problematic internationally, but well-used and familiar in its native Poland.
  16. 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.

  17. Arek

    • Description:

      Arek is a masculine name with roots in several cultures. Primarily of Armenian origin, it means 'sun' or 'solar,' connecting to themes of light and warmth. The name also appears in Polish communities as a diminutive of Arkadiusz (Arcadius), meaning 'from Arcadia' - the mythological paradise in ancient Greece. Compact and strong-sounding, Arek has a contemporary feel while maintaining traditional roots. Though not widely used in English-speaking countries, it has moderate popularity in Eastern European countries and Armenia. The name's straightforward pronunciation and spelling make it accessible across cultures, while its relative rarity gives it a distinctive quality.
  18. Ignacy

    • Description:

      Ignacy is the Polish form of the Latin name Ignatius, deriving from the Roman family name Egnatius, possibly meaning 'fiery' or 'ardent.' The name gained popularity among Christians through St. Ignatius of Loyola, the 16th-century founder of the Jesuit order. In Poland, Ignacy has remained consistently popular throughout the centuries, experiencing a revival in recent decades as parents return to traditional names. The diminutive forms include Ignaś and Ignuś. While primarily used in Poland and other Slavic countries, it has international variants such as Ignatius (English), Ignazio (Italian), and Ignace (French).
  19. Carel

    • Description:

      Carel is a masculine name with Dutch and Afrikaans origins, serving as a variant of Carl or Karel, ultimately derived from the Germanic name Karl, meaning 'free man' or 'strong man.' Common in the Netherlands, Belgium, and South Africa, Carel combines historical depth with a softer pronunciation than its Germanic counterparts. The name carries an air of refinement while maintaining masculine strength. Notable bearers include Dutch painter Carel Fabritius, a pupil of Rembrandt. Though not widely used in English-speaking countries, its simple spelling and familiar sound make it accessible across cultures. The name experienced peak popularity in Dutch-speaking regions during the mid-20th century but retains timeless appeal for parents seeking a name with European heritage.

  20. 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.