Polish Diminutives

This unusual and alluring choice was used by David Mamet for his daughter, who is now grown and an actress on the hit show Girls.

This spelling variation of the Biblical place-name Sela is found on early American census roles, but Sela is more usual today. Cella is another early variation.

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 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.

A short form of Izabela, popular as a stand-alone name in Slovenia where it ranks in the Top 50. It might also be used in Poland, Czechia, Georgia, Hungary, and elsewhere as a form of Izabela/lla, Izidora, Izolda, Elizabeth, Adeliza, and similar.

This still attractive place name was one of the first to gain popularity, though it now probably owes some of its favor to the similar Aisha. Asia ranked as high as Number 195 on the US baby names popularity list in 1997.

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.

Unlike Pamela and Melanie, Mela feels fresh and unusual.

Kuba is the attractive short form of Jakub, the spelling of Jacob commonly used in Poland. Much more distinctive than Jake!

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.

For such a short, simple name, Pela has many possible derivations and meanings. It's most commonly cited as a short form of Penelope, but can also be a nickname for Pelagia, a name related to the sea.

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.

Renia is a feminine name with multiple potential origins. It may function as a shortened form of longer names like Renata (meaning 'reborn') or serve as a variant of Raina (meaning 'queen' in Slavic languages). The name also appears in Polish and Lithuanian naming traditions. With its flowing sound and accessible pronunciation, Renia offers a melodic quality that feels both familiar and distinctive. Despite its relative rarity in English-speaking countries, the name has a timeless quality that allows it to fit comfortably in contemporary naming landscapes. Renia carries a subtle elegance with its balanced syllables and gentle sound. The name's international character makes it appealing for families with European heritage or those seeking a name that travels well across cultural boundaries while remaining relatively uncommon.

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.

Maks is a masculine name with Slavic origins, functioning as a shortened form of Maksim or Maksymilian (variations of Maximus and Maximilian). Popular throughout Eastern Europe, particularly in Poland, Russia, and Ukraine, the name means 'greatest' or 'the greatest,' reflecting its Latin roots. Maks gained increased international recognition in the early 21st century, partly due to globalization and the influence of Slavic celebrities and public figures. The name's concise, strong phonetic quality gives it a contemporary feel despite its traditional roots. While still relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, Maks has been gradually rising in usage as parents seek short, distinctive names with cross-cultural appeal and straightforward pronunciation.

Ala is the Igbo earth goddess whose symbol is the crescent moon. In a very different vein, Ala can be a diminutive for Alicja or Alexandra or really any other name with an A at both ends and an L in the middle. Ala is also an Arabic name meaning "excellence, supremacy"; could be confused as a homonym for Allah, or as part of a phrase like a la mode.

Could be used to honor a Joel.

Ula is among the unusual U names that may have a range of origins and meanings, from the Celtic one given here to its possibilities as a short form of Eulalia or Ursula. Ulla is a Scandinavian name usually an abbreviation of Ursula or Ulrika.