Does your name end like this? This is of particular importance

Each of in the world carries some history and symbolism, but it is those of Slavic origin that contain the most unique information. For our ancestors, they were extremely important because, apart from identifying individual members of a social group, they also had a protective function.

They were a kind of wish and prophecy for the future, which were to, to some extent, shape human destiny. The best evidence for this is contained in their last term. The endings of Proto-Slavic names (many of which are still given today) have a very interesting meaning.

Did you know that many names that are still given in Poland today have Proto-Slavic roots? They were worn by our ancestors living in these lands already in the 10th century, and they have survived so long because their endings include -mir and -sław have important symbolic meanings.

Slavic names that parents chose for their children long ago were intended to best reflect the features and values ​​that a given person would later follow in adult life. Their sound was secondary, what mattered was the symbolism.

• mir – (e.g. Sławomir) this ending comes from the word “peace”, so it is associated with harmony, consent, peace and agreeableness. It was usually a good omen, although there is an exception, i.e. the name Kazimierz (from the words “kawiedź mir”), which meant disturbing the peace and was more of a warning.

• – (e.g. Władysław, Mirosław, Stanisława) – from the word “fame”, aimed to provide the child with a good reputation, recognition, publicity. It was supposed to increase the chances of social advancement and the general good perception of a person.

• mił / brother / grandfather (e.g. Bratumił, Sulibrat, Miłodziad) – family names that were intended to emphasize belonging to a given group, family, communityemphasized heritage and kinship with someone.

• rad (np. Domurad, Ciecierad) – practically, the ending of names from a word meaning “joyful”, kind is extinct.

• bor/ voivodeship (e.g. Świętobor, Mściwoj) – these name endings were associated with fighting, as well as with perseverance, courage, and severity. These were qualities valued in warriors and generally considered rather positive in men.

Not all Slavic names had good associations (i.e. the already mentioned Kazimierz), but people were happy to give them. There was a good reason for thisbecause the idea was to provide the child with additional protection against evil forces and to confuse the evil spirits that our ancestors feared.

So they sounded unpleasant, harsh and contained negatives, e.g. Nierad, Męcimir or Dzieńmir. They alluded to lack or suffering in order to keep misfortune away from the person.