Jan
/ˈjan/
Jan is the Polish male given name.
Jan is used as a masculine given name.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈjan/
Did you know?
- The name Jan is the basis for the Polish word janusz, which in modern internet slang describes a narrow-minded or stereotypical middle-aged man.
- In Poland, the name Jan is so historically common that it is often used in the phrase Jan Kowalski as the default placeholder name, similar to 'John Doe' in English.
- The name Jan has several distinct diminutive forms in Polish, such as Janek or Jasiek, which are used depending on the level of intimacy or affection.
Examples in context
- Cześć, Janek, jak się masz?Hi, Janek, how are you?
- Jan kocha podróże.Jan loves traveling.
- To jest Jan.This is Jan.
- Czy Jan tutaj pracuje?Does Jan work here?
- Jan jest moim kolegą.Jan is my colleague.
Example conversation
Paweł and Agnieszka are talking about a new neighbor.
- PawełCzy znasz nowego sąsiada?Do you know the new neighbor?
- AgnieszkaTak, to jest Jan.Yes, it is Jan.
- PawełCzy Jan jest miły?Is Jan nice?
- AgnieszkaTak, Jan jest bardzo sympatyczny.Yes, Jan is very friendly.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Jan, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
