Walking through a park in Warsaw or Krakow these days, you’re almost guaranteed to hear someone shouting "Nikoś!" or "Maja!" at a toddler. It’s a vibe. For the last few years, naming trends in Poland have taken a sharp turn away from the heavy, traditional names of our grandparents and toward something softer, yet still deeply rooted in history.
If you’re looking at top names in Poland, you aren't just looking at a list of sounds. You’re looking at a massive cultural shift. We’ve moved past the era where every third man was a Janusz or a Zbigniew. Now, it’s all about Nikodem and Zofia.
The Current Heavyweights: Who's Winning?
Right now, the data from the Ministry of Digital Affairs tells a very specific story. In 2024 and heading into 2026, the leaderboards for baby names have stabilized in a way that’s actually kinda surprising. For the boys, Nikodem has snatched the crown and isn't letting go. It’s a name that means "victory of the people," and honestly, its rise from being a "rare" name in the 90s to the #1 spot is nothing short of a miracle.
On the girls' side, Maja and Zofia are locked in a constant battle for the top. Zofia (Sophia) is the "eternal" choice—it feels elegant, smart, and classic. Maja, meanwhile, feels a bit more energetic.
The Boys' Top 5 (Current Favorites)
- Nikodem – The undisputed champ.
- Antoni – Very "old school cool" that parents love right now.
- Jan – The classic that never, ever dies.
- Aleksander – Strong, international, and easy to pronounce.
- Leon – Short, punchy, and modern-feeling.
The Girls' Top 5 (Current Favorites)
- Maja – Sweet but has a certain "spark."
- Zofia – Pure "wisdom" and very traditional.
- Zuzanna – Has been a top-tier choice for over a decade.
- Laura – Rising fast because it sounds great in any language.
- Hanna – Classic, soft, and dependable.
Why Do These Names Stick?
It’s about "Name Days" (imieniny) and tradition, mostly. In Poland, your Name Day is often a bigger deal than your birthday, especially for the older generation. If you name your kid something totally wild and "un-Polish," they might not even have a day on the calendar to celebrate.
Parents are also looking for "soft" sounds. Think about it. Franciszek (Frank) or Ignacy. These aren't harsh names. They have a certain vintage charm. We call this the "Grandparent Rule." Basically, names that were popular 80 to 100 years ago are suddenly cool again. It’s like fashion. High-waisted jeans came back; so did the name Stanisław.
Surnames: The Nowak and Kowalski Dynasty
You can’t talk about top names in Poland without mentioning what comes after the first name. If you meet someone in Poland, there’s a statistical "trap" you’ll likely fall into. You’re probably going to meet a Nowak.
Nowak is the most common surname in the country. It literally means "newcomer." It’s the Polish "Smith" but without the blacksmithing. Speaking of blacksmiths, Kowalski (from kowal, meaning smith) is the runner-up.
Here is the thing about Polish surnames: they change based on who you are talking to. If a man is Kowalski, his wife or daughter is Kowalska. It’s a gendered grammar thing. If you see a list of names ending in -ski and -ska, don't worry—it’s the same family.
- Nowak: Over 200,000 people.
- Kowalski / Kowalska: The classic "average Joe" name.
- Wiśniewski: Derived from wiśnia (cherry).
- Wójcik: Means "little leader" or "village head."
- Lewandowski: Yes, like the footballer. It likely comes from lewanda (lavender) or a place name.
The "International" Pressure
One big reason names like Laura, Alice (Alicja), and Maya (Maja) are so popular is the diaspora. Millions of Poles live in the UK, USA, or Germany. Parents want names that don't get butchered during a roll call in London or New York.
Try asking an American to pronounce Grzegorz or Przemysław. It’s a nightmare. So, parents opt for Filip or Adam. They’re safe. They’re "global."
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2026 Spelling Shakeups: A Quick Warning
Just a heads up if you're writing these down—as of January 1, 2026, the Council for the Polish Language (RJP) rolled out some massive spelling reforms. They're the biggest changes since 1936!
While first names themselves haven't changed much, the way we capitalize "unofficial" names or residents of cities (like Warszawianin) has been standardized. This is mostly for school kids and editors, but it shows that the language is a living, breathing thing. It's not stuck in the Middle Ages.
The "Forgotten" Names Making a Comeback
There’s a weird trend of "ugly-cute" names. Names like Henryk or Józef used to be seen as "old man" names. Now? They’re trendy.
On the flip side, names that were huge in the 70s and 80s—like Krzysztof, Andrzej, or Małgorzata—are currently in the "uncool" valley. They feel too "parent-like." Give it another 30 years, and they'll probably be the top names in Poland again.
What about rare names?
You’ll occasionally see Wiesława or Wacław on birth certificates, but they are "almost forgotten," according to recent Ministry reports. Most parents are sticking to the "New Classics."
Actionable Insights for Choosing or Understanding Polish Names
If you’re trying to navigate the world of Polish naming, keep these three points in mind:
- Check the Diminutives: No one actually calls a Jan "Jan" at home. He’s Jaś or Janek. A Katarzyna is always Kasia. If you want to sound like a local, learn the short versions.
- The -ski Rule: If you’re searching for family history, remember that Zieliński and Zielińska are the same name. Don't let the "a" and "i" swap confuse your genealogy search.
- Mind the Name Day: If you're doing business or making friends in Poland, check their Name Day. Sending a simple "Wszystkiego najlepszego z okazji imienin" (All the best for your Name Day) goes way further than a birthday wish.
Poland’s naming landscape is a mix of deep Catholic roots, Slavic pride, and a modern desire to be part of the global conversation. Whether it's the "victory" of Nikodem or the "wisdom" of Zofia, these names carry the weight of a culture that’s simultaneously looking backward and charging forward.
To stay current on the specific numbers for the current year, you can always check the open data portal (dane.gov.pl) which releases the "lista imion żeńskich i męskich" twice a year.