Polyana

Polyana is a name used as both a toponym and a given name in Slavic-speaking regions. The term derives from the word poljana (родственно polje in some languages), meaning a clearing or glade in a forest, meadow, or open space. Variants in spelling arise from different language traditions, including Poljana, Poliana, and Polyana, reflecting transliteration from Cyrillic and other alphabets.

Geography and toponymy: Several inhabited localities bear the name Polyana or its variants in Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, and surrounding areas. These places are typically small villages or rural settlements. In each case, the name usually refers to a landscape feature near or within the locality, tied to the meaning of “clearing” or “meadow.”

People and usage: Polyana can be used as a feminine given name in some Slavic-speaking communities. It may also appear as a surname or as part of compound names in various languages. Variants such as Poljana or Poliana are common in different countries, reflecting local orthographic conventions.

See also: Poljana, Poliana, Polyana (disambiguation). The name is distinct from Pollyanna, a literary figure with a different etymology and cultural history. Polyana, in its geographic and naming use, emphasizes natural landscape features and regional linguistic practices.