The Names of the Wollnys

Lavinia, Sarafina, Estefania: The first names of the Wollnys stand out immediately. In the RTL II docu-soap "Die Wollnys," the large family has been captivating its audience since 2011 – also due to their unusual names. They sound rare, stick in the mind, and have long become part of the family's unmistakable charm.

1. The First Three Children: Classic Names

For their oldest three children, Silvia and her then-husband Dieter chose more traditional first names. The eldest daughter, Jessica, has a Hebrew name that means "God watches over you." This name is not only melodious but also carries a deeper spiritual significance that resonates with many parents. The eldest son, Sascha, has a name of Russian origin that means "the protector." Sascha is a popular unisex name that is widely used in both Russia and Germany. Patrick, the third son, has a Latin name meaning "the noble one." This name exudes a certain dignity and elegance that many parents wish for their children.

2. Sylvana: A Name with Dual Meaning

Daughter Sylvana was born on New Year's Eve, which inspired her mother Silvia to choose this rare name. Both names, Silvia and Sylvana, derive from the Latin "silva," meaning "forest," creating a special bond between mother and daughter. Sylvana is a name that connects to both nature and family, making it particularly valuable.

3. Sarafina: Heavenly Inspiration

Sarafina, the fifth child, was named after the Seraphim, a group of angels in Hebrew. Silvia was inspired by the spelling from the 1992 film "Sarafina" starring Whoopi Goldberg. This name carries a celestial meaning and gives the child a special aura. The connection to angels suggests protection and purity, which many parents view positively.

4. Jeremy-Pascal: Double Meaning

The name Jeremy-Pascal came about because the parents couldn't decide. Jeremy is derived from Jeremiah and means "the Lord exalts," while Pascal means "the Easter one." This combination of biblical and festive significance gives the name a special depth and versatility. It is a creative solution that connects two cultures and traditions.

5. Sarah Jane: A Name with History

Sarah Jane, the seventh child, carries a name that holds special meaning. The second name Jane was originally meant for her twin sister, who passed away during pregnancy. Sarah means "princess," while Jane means "God is gracious." This combination of names is not only a tribute to the deceased sister but also an expression of strength and kindness.

6. Lavinia: The Pure One

The name Lavinia has Latin roots and means "the pure one." Silvia became aware of this rare name through a pop song. Lavinia is a name that sounds both classic and modern, radiating a certain nobility. It is a name appreciated in many cultures and possesses timeless elegance.

7. Calantha: The Beautiful Blossom

Calantha, pronounced "Kelenta," comes from a Western film. The name has Greek roots and means "beautiful blossom." Calantha conjures images of beauty and nature while also possessing a certain exoticism. It is a name that is both rare and poetic.

8. Estefania: The Crowned One

Estefania is the Spanish variant of Stefanie and means "the crowned one." She was named after Dieter Bohlen's ex-partner. This name carries a royal connotation and gives the child a certain grandeur. It is a name that is known and appreciated in both Spain and the German-speaking world.

9. Loredana: The Laurel

The youngest daughter, Loredana, received her name from the Latin word for "laurel," after her parents heard it during a vacation in Spain. The laurel is a symbol of victory and honor, giving the name a special significance. Loredana is a name that sounds both exotic and powerful and is valued in many cultures.

The Wollnys love creative and meaningful names. The family name Wollny, which comes from Slavic and means "free," underscores the unbridled creativity of this family. These names are not only unique but also tell stories that create a deeper connection among family members.