poljana

Poljana is a toponym used in South Slavic languages that means meadow or clearing. In Croatian, Slovenian, Bosnian, and Serbian, poljana denotes an open space within or at the edge of a forest, often used historically to refer to a settlement established at such a site. As a result, Poljana is a common place name across the region.

Geographic usage: The name appears in multiple countries in the former Yugoslavia and its successor states. There are settlements named Poljana in Croatia, Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, and Montenegro. In some cases, Poljana forms part of a larger municipality or village name, while in others it designates a standalone locality.

Etymology and linguistics: The word derives from the Slavic root referring to an open area created by clearing, with the meaning remaining stable in various languages. The cognate forms appear in other South Slavic languages with similar meanings.

Other uses: Poljana also appears as a surname and in cultural or historical references in the region.