Awesome Polish Names

Urban was not an uncommon name through the 1930s (rising as high as Number 435), having been attached to several saints and early popes, but it has completely disappeared from the landscape--both urban and rural. Yet in this era of word name appreciation and trend for 'an'-ending boys' names, we're thinking it might be ready for a return.

Walentyna is the Polish feminine form of Valentine, derived from the Latin name Valentinus, which comes from 'valens' meaning 'strong, healthy, or powerful.' This name has deep historical roots connected to several early Christian saints named Valentine. In Poland, Walentyna has maintained consistent recognition though it has never been among the most popular choices. The name experiences occasional renewed interest around Valentine's Day. Walentyna carries a classic, traditional quality in Polish culture while being recognizable internationally through its connection to Valentine. The name blends Slavic character with historical European heritage, offering a strong feminine identity with historical depth and cross-cultural recognition.

Waleria is a feminine name derived from the Latin name Valerius, which means 'to be strong' or 'health.' This Polish and Eastern European variation of Valeria maintains the noble Roman origins while adding a distinct Slavic character through the 'W' spelling. The name carries connotations of strength, health, and valor, historically associated with the ancient Roman family Valerii. In Polish culture, Waleria has maintained consistent though not overwhelming popularity through generations. The name offers the friendly nicknames Wala or Lera while providing a full name with classical dignity. Though less common in English-speaking countries, Waleria represents a beautiful option for parents seeking a name with European heritage, feminine elegance, and an underlying message of strength. Its distinctive spelling creates uniqueness while maintaining recognizable pronunciation.

This dignified German form of William belonged to two German Emperors and Kings of Prussia, as well as a host of other important historical figures. These include composer (Wilhelm) Richard Wagner, philosophers Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel and Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche, mathematician Gottfried Wilhelm von Leibniz, and physicist Wilhelm Roentgen, who discovered the X-ray. It now sounds rather dated in Germany, however, having dropped out of the Top 20 there in the late 1920s and continuing to decline since.

Wilhelmina might once have been condemned as a clunky relic best left in the past, but a steadily increasing number of parents are dusting it off for their 21st century babies. A reasonably popular choice in the 19th century, but out of favor by the 1950s, in the last decade, the number of babies called Wilhelmina has doubled, with 140 girls receiving the name in 2023.

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.

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.

Remember Zuzu, the adorable little girl you watch every Christmas in "It's a Wonderful Life"? Here's a direct path to that nickname, a lot more zesty than the more familiar Susannah.

Zygfryd is the Polish variant of the Germanic name Siegfried, composed of elements meaning 'victory' and 'peace' or 'protection.' This powerful name carries significant historical and mythological weight, as Siegfried was a legendary hero in Germanic and Norse mythology, later immortalized in Wagner's Ring Cycle operas. The Polish spelling Zygfryd reflects the name's journey through different European languages while maintaining its heroic associations. While common in Poland, particularly in the early-to-mid 20th century, it remains relatively rare in English-speaking countries. Zygfryd projects strength and ancient nobility, appealing to parents with Polish heritage or those seeking a name with historical depth. The distinctive 'Z' beginning and unusual consonant combination gives it a strong, memorable quality despite its challenging pronunciation for non-Polish speakers.