Poland naming trends show shift toward rare botanical names

Trends in Polish naming conventions show a shift between rare, nature-inspired names and the decline of once-popular traditional names.

Official statistics from the Ministry of Digital Affairs reveal that the name Jeżyna is exceptionally rare in Poland, currently held by only six women. The name, which refers to a blackberry, reflects a niche trend of parents choosing botanical identities to distinguish their children from more common names like Zuzanna or Antonina.

In contrast, the name Sylwia, which was highly popular during the 1980s and 1990s, has seen a significant decline in usage. While approximately 181,946 women in the PESEL register bear the name as of January 2026, only 30 girls were given the name in 2025. Derived from the Latin word 'silva' meaning forest, the name's popularity has waned as parental preferences have evolved toward new trends.