Polish Diminutives

Ela

Turkish

"terebinth tree"

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.

Asia

Place name

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…

Hania

Hebrew, Polish

"encampment; grace"

This very unusual name, also related to Hannah, was chosen for his daughter by Vin Diesel.

Ania

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…

Zosia

Variant of Sophia, Greek

"wisdom"

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 .

Mela

Hindi

"religious service"

Unlike Pamela and Melanie, Mela feels fresh and unusual.

Kasia

Diminutive of Katarzyna, Polish, Greek

"pure; cassia, cinnamon"

An attractive and intriguing choice with an appealing blend of gentle and sharper sounds, Kasia is a diminutive of Katarzyna, the Polish form of Katherine. Ultimately from Greek, it is generally…

Ala

Igbo, Polish, diminutive of Alicja

"nobility"

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…

Iza

Polish, Czech, and Slovene short form of Izabela, variation of Izzah "pledged to God; glory, power, strength"

"pledged to God; glory, power, strength"

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,…

Jasia

Jasia is a feminine name with Polish origins, functioning as a diminutive form of Joanna or Janina (Polish variants of Jane or Joan). The name ultimately derives from Hebrew, meaning 'God is…

Stasia

Greek

"resurrection"

Anastasia is a lovely yet very long name, and Stasia is a fresher, classier short form than Stacy.

Jola

Hebrew

"God is willing"

Could be used to honor a Joel.

Kazia

Kazia is a feminine name with Polish origins, typically functioning as a diminutive of Kazimiera, the female form of Kazimierz (Casimir). The name derives from Slavic elements meaning 'destroyer of…

Ula

Celtic

"gem of the sea"

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…

Amelcia

Amelcia is an uncommon feminine name that appears to be a variant or elaboration of Amelia, which derives from Germanic roots meaning 'work' or 'industrious.' This distinctive spelling adds a unique…