Polish First Names [Hardcover]

Sophie Hodorowicz Knab (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 2000

This charming volume contains 400 Polish girls' and boys' names, including traditional Polish names such as Mateusz (gift of the Lord) and Szymon (obedient), as well as modern names such as Iwona (archer) and Jolanta (violet flower). Various spellings of names that have existed over the centuries, diminutive names, and name days along with the meaning/origin and etymology of each name are also included in each entry.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Sophie Hodorowicz Knab

Product Details

• Hardcover: 123 pages
• Publisher: Hippocrene Books (January 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0781807492
• ISBN-13: 978-0781807494
• Product Dimensions: 7.2 x 4.9 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,222,253 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #47 in Books > Education & Reference > Dictionaries & Thesauruses > Foreign Language > Polish
  • #78 in Books > Education & Reference > Foreign Languages > Instruction > Polish
  • #88 in Books > Education & Reference > Foreign Languages > Polish

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Polish First Names, October 12, 2000

By 

Edwin D. Lawson (Fredonia, NY USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Polish First Names (Hardcover)

Polish First Names begins with a brief history of Polish names. The first period is from ancient times to the acceptance of Christianity in 966; the second is from 966 to the present. The importance of the baptismal saint is explained, that is, the feast day for the saint which falls on the date of the child's birth (or the feast day of the saint the parents have chosen). The child would fall under the protection of that saint. There are about 200 main entries for girls' names and about 250 for boys. The entries list the name in Polish, the English equivalent if there is one, the language of origin, the meaning, and some background information. If there are diminutives, they are listed. Finally, the feast days for the name are given (some names have more than one feast day). For example,

"Klementyna. Clementine. Latin. Feminine form of Klemens (Clement). "Merciful." The name became popular in Poland during the 18th century. Maria Klementyna was the granddaughter of King Jan Sobieski (1674-1696). Klementyna nee Tanska Hoffmanowa (1798-1845) was a well-known Polish author who wrote for women and children. DIMINUTIVE: None FEAST DAYS: September 9, November 23"

Language sources of the names include: Greek, Hebrew, Hungarian, Latin, Old German, Slavic, and Swedish. While there are many books on first names and many that include at least some Polish names, this is the most complete book on Polish names, at least in English, that I have seen. This publication will be welcomed by genealogists, onomasts, and those interested in Polish culture. It is a fine contribution and should be welcomed by libraries with onomastic and genealogical collections. The author, heritage editor for the Polish-American Journal is to be commended.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A handy reference of Polish names, June 14, 2003

By 

Richard J. Brzostek (New England, USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Polish First Names (Hardcover)

"Polish First Names" by Sophie Hodorowicz Knab is a collection of about 400 Polish girls' and boys' first names. For each name, the English spelling is given as well as various spellings the name has had over the centuries. Additionally, the meaning, history, diminutives, and feast days of each name is given.

I read this book cover to cover and found it very interesting. Unfortunately, some Polish names were excluded from the book. Nonetheless, this book is a great reference on Polish names and their meaning.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book is a great value for its cost!, September 9, 2002

By A Customer

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Polish First Names (Hardcover)

Polish First Names by S. Hodorowicz Knab is a real must for everyone interested in the correct spelling of the Polish first names. You'll find not only 400 Polish girls' and boys' names, but also their English equivalents (if they exist), and diminutives, and other interesting facts (like frequency and feast days).

These 400 names are not all of the Polish first names, of course. I miss some at least historically important first names like Ambrozy (i.e. Ambrose), and some diminutives like Dawidek (for Dawid).

However, this book is a great value for its cost!