Jānis Skopans from Beļava: One of Over 40,000 Jāņi in Latvia, Carrying the Name for Four Generations
Jānis Skopans, a resident of Beļava parish, is among the more than 40,000 men named Jānis in Latvia. He is the fourth generation to bear the name in his family.
In Latvia, the name Jānis is not only associated with the summer solstice festival but is also one of the most common names, borne by over 40,000 men. Among them is Jānis Skopans from the Beļava parish, who carries the name in the fourth generation.
According to the LSM Latgale editorial office, Skopans' parents initially could not agree on a name for their son. Ultimately, they chose Jānis, continuing a family tradition. While passing down a name through generations is not unusual, Skopans' case is special—he is the fourth Jānis in his family tree.
In Beļava parish, the Skopans family is also known for their Jāņi cheese. The cheese made at "Līčupes" is considered one of the best, with the recipe passed down through generations. Cheese-making is an integral part of Jāņi celebrations, and the Skopans family has maintained this tradition for four generations.
The popularity of the name Jānis in Latvia is unmatched, with over 40,000 bearers making it one of the most common. Skopans, proud to be one of them, values his name and the family traditions associated with Jāņi.
