Wezezen, Wiżeny, Wizuny…, czyli rzecz o pochodzeniu nazwy Wiżajny

The article focuses on explaining the origin of the name Wiżajny. The origin of the name Wiżajny is not clear. To this day, there are ongoing discussions among academics, but not only, on the etymology, origin or first use of this word. The earliest mention of Wiżajny most likely comes from the Middle Ages, from a Teutonic document describing a road leading from Insterburg Castle towards Lake Wisztynieckie and Lake Wiżajny (the name: Wezezen appears then). Other names can be found in sources from 1549 (Wiżeny) and 1606 (Wizuny). In turn, the Geographical Dictionary of the Kingdom of Poland and other Slavic countries already gives the name Wiżajny. Although the origin of the name Wiżajny is not entirely certain, the fact that these lands were inhabited by Yotvingian tribes is no longer in doubt. The historical past of the peoples of the Wiżajny land is a reason for the justified pride of the inhabitants of their small homeland. Let this cultural heritage unite the local community, strengthen and build the identity of the place where you live.