Here you’ll find 18 Polish boy names that start with R, organized from “Racibor” to “Ryszard”. They span medieval, Christian, and Slavic roots, and help you choose a name or research family history.

Polish boy names that start with R are male given names used in Poland with Slavic, Germanic, or biblical origins. Ryszard, equivalent to Richard, shows Germanic influence in Polish naming history.

Below you’ll find the table with Name, Pronunciation (Respelling / IPA), Meaning / Origin, and Diminutive(s).

Name: The official Polish form of each name, letting you identify options and find matches in records or naming lists.

Pronunciation (Respelling / IPA): A simple English-friendly respelling with IPA when available, helping you say names correctly.

Meaning / Origin: A concise one-line meaning and linguistic origin, so you understand the name’s background and cultural associations.

Diminutive(s): Common short forms or nicknames used in Polish, useful when checking family records or everyday usage.

Polish boy names that start with R

NamePronunciationMeaning/OriginPopularity/Usage
RafałRah-fahw /ˈrafaw/God has healed (Hebrew via Latin)common
RadosławRah-doh-swav /raˈdɔswaf/joy/happiness + glory (Slavic)common
RobertRoh-behrt /ˈrɔbɛrt/bright fame (Germanic)common
RomanRoh-mahn /ˈrɔman/from Rome / Roman (Latin)common
RyszardRish-shard /ˈrɨʂard/brave ruler (Germanic)moderately common
RudolfRoo-dolf /ˈrudɔlf/famous wolf (Germanic)uncommon
RomualdRoh-moo-awld /rɔˈmualt/fame + ruler (Germanic)uncommon
RemigiuszReh-mee-gyoosh /rɛmiˈɡjuʂ/from Latin Remigius, “oarsman” (Latin)uncommon
RajmundRye-moond /ˈrajmunt/wise protector (Germanic: Raymond)uncommon
RadomirRah-doh-meer /raˈdɔmir/joy/happiness + peace (Slavic)rare
RadomiłRah-doh-meew /raˈdɔmiw/joy/happiness + dear/kind (Slavic)rare
RościsławRosh-chee-swav /rɔɕˈt͡ɕiswaf/honour/glory (Slavic compound)archaic
RaciborRah-chee-bor /raˈt͡ɕibɔr/battle + fighter (Slavic)archaic
RadogostRah-doh-gost /raˈdɔɡɔst/joy + guest/host (Old Slavic)archaic
RolandRoh-land /ˈrɔland/famous land (Germanic)uncommon
RomeoRoh-MEH-oh /rɔˈmɛɔ/Roman/roamer (Italian/Latin)rare
RemusREH-moos /ˈrɛmʊs/Roman myth name (Latin)rare
RadwanRahd-vahn /ˈradvan/glory/joy + warrior (Slavic/Arabic overlap)rare

Descriptions

Rafał
Classic Polish form of Raphael; pronounced “RAH-faw”; diminutives Raf, Rafałek, Rafi. Very popular across generations.
Radosław
Traditional Slavic name; often shortened to Radek. Common in Poland, evoking positive “rado-” root.
Robert
International name long used in Poland; diminutives Rob, Robuś, Robek. Familiar and widely accepted.
Roman
Simple, timeless name; diminutive Romek. Popular across age groups and literary history.
Ryszard
Polish form of Richard; pronounced “RISH-ard”. Diminutives Rysiek, Rysio; more common in older generations.
Rudolf
Traditional Central European name; diminutive Rudy. Seen historically, less frequent among newborns today.
Romuald
Old-fashioned in modern Poland; diminutives Romuś, Romuł. Found in historical records and older men.
Remigiusz
Latin-origin name used in Poland; shortened to Remek. Cultural ties to Saint Remigius.
Rajmund
Polish form of Raymond; occasional use, diminutives Rajmundo, Rajmundek, Rajuś.
Radomir
Historical Slavic name meaning “joy + peace”; diminutive Radek. Mostly literary or archaic use.
Radomił
Old Slavic compound name; rarely used today. Diminutives Radom, Radek.
Rościsław
Medieval Slavic name (also Rostisław variant); historical usage, sometimes revived for tradition. Diminutive Rościo or Roś.
Racibor
Historic Piast-era name (Racibor/Racibór); rare today, mainly found in medieval sources and regional tradition.
Radogost
Ancient Slavic theophoric name (also a deity); now archaic, used in historical or folkloric contexts.
Roland
Western-origin name long adopted in Poland; used occasionally, sometimes via literature and music.
Romeo
Borrowed literary name (Shakespeare); used occasionally in Poland. Friendly diminutive Romek.
Remus
Latin-derived name appearing in literature and rare registers; short, classical feel.
Radwan
Name with historical and regional presence; also a clan/coats-of-arms name. Used sporadically in Poland.
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