Polish Family Tree

Magdalena is a pretty name forever associated with the fallen-yet-redeemed Mary Magdalen; often heard in the Hispanic community. But forward thinking parents are reviving Magdalena along with Magdalene and the unrelated but similar-sounding Marguerite.

A wearable update to the New Testament classic.

As a highly popular girls’ name in all Spanish-speaking countries, this saintly Latin variation of Mary retains a timeless beauty. Through the centuries, Maria remains one of the most widely-used girl names starting with M.

While Marianna looks like a spelling variation of Mariana, the two names have different etymologies. While the one-N spelling derives from the Roman name Marianus, Marianna is a combination of two classics, Maria and Anna, used in many European languages.

A Polish name that most likely originated as a nickname for Maria or Małgorzata, the Polish form of Margaret, or possibly from the Polish word marzenie meaning ‘dream’.

Monika is a feminine name primarily of Latin origin, being a variant spelling of Monica. The name derives from the Latin 'moneo' meaning 'to advise' or 'to remind.' Monika is particularly popular in Central and Eastern European countries, including Poland, Germany, Czech Republic, and Hungary, where this spelling is preferred over the more Anglicized 'Monica.' The name gained international recognition through Saint Monica, the persistent and prayerful mother of Saint Augustine. Monika has a melodic quality with its soft consonants and balanced syllables. While the 'Monica' spelling peaked in popularity in the United States during the 1970s, the 'Monika' variant maintains steady usage particularly in European countries and among families honoring their European heritage.

The Polish form of Patrick.

Widely used across Europe as a common baptismal name symbolizing spiritual rebirth, Renata, in this country it has an operatic image via Italian-born divas Renata Tebadi and Renata Scotti.

Rozalia is a feminine name with Slavic and Hungarian origins, being a variant of Rosalia. The name derives from Latin 'rosa,' meaning 'rose,' the beloved flower long associated with beauty and love. Particularly popular in Poland, Hungary, and other Eastern European countries, Rozalia combines the floral elegance of its Latin roots with distinctive Slavic spelling. Saint Rosalia, a medieval Italian hermit, brought religious significance to the name. While less common in English-speaking countries, Rozalia has maintained steady popularity in Eastern Europe through generations. The name carries a classic, romantic quality with its flowing sounds and elegant construction, offering a more unique alternative to the more common Rose or Rosa while maintaining the beautiful floral symbolism.

An elegant, continental name for the post-Steve era. It debuted on the US Top 1000 in 1949 and has been on the list every year since except for a year off in 2008.

Stefania is the feminine form of Stefan, ultimately derived from the Greek name Stephanos (Στέφανος), meaning 'crown' or 'garland.' This elegant name has been used throughout Europe for centuries, particularly popular in Italy, Poland, Romania, and other Eastern European countries. Stefania was the name of several royal and noble women throughout history, contributing to its sophisticated image. In English-speaking countries, it remains less common than the variant Stephanie, giving it a touch of exotic flair. The name carries connotations of dignity, achievement and victory, referencing the laurel wreaths that were placed on the heads of winners in ancient Greece. Stefania combines classic heritage with a melodious quality.

Sylwester is the Polish variant of Silvester, a name with Latin origins meaning 'of the forest' or 'woodland dweller' (from 'silva' meaning woods or forest). The name carries historical significance through Saint Sylvester, who was Pope during the time of Roman Emperor Constantine. In Poland, Sylwester also refers to New Year's Eve celebrations, creating an association with festivities and new beginnings. While common in Poland and other Slavic countries, it remains relatively uncommon in English-speaking regions. The name has a distinguished, somewhat scholarly sound and offers the friendly nickname Syl. Men named Sylwester might appreciate the name's connection to nature and its rich cultural heritage.

Though it makes the name more distinctive, we'd advise dropping the 'z'.