In the world of baby names, 2024 has brought a surprising shift in Poland. After reigning supreme in 2023, Zofia has been dethroned as the most popular name for girls. Taking the crown is Maja, a name chosen for 4,640 newborns last year, marking a significant rise from its previous fifth-place position. Meanwhile, Nikodem continues to dominate as the top choice for boys, holding its title with 6,388 registrations.
Popular Names for Girls: A New Queen
Maja’s rise to the top reflects a growing trend among Polish parents to choose modern, yet classic names. Its popularity may also be influenced by cultural references, such as the beloved character from the children’s series Maya the Bee. Zofia, last year’s leader, slid to second place with 4,470 registrations. Rounding out the top three is Zuzanna, which fell from second place to third with 4,144 newborns receiving the name.
Other notable shifts in the ranking include Laura, Hanna, and Julia, which all saw slight declines. Meanwhile, Pola, Alicja, and Maria maintained their positions, demonstrating steady popularity among parents.
Top Girls’ Names for 2024:
- Maja – 4,640 (up from 5th place)
- Zofia – 4,470 (down from 1st place)
- Zuzanna – 4,144 (down from 2nd place)
- Laura – 4,036 (down from 3rd place)
- Hanna – 3,916 (down from 4th place)
- Julia – 3,482 (no change)
- Oliwia – 3,420 (no change)
- Pola – 3,166 (no change)
- Alicja – 3,131 (no change)
- Maria – 2,698 (no change)
Popular Names for Boys: Nikodem’s Reign Continues
For boys, the top name remained unchanged. Nikodem, which was also the most popular name in 2023, continues to be the undisputed leader. Traditional names like Antoni, Jan, and Aleksander also held strong in the rankings, while Leon climbed one spot to claim fifth place. Franciszek and Jakub experienced minor declines, reflecting subtle changes in naming preferences.
Top Boys’ Names for 2024:
- Nikodem – 6,388 (no change)
- Antoni – 5,404 (no change)
- Jan – 5,277 (no change)
- Aleksander – 5,170 (no change)
- Leon – 4,669 (up from 6th place)
- Franciszek – 4,574 (down from 5th place)
- Ignacy – 4,229 (up from 8th place)
- Jakub – 3,938 (down from 7th place)
- Stanisław – 3,715 (up one position)
- Mikołaj – 3,644 (down from 9th place)
Unique and Rare Names: Mirabela, Magnolia, and the Decline of Tradition
While the most popular names dominate the charts, the list also highlights unique and rare choices. Among girls, parents opted for less conventional names like Mirabela and Magnolia, each registered only twice. Similarly, traditional names such as Wiesława and Wacław are fading into obscurity, appearing just two and three times, respectively. Czesława also made a rare appearance, with only two registrations.
Annual Baby Name Trends from the Ministry of Digital Affairs
The rankings, published annually by Poland’s Ministry of Digital Affairs, provide a fascinating glimpse into naming trends across the country. The data is drawn from official government records and reflects the preferences of thousands of Polish parents. Each year, the rankings showcase not only the most beloved names but also the rare gems and fading traditions.
As we move further into 2024, it will be interesting to see how these trends evolve and which names continue to capture the hearts of Polish families. For now, Maja and Nikodem reign supreme, setting the tone for a year of new beginnings.