The present article deals with translating proper names in literary texts. The primary function of proper names is to refer to unique entities, however in literary texts they serve another important functions. Besides individualizing the characters, they may convey important allusive and symbolic meanings. As proper names raise culture-bound connotations, they demand special attention in translating them from one culture into another. The article focuses on translation techniques adopted in translating semantically loaded names of literary characters. The analysis is based on examples selected from Polish translations of Swedish novels. It shows that translators adopt various techniques such as literal translation, substitution, transference, transference combined with en explanatory footnote, transference combined with literal translation and omission. The analysis indicates that translators generally are successful in their attempts to convey the semantic value of proper names into the target text.