In the Polish culture it is a very special moment for the whole family to give a name to a newborn child. This name has always been very important even more important than the surname. Probably it hasnt changed right up until today. Looking back on the history the name had been the first recognition sign, and later in the XIX century the surname was established.

In the past children used to be named deliberately because their names were supposed to signify something important. People believed that they had some magical power or special meaning. In some parts of Poland the name of the child was dependent on the date of his or her birth. If, for example, a boy was born on the name day of Stefan, he was given that name, in case of a daughter the name was Stefania. In other regions of our country every son got his grandfathers name (the first one or the second). Sometimes a son or a daughter got their parents names.

From the times when Christianity was converted by Poland it has become a tradition to take the holy names. There are several types of Christian names: Biblical: - coming from Old Testament and the most popular are: Adam, Ewa, Michał, Abraham, Sara - from New Testament, for example: Barnaba, Tadeusz, Tomasz, Bartłomiej, Jakub, Jan, Andrzej, Piotr, Szczepan, Marek, Paweł

In Poland it is very popular to give two names to a child; the first one which is an expression of parents preference and the second one which is dependent on a patron of our child (it is important before Christening or Confirmation). It is worth to mention that in Poland as much as 95% of the society name their children in a church during the celebration of baptism.

It is a very positive aspect if we take into consideration the distraction of our national values which is caused by globalization of our customs and the loss of authorities especially by young people. The unification of Europe in not always correctly interpreted by youngsters. It is provoked by adopting patterns which very often are not good, usually they are destructive or funny. Sometimes this also happens with names, especially in the past few years, which are given by the Poles according to the current fashion or from the desire to impress family or friends. This names are very funny particularly in comparison with surnames, for example: Jessica Ogórek, Allan Flak, Angelika Żurek, Nicollette Czyrak, Ariel Krowiak, Brian Łysy, Szeherezada Miednica… A nightmare!

On the other hand, the names which are recognized as old-fashioned or too common are coming back in style now. The names with a typically Slavic origin like: Bożydar, Dobrosław, Rościsław, Sławoj, Sędzimir, Dąbrówka, Dobrawa, Domosława, Dobrochna, Dobromira are disappearing. Apart from this, the old Polish names have a very interesting etymology, for example: the name Władysław/-a meant that this person could gain power, Bolesław/-a was the one who could obtain a great fame and Bogumił/-a the person very dear to God.

It should be said that there are some norms or rules in this fashion. There are certain names which are always fashionable and never become outmoded, for example: Anna, Maria, Joanna, Katarzyna, Agnieszka, Magdalena, Małgorzata, Wojciech, Piotr, Paweł, Jan, Tomasz, Marek, Maciej and Krzysztof. In the Polish language it is possible to find diminutives of names. They are used very often not only concerning children but also adults, for example: Aga from Agnieszka, Asia from Joanna or Tomasz from Tomek, Krzysztof from Krzyś.

The Polish people have many customs and traditions connected with name day. CHRISTENING

The Polish people have many customs and traditions connected with name day. CONFIRMATION

The Polish people have many customs and traditions connected with name day. Name day celebrated by getting presents and wishes from the family and friends. In our tradition it is even more important than birthday.

The Polish people have many customs and traditions connected with name day. Celebrating the most popular name days by the society: Valentines Day Jana (the garlands on Wisła in Cracov)

The Polish people have many customs and traditions connected with name day. Celebrating the most popular name days by the society: Mikołajki

The Polish people have many customs and traditions connected with name day. Celebrating the most popular name days by the society: ANDRZEJKI

The Polish people have many customs and traditions connected with name day. TADEUSZKI (it is our school tradition on the pattern of American Oscar. Some pupils are nominated to the prize and then they get it in various funny categories like The Board Painter or The Brilliant Dancer etc. CATEGORY: NOMINATED: Damian MajewskiAdrian SynoradzkiŁukasz NieszporekDamian Fikier

Thank you for your attention ;-)