If you had to sum up the Polish people in just a few words, you might choose “resolute,” “ambitious,” and “strong.” This Slavic country—nestled in the north-central region of Europe against the Baltic Sea—is known for its stunning and diverse geography, handsome castles, and quaint cities.

Still, its people have seen more than their share of hardships over the centuries. In the face and aftermath of adversity, though, the Polish people have boldly fought for what they believe in. Today, there’s a heartfelt pride in democracy, entrepreneurship, hard work, and cultural freedom among the country’s people. 

Polish baby names may not be extremely popular in the United States, but to be given a Polish name ought to be considered an honor! Consider one of these 50 as you try to determine your own baby’s name.

See below for popular and unique Polish baby names for girls along with their meanings, origins, and other interesting information.

Aldona

  • Origin: Polish, Lithuanian Meaning: Noble, HonorableAlternative Spellings & Variations: Aldonna, DonnaFamous Namesakes: Aldona of Lithuania, the Queen Consort of PolandPeak Popularity: Aldona is familiar in the U.S., although slightly uncommon. The name reached peak popularity in 1920.

Alina

  • Origin: Polish, Russian, RomainianMeaning: Bearer of light, Merry, ShiningAlternative Spellings & Variations: Eileen, Alinda, Alianne, Alena, Aelina, Aline, Eleanor, Helena, Helene, Adelena, Magdalena, Adela, Aileen, Adelind, Helen, Ella, Selene, EileenFamous Namesakes: Russian ballerina Alina Somova, Russian Olympic rhythmic gymnast Alina Kabaeva, Russian tennis player Alina JidkovaPeak Popularity: The name is quite popular in the United States reaching peak popularity in 2018 when over 1700 baby girls were given the name.

Aleksandra

  • Origin: Polish, GreekMeaning: DefenderAlternative Spellings & Variations: Ola, Alyxandra, Alixandria, Alixandra, Alexsandra, Alexandrine, Alexandrina, Alexandria, Alexandretta, Alexandrene, Alexandrena, Alexandreana, Alexandrea, Alexandre, Alexanderine, Alexanderia, Alexander, AlexandaFamous Namesakes: Canadian tennis player Aleksandra WozniakPeak Popularity: This name used to be more common name in the U.S. It reached peak popularity in 2007, but has since seen a downward trend.

Angelica

  • Origin: Polish, Russian, LatinMeaning: Angel, AngelicAlternative Spellings & Variations: Anjelica, Anglesea, Angel, AngieFamous Namesakes: English Actress Angelica Mandy, American Actress Angelica BridgesPeak Popularity: The name has been very popular throughout the last 50 years. It reached peak popularity in the U.S. in 1996.

Basha

  • Origin: Polish, Jewish, YiddishMeaning: Foreign Woman, StrangerAlternative Spellings & Variations: Barbara, Bashala, Bashele, Basherel, Bashe, Basia, BasjaPeak Popularity: This is an uncommon name in the U.S. It reached peak popularity in the U.S. in 2001 when 11 girls were given the name.

Blanka

  • Origin: Polish, Czech, CroatianMeaning: WhiteAlternative Spellings & Variations: Blanca, Blanche, Blanch, Blanche, Branca, Bianka, Bianca, Branca, Bianca, BlancaFamous Namesakes: Croatian High Jump Athlete Blanka Vlašić, Czech Actress Blanka WaleskáPeak Popularity: The variation of this name, Blanca, is more common in the U.S., and was most popular from ’50s through the ’90s.

Celina

  • Origin: Polish, Portuguese, LatinMeaning: Moon Goddess, HeavenAlternative Spellings & Variations: Selena, Caelina, Marcellina, Celine, Marcelyn, Céline, Marceline, Marcelline, Marcelina, CelenaFamous Namesakes: British Actress Celina Sinden, Chinese American Actress Celina JadePeak Popularity: The name began to grow in popularity during the ’70s, reaching U.S. peak popularity in 1994.

Daniela

Origin: Polish, Italian, Czech

Fun Fact: There is a chain of grocery stores in Arizona called Basha’s.

Meaning: Only God is My Judge, Survivor

Alternative Spellings & Variations: Daniella, Danielle, Danila, Dani

Famous Namesakes: Portuguese/American actress Daniela Sofia Korn Ruah, Canadian pop singer Daniela Andrade, Chilean Actress Daniela Vega

Peak Popularity: The name gained traction in popularity in the mid ’70s, reaching peak popularity in the U.S. in 2003. 

Delja

  • Origin: PolishMeaning: Daughter of the seaPeak Popularity: This name has not been popular in the United States. There were fewer than five baby girls given this name in 2019.

Eliza

  • Origin: Polish, English, GermanMeaning: God is my oathAlternative Spellings & Variations: Ellie, Elle, Liz, Liza, Elisa, ElizabethFamous Namesakes: Australian Actress Eliza Jane Taylor, American Actresses Eliza Coupe and Eliza Patricia DuhkuPeak Popularity: Since the late 1800s, the name Eliza has maintained some popularity in the United States. It peaked in the ’00s.

Emilia 

  • Origin: Polish, Latin, German
  • Meaning: Rival, strive, excel
  • Alternative Spellings & Variations: Amelia, Emily, Emmie, Amalia
  • Famous Namesakes: English Game of Thrones Actress Emilia Isobel Euphemia Rose Clarke (Dani), Polish actress Emilia Krakowska, Polish Social Activist Emilia Szczaniecka
  • Peak Popularity: This name has been commonly used since the 1880s, but substantially increased in popularity in the U.S. in the early ’90s. It reached peak popularity with the help from the Game of Thrones Actress Emilia Clark in 2012.

Ewa

  • Origin: Polish/HebrewMeaning: The Enlivening, Living, Live, LifeAlternative Spellings & Variations: Eve, EvinaFamous Namesakes: Prime Minister of Poland Ewa Kopacz, Polish pop-rock singer Ewa Farna Peak Popularity: The name is very rare in the U.S.; it is far more popular in Poland, England, and Wales. There were fewer than five babies named Ewa in the US in 2019.

Gizela

  • Origin: Polish, Latvian, CzechMeaning: Pledge, oathAlternative Spellings & Variations: Giselle, Gisèle, Gieselle, Gisa, Giséle, Gisela, GazitFamous Namesakes: Greek actress Gizela Dali, Slovenian ballerina Gizela Bravničar.Peak Popularity: The name isn’t popular in the United States. Fewer than five babies were given the name in 2019.

Jasia

  • Origin: Polish, HebrewMeaning: God is graciousAlternative Spellings & Variations: Jean, Jaz, SiaFamous Namesakes: Jamaican Artist JasiaPeak Popularity: The name isn’t popular in the United States. Less than 5 babies were named Jasia in 2019.

Jolanta

  • Origin: Polish, CzechMeaning: VioletAlternative Spellings & Variations: JoFamous Namesakes: Former first lady of Poland as wife of president Aleksander Kwaśniewski Jolanta KwaśniewskaPeak Popularity: This name is popular in Poland, but is quite rare in the U.S. There were fewer than babies given the name in 2019.

Kasienka

  • Origin: Polish, GreekMeaning: Pure, beloved, prettyAlternative Spellings & Variations: Karine, Carina, Karin, Karina, Carine, Cara, Karen, Caitlin, Cate, Catheryn, Caarina, Karena, Caron, Carin, Katharina, Karolina, Oskarine, Carrine, Caira, Carry, Carola, Carolina, Caren, Karra, Anakaren, Karenlee, Caelyn, Katleen, Kaitlin, Aikaterine, Cateline, KatiePeak Popularity: This name has not been popular in the United States.

Kaska

  • Origin: Polish, Vilamovian, GreekMeaning: Dear, pretty, belovedAlternative Spellings & Variations: Catherine, Karine, Carina, Karin, Karina, Carine, Cara, Karen, Caitlin, Cate, Catheryn, Caarina, Karena, Caron, Carin, Katharina, Karolina, Oskarine, Carrine, Caira, Carry, Carola, Carolina, Caren, Karra, Anakaren, Karenlee, Caelyn, Katleen, Kaitlin, Aikaterine, Cateline, KatiePeak Popularity: This name has not been popular in the United States.

Klaudia 

  • Origin: Polish, Slavik, HungarianMeaning: EnclosureAlternative Spellings & Variations: ClaudiaFamous Namesakes: Polish actress Klaudia Halejcio, Polish tennis player Klaudia JansPeak Popularity: This variation of Claudia isn’t common in the United States. There were a total of 22 baby girls who received the name in 2019.

Lena

  • Origin: Polish, German, SwedishMeaning: Bright, Beautiful, Alluring, Kind-HeartedAlternative Spellings & Variations: Leena, Lina, Alina, Alena, Helena, Helenka, MagdaFamous Namesakes: English actress Lena Heady, American actress and lilmmaker Lena DunhamPeak Popularity: Lena has remained somewhat common in the United States since the 1900s. The name reached peak popularity in the U.S. in 1917.

Nadia

  • Origin: Polish, Russian, FrenchMeaning: HopeAlternative Spellings & Variations: Nadya, NadineFamous Namesakes: American actresses Nadia Alexandra Bjorlin, Nadia Dajani, and Nadia WayansPeak Popularity: Nadia began rising in U.S. popularity in the late ’70s. The name reached peak popularity in the United States in 2005.

Olesia

  • Origin: Polish, Ukranian, Russian, GreekMeaning: Holy, protectorAlternative Spellings & Variations: Alexandra, Alandra, Lexia, Aleka, Axelia, Allandra, Alejandra, Alondra, Lexie, Alexia, Alice, Alika, Axelle Olisha, Olesha, Olexa, Ola, Olishia, Olicia, Olesya, Olecia, Ollicia, Cesya, Oleishia, Olice, Olessha, OllaFamous Namesakes: Finnish ice dancer Olesia KarmiPeak Popularity: The name is not unpopular in the U.S., but is highly popular in Poland. Only seven girls in the United States were given the name in 2019.

Otylia

  • Origin: Polish, German, HebrewMeaning: Wealth, Prosperous in battleAlternative Spellings & Variations: Ottilie, Ottilia, Odelia, Delia, Odette, Odella, OdaFamous Namesakes: Polish Olympic swimmer Otylia JędrzejczakPeak Popularity: The name is uncommon in the U.S, but has been used commonly in England and Wales since 2008. The name is quite familiar in Poland. Fewer than five babies were given the name in the U.S. in 2019.

Rozalia

  • Origin: Polish, Hungarian, LatinMeaning: Rose blossom, pretty roseAlternative Spellings & Variations: Rhozlyn, Rosalynne, Chalina, Rada, Roza, Aaliyahrose, Rohana, Roosa, Ros, Rosellie, Rosalina, Aliyah, Aaliyah, Rochana, HannahRosalia, Rosalind, Rose, Rosa, Rosalida, Roselie, Rosalint, Famous Namesakes: Former Romanian handball player Rozalia Șoș, retired artistic gymnast Rozalia GaliyevaPeak Popularity: Like other names on this list, this name is uncommon in the U.S. Only 11 babies were given the name in 2019. The name is most common in Tanzania, where for every 3,000 babies born there, one will be named Rozalia.

Tesia

  • Origin: Polish, Greek, EnglishMeaning: Loved by God, friend of GodAlternative Spellings & Variations: Teysha, Teofila, Theresa, Theophila, Theresia, Keleka, Teressa, Tessy, Tracee, Theresamarie, Teressia, Thessy, Tessa, MariePeak Popularity: The name has seen a small amount of popularity in the United States since the 1960s. It reached peak popularity in 1991.

Tola

  • Origin: Polish, EnglishMeaning: A Balance of prosperingAlternative Spellings & Variations: Tolah, Tóla, Tóli, Tolli, TosiaFamous Namesakes: Polish actress and singer Tola Mankiewiczówna, Peak Popularity: This name is not common in the United States.

Here are some popular and unique Polish baby names for boys along with their meanings, origins, and other interesting information.

Fun Fact: This name is the feminine variation of Daniel.

Fun Fact: This name is the Polish variation of Jean.

Fun Fact: Kasienka is a lead character in a 2013 novel titled The Weight of Water by Sarah Crossan.

Fun Fact: The Kaska or Kaskians are a group of people from Anatolia who lived along the Black Sea near Greece who have Hittite backgrounds.

Fun Fact: Tesia are a Genus species of bird who are related to the Warbler.

Aleksy

  • Origin: Polish, GreekMeaning: DefenderAlternative Spellings & Variations: Alexios, Alexius, Alexis, Alex, Aleix, Aleksi, Ale, Aleixo Elek, Alessio, Aleixo Aleksey, Alexei, Alexey, Aleks, Oleksiy, Olexiy, OlesFamous Namesakes: Polish boxers Aleksy Antkiewicz and Aleksy KuziemskiPeak Popularity: The name Aleksy hasn’t been a very popular name in the U.S. There were fewer than five baby boys given the name in 2019.

Albin

  • Origin: Polish, English, SwedishMeaning: White, brightAlternative Spellings & Variations: Albinus, Aubin, AlbinoFamous Namesakes: Scottish Bishop Albin of Brechen, Slovenian general Albin Gutman, German diver Albin KillatPeak Popularity: This name used to be more popular in the U.S., but hasn’t seen much use since the late ’40s. The name reached peak popularity in 1919.

Alfred

  • Origin: Polish, Dutch, EnglishMeaning: Wise CounselorAlternative Spellings & Variations: Alf, Alfie, Fred, AlfredoFamous Namesakes: British poet Alfred Lord Tennyson, Swedish inventor and Nobel Prize founder Alfred Nobel, British-American film director Alfred HitchcockPeak Popularity: This name is used commonly in the United States. Alfred was at its most popular in 1928 and its use has been declining since then. In 2019, 285 boys were given the name.

Anatol

  • Origin: Polish, Greek, BelarusianMeaning: Sunrise, From the East, Rising Sun, From AnatoliaAlternative Spellings & Variations: Anatole, Anatolios, Anatolius, Anatolijs, Anatoli, Anatoliy, Anatoly, AnatoliyFamous Namesakes: British actor Anatol Yusef, Romanian poet, novelist and essayist Anatol Baconsky, American mathematical psychologist Anatol RapoportPeak Popularity: This name has never been popular in the United States. The name reached peak popularity in the U.S. in 1889 when five people were given the name.

Augustyn

  • Origin: PolishMeaning: MajesticAlternative Spellings & Variations: Agustí, Augustin, Augustine, Austin, Austen, Austyn, Auke, Augustinas, Agostinho, AwstinPeak Popularity: The name is popular in Poland, but not so much in the USA. Fewer than five babies were given the name in 2019.

Bazyli

  • Origin: Polish, GreekMeaning: King, Kingly, Royal, Royalty, RegalAlternative Spellings & Variations: Vasil, Basileios, Basilius, Vasko, Baz, Bazza, Vasko, Vasile, Vassily, WassilyFamous Namesakes: Polish violinist and composer Bazyli Bohdanowicz, Polish sculptor Bazyli WójtowiczPeak Popularity: The name is quite popular in Poland, but not in the U.S. Fewer than five babies were given the name in 2019.

Damian

  • Origin: Polish, Dutch, English, GreekMeaning: To tameAlternative Spellings & Variations: Damion, Damien, Damiaan, DemyanFamous Namesakes: Jamaican singer and son of Bob Marley Damian Robert Nesta “Jr. Gong” MarleyPeak Popularity: Damian has been steadily rising in popularity in the United States since 1988, really gaining momentum in the 1950s.

Dawid

  • Origin: Polish, HebrewMeaning: BelovedAlternative Spellings & Variations: David, Dave, Dewey, Davit, Dawit, Davud, Dabid, Dauid, Daveth, Davey, Davie, DavyFamous Namesakes: Polish chess masters Dawid Markelowicz Janowski and Dawid Przepiórka, Polish tennis player Dawid OlejniczakPeak Popularity: This Polish variation of David isn’t popular in the United States but is quite common in Poland. Six boys given the name in the U.S. in 2019.

 Dominik

  • Origin: Polish, German, CzechMeaning: Belonging to the LordAlternative Spellings & Variations: Dominicus, Domenic, Dominic, Dom, Dominick, Nic, Dominique, Domenico, Dominykas, Domas, Domingos, DomingoFamous Namesakes: German professional footballer Dominik WidemannPeak Popularity: The name didn’t use in the U.S. before the early ’90s. The name began peaking then, reaching a height popularity in the ’00s.

Emil

  • Origin: Polish, Swedish, NorwegianMeaning: Rival, industrious, excelAlternative Spellings & Variations: Aemilius, Emili, Emiel, Eemeli, Eemil, Eemi, Émile, Aimilios, Emilios, Emilio, Emīls, EmilisFamous Namesakes: Third President of Romania Emil Constantinescu, winner of the Nobel Prize Emil Theodor KocherPeak Popularity: Emil hasn’t been a popular name in the United States. It reached peak popularity in the U.S. in 1917.

Eryk

  • Origin: Polish, Old NorseMeaning: Eternal rulerAlternative Spellings & Variations: Eric, Eiríkr, Erik, Jerrik, Aric, Erick,Erich, Eiríkur, ErikaFamous Namesakes: American major league soccer player Eryk WilliamsonPeak Popularity: This variant of Eric is quite popular in Poland, but not so popular in the United States. There were only 10 boys named Eryk in 2019.

Filip

  • Origin: Polish, Swedish, NorwegianMeaning: Lover of horsesAlternative Spellings & Variations: Phil, Philip, Filippus, Vilppu, Pip, Philippe, Philipp, Felipe,Famous Namesakes: Montenegro President (2003-2018) and politician Filip Vujanović, Olympic Gold Medalist in rowing (2012) Filip AdamskiPeak Popularity: This variation isn’t commonly seen in the United States. There were 69 boys named Filip in the U.S. in 2019.

Florian 

  • Origin: Polish, Romanian, FrenchMeaning: FloweringAlternative Spellings & Variations: Florianus, Florijan, Floriano, FlorijanFamous Namesakes: Austrian patron saint of chimney sweeps; soapmakers, and firefighters Saint Florian, French pastry chef Florian BellangerPeak Popularity: Florian reached its peak popularity in the United States in 1921 when 125 people were so named.

Gustaw

  • Origin: Polish, GermanMeaning: Staff of the GothsAlternative Spellings & Variations: Gautstafr, Gustav, Gustave, Gustaf, Gustaaf, Gust, Gus, Guus, Gustavo, GustavsFamous Namesakes: Polish senator, actor, and director Gustaw Holoubek, Polish political figure and folklorist Gustaw GizewiuszPeak Popularity: This name is uncommon in the United States. There were fewer than five boys who were given the name in 2019.

Henryk

  • Origin: Polish, GermanMeaning: Estate rulerAlternative Spellings & Variations: Henry, Heimirich, Heinrich, Henrik, Hendrick, Hendrik, Hendrikus, Henricus, Henk, Hennie, Henny, Rik, Harry, Henry, Hank, RicoFamous Namesakes: King of Poland and France Henryk Walezy (1573-1575) (Henry III), Polish Nobel Prize winning novelist Henryk Sienkiewicz, Polish, American film composer Henryk WarsPeak Popularity: This variation of Henry isn’t seen very often in the U.S. Only 38 boys were named Henryk in 2019.

Hubert

  • Origin: Polish, English, French, GermanMeaning: Bright, shining, shining of mindAlternative Spellings & Variations: Hubertus, Hubrecht, HugubertFamous Namesakes: 38th Vice President of the United States Hubert Horatio Humphrey, 1st Earl of Kent, Justiciar of England and Ireland Hubert de Burgh. Peak Popularity: The name Hubert has seem some popularity in the U.S. It reached a peak in 1921 when over 1500 individuals were so named.

Igor

  • Origin: Polish, Russian, SloveneMeaning: WarriorAlternative Spellings & Variations: Yngvarr, Ihar, Ingvar, Yngvar, IhorFamous Namesakes: Ruler of Kievan Rus Igor of Kiev, Grand Prince of Kiev Igor II of Kiev, Russian football goalkeeper Igor AkinfeevPeak Popularity: The name isn’t seen often in the United States. There were only 12 boys given the name Igor in the U.S. in 2019

Julian

  • Origin: Polish, German, English, LatinMeaning: Youthful, father of the skyAlternative Spellings & Variations: Iulianus, Julen, Yulian, Julià, Julien, Xián, Giuliano, Juliano, Iulian, Yulian, Jules, JuliusFamous Namesakes: Roman Emperor Julian (born Flavius Claudius Julianus), 1965 Nobel Prize winner Julian SchwingerPeak Popularity: Julian as a boys name has been used commonly in the U.S. since the 1910s. The name began to increase in popularity in 1980 and it reached peak popularity in 2011.

Jack 

  • Origin: Polish, EnglishMeaning: God is Gracious Alternative Spellings & Variations: John, Jake, Johnny, Johnnie, Jax, Jacky, Jackie, Gino Famous Namesakes: American Actor Jack Nicholson, American Musician Jack WhitePeak Popularity: Jack is an extremely popular name in the United States. Jack reached its peak popularity in the United States in 1927 when over 12,000 individuals were given the name.

Jerzy

  • Origin: PolishMeaning: FarmerAlternative Spellings & Variations: Georgios, Georgius, Georgi, Genko, Jordi, Jory, Georg, George, Geordie, Georgie, Georgo, Georg, JyriFamous Namesakes: Prime Minister of Poland Jerzy Karol Buzek, Polish-American novelist Jerzy KosińskiPeak Popularity: This name isn’t very popular in the United States. There were six babies given the name in 2019.

Konrad

  • Origin: Polish, German, SwedishMeaning: Brave counselAlternative Spellings & Variations: Conrad, Konrád, Coenraad, Koenraad, Coen, Koen, Koert, Kurt, Connie, Curt, Corrado, CorradinoFamous Namesakes: Winner of the Nobel Prize Konrad Emil BlochPeak Popularity: Konrad and its variations have been somewhat popular in the United States. There were 74 boys given the name in 2019.

Longin

  • Origin: Polish, Ancient Roman, LatinMeaning: LongAlternative Spellings & Variations: LonginusFamous Namesakes: Polish politician and historian Longin PastusiakPeak Popularity: Though this name is rarely used around the world, it is still quite common name in Poland. Fewer than five boys were named Longin in the U.S. in 2019.

Marek

  • Origin: Polish, Czech, SlovakMeaning: WarlikeAlternative Spellings & Variations: Margus, Marko, Markus, Markos, Marcus, Marko, Mark, Marc, Margh, Markus, Marco, Markku, Maleko, Mareks, Markuss, Markas, Marcos, Marquinhos, MarcasFamous Namesakes: Polish professor of Economics and and politician Marek Belka, Polish-born German conductor Marek JanowskiPeak Popularity: The name Marek isn’t very popular in the United States. It reached peak popularity in 1974, and 66 boys were named Marek in the U.S. in 2019.

Wilbur

  • Origin: Polish, English, GermanMeaning: Resolute, brilliant  Alternative Spellings & Variations: Willbur, Wylbert, WilbertFamous Namesakes: Aviation pioneer Wilbur WrightPeak Popularity: The name reached peak popularity in the United States in 1918 and was a common name until the late ’70s when its use began to decline.

Wit

  • Origin: Polish, LatinMeaning: Full of lifeAlternative Spellings & Variations: Wido, Vitus, Vid, Vít, Vítek, Guy, Wide, Guido, Veit, Vid, Vida, Vito, GvidasPeak Popularity: This name is not popular in the United States. Fewer than five children being given the name in 2019.

Fun Fact: Alfredo is the Spanish-Portuguese and Italian variant of Alfred. The common dish of Alfredo Fettuccini is named after Italian chef Alfredo di Lelio, who featured the dish at his restaurant in Rome in the early-to mid-20th century. The food is traditionally meant to be prepared tableside by the chef.

Fun Fact: This is the Polish form of Augustinus.

Fun Fact: This name is the Polish form of Basil.

Fun Fact: The patron saints of physicians are 14th century Syrian born twin brothers, Saint Damian and Cosmas.

Fun Fact: ‘Florian’ is the name of the Snow Prince in Disney’s Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

Fun Fact: Jack is commonly used in American pop culture for children. For example, it’s seen in Jack and Jill, Jack Sprat, Jack Be Nimble, Jack and the Beanstalk, and Little Jack Horner.

Fun Fact: This name is the Polish variation of George.

Fun Fact: The name Wilbur is derivative of and a nickname for the Middle-English name Wildbor, which literally means Wild Boar. It’s also the name of the pig from Charlotte’s Web.

By Wendy Rose Gould

Wendy Rose Gould is a lifestyle reporter with over a decade of experience covering health and wellness topics.