Dagmara is the Polish form of Dagmar, a name with Old Norse origins. It is derived from the Old Norse name Dagmær, which combines the elements dagr meaning "day" and mær meaning "maid." The name entered Scandinavian royal history when Markéta of Bohemia adopted the name Dagmar upon her marriage to King Valdemar II of Denmark in 1205. Her birth name was Markéta, which itself is a Czech form of Margaret, meaning "pearl."Cultural SignificanceDagmara gained popularity in Poland as a feminine given name, reflecting cultural ties between Polish and Scandinavian naming traditions. The shift to the Polish form Dagmara preserves the original Norse essence while adapting to Polish phonological patterns. While Dagmar remains more common in Scandinavian countries, Dagmara is distinctively Polish.Notable BearersDagmara Domińczyk (born 1976), Polish-American actress and author known for her roles in film and theater.Dagmara Grad (born 1990), Polish footballer.Dagmara Handzlik (born 1986), Polish-born Cypriot long-distance runner.Dagmara Krzyżyńska (born 1981), Polish alpine skier.Dagmara Nocuń (born 1996), Polish handballer.Dagmara Wozniak (born 1988), American saber fencer of Polish descent.Key FactsMeaning: "Day maid" or "day maiden."Origin: Old Norse, via the name Dagmar.Type: First name, feminine.Usage Regions: Primarily Poland, also among Polish diaspora.