Why Łódź is called Łódź

City names often carry hidden stories. Sometimes they describe the surrounding geography, sometimes they commemorate important figures, and sometimes they are born out of legend. The name of the Polish city Łódź is one such mystery. At first glance, it seems simple-after all, Łódź in Polish means “boat.” But why would a city located far from the sea be named after a boat? The answer is not so straightforward, and over the centuries, many different theories have tried to explain it.

The Boat

The most direct interpretation of the city’s name is linguistic: “Łódź” literally means “boat.” From there, however, the explanations begin to diverge.

One of the most popular stories is known as the boat legend. According to this tale, a traveler named Janusz once wandered through the forest in search of shelter. As the rain began to pour, he turned his boat upside down and used it as a makeshift roof. When the storm passed, he looked around and found the place so beautiful that he decided to settle there permanently. From then on, the settlement was called Łódź—“boat” in memory of the vessel that had given him shelter.

While this story cannot be verified, legends like this often grow out of kernels of truth, giving color and character to a city’s identity.

A River and a Village

Another explanation ties the name not to a legend, but to geography. The modern city of Łódź developed near the Łódka River, a small stream that once flowed freely through the area but has since been canalized. The river’s very name, Łódka, means “little boat.” It is possible that the earliest settlement simply borrowed its name from this nearby natural feature.

Historically, the city was first mentioned in 1332 under the name Łodzia, a medieval village that later grew and evolved into present-day Łódź. This suggests that the name was already in use long before the city became a major urban center, and that it may have had local geographical roots rather than symbolic ones.

Heraldic Influences

A different line of thought connects Łódź to Poland’s heraldic traditions. Several noble families in medieval Poland bore the Łodzia coat of arms, which prominently featured a boat. In heraldry, this kind of visual pun—known as a “canting arms”—was common, where the image reflected the name of the family. It is possible that the settlement that became Łódź took its name from this noble emblem, a reminder of who controlled or influenced the area.

Other Linguistic Theories

Not all explanations center on boats. Some historians argue that the name may have originated from “łoza,” the Polish word for willow tree, which grew abundantly in the wetlands of the region. If true, the city’s name would be less about travel and more about its natural environment.

Yet another theory proposes a connection with the Old Polish personal name Włodzisław. In medieval times, it was not uncommon for settlements to be named after local rulers or prominent individuals. While this theory is less widely accepted, it shows just how many possible layers the name Łódź might have.

From Village to Industrial Powerhouse

Whatever the true origin of the name, the history of Łódź gives it additional weight. The village of Łodzia was granted city rights in 1423 by King Władysław II Jagiełło. For centuries, it remained a relatively small and unremarkable settlement.

But in the 19th century, Łódź transformed almost overnight. With the rise of the textile industry, the city became known as the “Polish Manchester.” Immigrants, industrialists, and workers from across Europe flocked to Łódź, turning it into one of the fastest-growing cities in the region. The name that once described a small riverside settlement came to represent a bustling industrial powerhouse and, later, a modern cultural center.

A Name Full of Stories

So why is Łódź called Łódź? The answer depends on which story you prefer to believe. Perhaps it was named after the boat that once sheltered a weary traveler. Or perhaps it borrowed its identity from the Łódka River. Maybe it was tied to heraldry, willow trees, or even a forgotten medieval noble.

What is certain is that the name has endured for centuries, carrying with it legends, history, and symbolism. In the end, Łódź’s name is much like the city itself: layered, mysterious, and full of stories waiting to be discovered.