Yes, we have visited Vilna, Alberta. While there, we have talked to the local people and even its mayor. While there, I have also checked the book "Voices of Yesteryears: Vilna and District History" which describes the families of Vilna. Through that, I came to a conclusion that attribution of Vilna name to Vilnius, Lithuania is merely an urban legend. According to the book that lists origins of early families not a single one of them was from Lithuania or Vilnius but many were from Ukraine. In the Ukrainian language, "Vilna" means "Free" and it is the most likely etymological source for the name. Indeed, no one we talked to could give any proofs for Vilna name being derived from Vilnius (besides having read it online somewhere - indeed, likely at the same places we read it and decided to visit Vilna). Instead, we were told a theory that the urban legend was born out of the fact that the early years of Vilna coincided with the years of interwar Polish-Lithuanian conflict over Vilnius (1920-1939) that made Vilnius, Lithuania to regularly hit news at the time, perhaps helping create this "folk etymology" that continued to be passed on since then. If you, however, know any proofs proving otherwise, please share.
Indeed, Wilno, Ontario, as well as Wilno, Minesota, were founded by Poles. Wilno is the Polish name of Vilnius. Interestingly, while Vilnius/Wilno has a large Polish minority, neither of the two towns were primarily settled by Poles from Vilnius. However, they are most definitely named after Vilnius; in case of Wilno, ON, it was named so because Vilnius was the birthplace of a particular person, while Wilno, MN, name was chosen simply because it was well-known and dear to Poles as a name of a city with a big Polish community and cultural history.
Indeed, it would be great! Lots of Ukrainian heritage in many places as well, e.g. Ukrainian churches or museums. And with the recent history and many refugees, the Ukrainian places are even more relevant. Some areas like the Canadian prairies are especially strong in Ukrainian history and heritage.
Labai grazu
Dėkui!
Such a great project. What an accomplishment.
Thank you!
Fantastic project!
Thanks!
there is also a village name Vilna, Alberta, Canada that is not on your list. But an excellent map. Good work!
Yes, we have visited Vilna, Alberta. While there, we have talked to the local people and even its mayor. While there, I have also checked the book "Voices of Yesteryears: Vilna and District History" which describes the families of Vilna. Through that, I came to a conclusion that attribution of Vilna name to Vilnius, Lithuania is merely an urban legend. According to the book that lists origins of early families not a single one of them was from Lithuania or Vilnius but many were from Ukraine. In the Ukrainian language, "Vilna" means "Free" and it is the most likely etymological source for the name. Indeed, no one we talked to could give any proofs for Vilna name being derived from Vilnius (besides having read it online somewhere - indeed, likely at the same places we read it and decided to visit Vilna). Instead, we were told a theory that the urban legend was born out of the fact that the early years of Vilna coincided with the years of interwar Polish-Lithuanian conflict over Vilnius (1920-1939) that made Vilnius, Lithuania to regularly hit news at the time, perhaps helping create this "folk etymology" that continued to be passed on since then. If you, however, know any proofs proving otherwise, please share.
@@TrueLithuania Oh that is great information. I didn't really know anything. I was assuming it was similar to the Wilno in Ontario founded by Poles.
Indeed, Wilno, Ontario, as well as Wilno, Minesota, were founded by Poles. Wilno is the Polish name of Vilnius. Interestingly, while Vilnius/Wilno has a large Polish minority, neither of the two towns were primarily settled by Poles from Vilnius. However, they are most definitely named after Vilnius; in case of Wilno, ON, it was named so because Vilnius was the birthplace of a particular person, while Wilno, MN, name was chosen simply because it was well-known and dear to Poles as a name of a city with a big Polish community and cultural history.
great thing. I had already browsed through it some months ago. I hope some ukrainians take that as an example.
Indeed, it would be great! Lots of Ukrainian heritage in many places as well, e.g. Ukrainian churches or museums. And with the recent history and many refugees, the Ukrainian places are even more relevant. Some areas like the Canadian prairies are especially strong in Ukrainian history and heritage.