435+ Popular Eastern European Names and Meanings

Ever wondered why some names stop you in your tracks with their unique sounds and striking character?
Eastern European names offer exactly this distinctive quality.
These names carry a rich cultural heritage that spans centuries of history and tradition across countries from Poland to Bulgaria. Each name tells a story—about family values, historical figures, or ancient beliefs that shaped communities.
Want to know what your favorite Eastern European name truly means? Or need fresh ideas for naming your child?
This guide uncovers the origins and meanings behind these compelling names, opening a window into a remarkable part of European identity.
Eastern European Male Names
- Boris
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: BORE-iss
- Meaning: “Battle glory”
- Ivan
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: EYE-van
- Meaning: “God is gracious”
- Marek
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: MAH-rek
- Meaning: “Warrior” or “Mars” (Roman god of war)
- Vladimir
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: VLAD-ih-meer
- Meaning: “Ruler of the world”
- Andrei
- Origin: Greek (via Slavic)
- Pronunciation: AHN-dray
- Meaning: “Manly” or “Brave”
- Nikola
- Origin: Greek
- Pronunciation: NEE-koh-lah
- Meaning: “Victory of the people”
- Luka
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: LOO-kah
- Meaning: “Light” or “Bringer of light”
- Jarek
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: YAH-rek
- Meaning: “Fierce, strong”
- Pavel
- Origin: Latin (via Slavic)
- Pronunciation: PAH-vel
- Meaning: “Small” or “Humble”
- Bogdan
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: BOG-dan
- Meaning: “God-given”
- Svetozar
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: SVET-oh-zar
- Meaning: “Light” or “Shining”
- Tomas
- Origin: Aramaic (via Slavic)
- Pronunciation: TOH-mash
- Meaning: “Twin”
- Jovan
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: YO-vahn
- Meaning: “God is gracious”
- Zoran
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: ZOR-ahn
- Meaning: “Dawn”
- Krzysztof
- Origin: Greek (via Slavic)
- Pronunciation: KRIH-sh-toff
- Meaning: “Bearer of Christ”
- Miroslav
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: MEE-roh-slahv
- Meaning: “Peaceful glory”
- Sebastian
- Origin: Greek (via Slavic)
- Pronunciation: seh-BAS-tee-ahn
- Meaning: “Venerable” or “Revered”
- Igor
- Origin: Old Norse (via Slavic)
- Pronunciation: EE-gor
- Meaning: “Warrior” or “Protector”
- Fedor
- Origin: Greek (via Slavic)
- Pronunciation: FEH-dor
- Meaning: “God’s gift”
- Vuk
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: VOOK
- Meaning: “Wolf”
- Milan
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: MEE-lahn
- Meaning: “Gracious, dear”
- Radoslav
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: RAH-doh-slahv
- Meaning: “Happy glory”
- Ladislav
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: LAH-dee-slahv
- Meaning: “Glorious ruler”
- Dimitri
- Origin: Greek (via Slavic)
- Pronunciation: dee-MEE-tree
- Meaning: “Follower of Demeter” (Greek goddess of agriculture)
- Viktor
- Origin: Latin (via Slavic)
- Pronunciation: VIK-tor
- Meaning: “Conqueror” or “Victor”
- Ryszard
- Origin: Old German (via Slavic)
- Pronunciation: RIH-shard
- Meaning: “Powerful leader”
- Jakub
- Origin: Hebrew (via Slavic)
- Pronunciation: YAH-koob
- Meaning: “Supplanter” or “Holder of the heel”
- Tadeusz
- Origin: Greek (via Slavic)
- Pronunciation: tah-DEH-oosh
- Meaning: “Gift of God”
- Wojciech
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: VOY-chekh
- Meaning: “Warrior” or “Soldier”
- Stanisław
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: STAH-nee-swahv
- Meaning: “Glorious peace”
- Mieczysław
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: MEE-et-swahv
- Meaning: “Sword glory”
- Vladimir
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: VLAH-dee-meer
- Meaning: “Ruler of the world”
- Szymon
- Origin: Hebrew (via Slavic)
- Pronunciation: SHIH-mohn
- Meaning: “God has heard”
- Tibor
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: TEE-bor
- Meaning: “God’s gift”
- Jarek
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: YAH-rek
- Meaning: “Fierce, strong”
- Zbigniew
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: ZBIG-nyef
- Meaning: “To dispel anger”
- Darek
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: DAH-rek
- Meaning: “To be a protector”
- Lukas
- Origin: Latin (via Slavic)
- Pronunciation: LOO-kahs
- Meaning: “Light” or “Bringer of light”
- Antoni
- Origin: Latin (via Slavic)
- Pronunciation: ahn-TOH-nee
- Meaning: “Priceless” or “Invaluable”
- Veselin
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: VEH-seh-leen
- Meaning: “Joyful” or “Merry”
- Radosław
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: RAH-doh-swahv
- Meaning: “Happy glory”
- Orest
- Origin: Greek (via Slavic)
- Pronunciation: OH-rest
- Meaning: “Mountain” or “From the mountains”
- Boris
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: BORE-iss
- Meaning: “Battle glory”
- Luka
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: LOO-kah
- Meaning: “Light” or “Bringer of light”
- Kamil
- Origin: Latin (via Slavic)
- Pronunciation: KAH-meel
- Meaning: “Young servant” or “Attendant”
- Vuk
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: VOO-k
- Meaning: “Wolf”
- Perun
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: PEH-roon
- Meaning: God of thunder and lightning
- Maksym
- Origin: Latin (via Slavic)
- Pronunciation: MAHK-sim
- Meaning: “Greatest”
- Faris
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: FAH-rees
- Meaning: “Knight” or “Horseman”
- Vasili
- Origin: Greek (via Slavic)
- Pronunciation: VAH-sil-ee
- Meaning: “King” or “Royal”
- Aleksander
- Origin: Greek (via Slavic)
- Pronunciation: ah-lek-SAHN-der
- Meaning: “Defender of the people”
52. Vladislav
-
Origin: Slavic
-
Pronunciation: vlah-DEE-slahv
-
Meaning: “Glorious ruler”
53. Vasil
-
Origin: Greek (via Slavic)
-
Pronunciation: VAH-seel
-
Meaning: “King” or “Royal”
54. Maksymilian
-
Origin: Latin (via Slavic)
-
Pronunciation: mak-si-MEE-lee-an
-
Meaning: “The greatest”
55. Jakub
-
Origin: Hebrew (via Slavic)
-
Pronunciation: YAH-koob
-
Meaning: “Supplanter” or “Holder of the heel”
56. Timur
-
Origin: Turkic (via Slavic)
-
Pronunciation: TEE-moore
-
Meaning: “Iron”
57. Jovan
-
Origin: Slavic
-
Pronunciation: YO-vahn
-
Meaning: “God is gracious”
58. Yuriy
-
Origin: Greek (via Slavic)
-
Pronunciation: YOOR-ee
-
Meaning: “Farmer” or “Earth worker”
59. Bohdan
-
Origin: Slavic
-
Pronunciation: BOHD-an
-
Meaning: “God-given”
60. Igor
-
Origin: Old Norse (via Slavic)
-
Pronunciation: EE-gor
-
Meaning: “Warrior” or “Protector”
61. Grigori
-
Origin: Greek (via Slavic)
-
Pronunciation: gree-GOR-ee
-
Meaning: “Vigilant” or “Watchful”
62. Egor
-
Origin: Greek (via Slavic)
-
Pronunciation: eh-GOR
-
Meaning: “Farmer” or “Earth worker”
63. Petar
-
Origin: Greek (via Slavic)
-
Pronunciation: PEH-tar
-
Meaning: “Rock” or “Stone”
64. Dmitriy
-
Origin: Greek (via Slavic)
-
Pronunciation: d-MEE-tree
-
Meaning: “Follower of Demeter” (Greek goddess of agriculture)
65. Tihomir
-
Origin: Slavic
-
Pronunciation: TEE-hoh-meer
-
Meaning: “Quiet peace”
66. Nikolai
-
Origin: Greek (via Slavic)
-
Pronunciation: nee-KOH-lie
-
Meaning: “Victory of the people”
67. Sergei
-
Origin: Latin (via Slavic)
-
Pronunciation: SER-gay
-
Meaning: “Servant” or “Protector”
68. Vsevolod
-
Origin: Slavic
-
Pronunciation: vseh-VOH-lohd
-
Meaning: “Ruler of all”
69. Radoslav
-
Origin: Slavic
-
Pronunciation: RAH-doh-slahv
-
Meaning: “Happy glory”
70. Arkadiy
-
Origin: Greek (via Slavic)
-
Pronunciation: ar-KAH-dee
-
Meaning: “From Arcadia” (a region in Greece known for its pastoral beauty)
71. Zoran
-
Origin: Slavic
-
Pronunciation: ZOHR-ahn
-
Meaning: “Dawn”
72. Vuk
-
Origin: Slavic
-
Pronunciation: VUK
-
Meaning: “Wolf”
Eastern European Female Names
- Anya
- Origin: Russian
- Pronunciation: AH-nyah
- Meaning: “Grace” or “Favor”
- Ivana
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: ee-VAH-nah
- Meaning: “God is gracious”
- Katarina
- Origin: Greek (via Slavic)
- Pronunciation: ka-TA-ree-nah
- Meaning: “Pure”
- Mira
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: MEE-rah
- Meaning: “Peace” or “World”
- Yelena
- Origin: Greek (via Slavic)
- Pronunciation: yeh-LEH-nah
- Meaning: “Shining light”
- Diana
- Origin: Latin
- Pronunciation: dee-AH-nah
- Meaning: “Divine” or “Heavenly”
- Zara
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: ZAH-rah
- Meaning: “Princess” or “Flower”
- Olga
- Origin: Old Norse (via Slavic)
- Pronunciation: OHL-gah
- Meaning: “Holy” or “Blessed”
- Lana
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: LAH-nah
- Meaning: “Light” or “Shining”
- Tanya
- Origin: Russian
- Pronunciation: TAH-nya
- Meaning: “Fairy Queen” or “Mother of the world”
- Maja
- Origin: Greek (via Slavic)
- Pronunciation: MY-ah
- Meaning: “Great” or “Magnolia”
- Zlata
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: ZLAH-tah
- Meaning: “Golden”
- Nina
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: NEE-nah
- Meaning: “Dreamer” or “Little girl”
- Anastasia
- Origin: Greek (via Slavic)
- Pronunciation: ah-nah-STA-syah
- Meaning: “Resurrection”
- Ksenia
- Origin: Greek (via Slavic)
- Pronunciation: KSEH-nee-ah
- Meaning: “Hospitable”
- Maja
- Origin: Greek (via Slavic)
- Pronunciation: MY-ah
- Meaning: “Great” or “Magnolia”
- Tatiana
- Origin: Latin (via Slavic)
- Pronunciation: tah-TYAH-nah
- Meaning: “Fairy Queen” or “Princess”
- Irina
- Origin: Greek (via Slavic)
- Pronunciation: ee-REE-nah
- Meaning: “Peace”
- Magdalena
- Origin: Greek (via Slavic)
- Pronunciation: mag-dah-LEH-nah
- Meaning: “Of Magdala”
- Ivanka
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: ee-VAHN-kah
- Meaning: “Grace”
- Zofia
- Origin: Greek (via Slavic)
- Pronunciation: ZOH-fyah
- Meaning: “Wisdom”
- Daria
- Origin: Persian (via Slavic)
- Pronunciation: DAH-ree-ah
- Meaning: “Possessor of good”
- Olga
- Origin: Old Norse (via Slavic)
- Pronunciation: OHL-gah
- Meaning: “Holy” or “Blessed”
- Vera
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: VEH-rah
- Meaning: “Faith”
- Lydia
- Origin: Greek (via Slavic)
- Pronunciation: LID-ee-ah
- Meaning: “From Lydia” or “Beautiful”
- Miroslava
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: MEE-roh-SLAH-vah
- Meaning: “Peaceful glory”
- Radoslava
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: RAH-doh-SLAH-vah
- Meaning: “Happy glory”
- Svetlana
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: SVEHT-lah-nah
- Meaning: “Light” or “Pure”
- Nadiya
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: NAH-dyah
- Meaning: “Hope”
- Mila
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: MEE-lah
- Meaning: “Gracious” or “Dear”
- Anya
- Origin: Russian
- Pronunciation: AH-nya
- Meaning: “Grace” or “Favor”
- Ludmila
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: lood-MEE-lah
- Meaning: “Gracious, dear”
- Elzbieta
- Origin: Hebrew (via Slavic)
- Pronunciation: elz-BEE-eh-tah
- Meaning: “God is my oath”
- Rita
- Origin: Latin (via Slavic)
- Pronunciation: REE-tah
- Meaning: “Pearl”
- Simona
- Origin: Hebrew (via Slavic)
- Pronunciation: si-MOH-nah
- Meaning: “God has heard”
- Zora
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: ZOH-rah
- Meaning: “Dawn”
- Michaela
- Origin: Hebrew (via Slavic)
- Pronunciation: mee-KAY-lah
- Meaning: “Who is like God?”
- Tatjana
- Origin: Latin (via Slavic)
- Pronunciation: tah-TYAH-nah
- Meaning: “Fairy Queen” or “Princess”
- Sofia
- Origin: Greek (via Slavic)
- Pronunciation: SOH-fee-ah
- Meaning: “Wisdom”
- Viktoria
- Origin: Latin (via Slavic)
- Pronunciation: vik-TOH-ree-ah
- Meaning: “Victory”
- Elena
- Origin: Greek (via Slavic)
- Pronunciation: eh-LEH-nah
- Meaning: “Shining light”
- Darya
- Origin: Persian (via Slavic)
- Pronunciation: DAHR-yah
- Meaning: “Possessor of good”
- Ksenia
- Origin: Greek (via Slavic)
- Pronunciation: KSEH-nee-ah
- Meaning: “Hospitable”
- Irina
- Origin: Greek (via Slavic)
- Pronunciation: ee-REE-nah
- Meaning: “Peace”
- Katarina
- Origin: Greek (via Slavic)
- Pronunciation: ka-TA-ree-nah
- Meaning: “Pure”
- Roxana
- Origin: Persian (via Slavic)
- Pronunciation: rox-AH-nah
- Meaning: “Bright” or “Dawn”
- Daria
- Origin: Persian (via Slavic)
- Pronunciation: DAH-ree-ah
- Meaning: “Possessor of good”
- Eva
- Origin: Hebrew (via Slavic)
- Pronunciation: EE-vah
- Meaning: “Life” or “Living one”
- Gabriela
- Origin: Hebrew (via Slavic)
- Pronunciation: gab-ree-EL-ah
- Meaning: “God is my strength”
- Angelina
- Origin: Greek (via Slavic)
- Pronunciation: an-jeh-LEE-nah
- Meaning: “Angel” or “Messenger”
- Karolina
- Origin: Germanic (via Slavic)
- Pronunciation: kah-roh-LEE-nah
- Meaning: “Free woman”
- Vesna
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: VES-nah
- Meaning: “Spring”
- Irena
- Origin: Greek (via Slavic)
- Pronunciation: ee-REH-nah
- Meaning: “Peace”
- Lilia
- Origin: Latin (via Slavic)
- Pronunciation: LEE-lee-ah
- Meaning: “Lily flower”
- Klara
- Origin: Latin (via Slavic)
- Pronunciation: KLAH-rah
- Meaning: “Clear” or “Bright”
- Maja
- Origin: Greek (via Slavic)
- Pronunciation: MY-ah
- Meaning: “Great” or “Magnolia”
- Diana
- Origin: Latin
- Pronunciation: dee-AH-nah
- Meaning: “Divine” or “Heavenly”
- Melania
- Origin: Greek (via Slavic)
- Pronunciation: meh-LAH-nee-ah
- Meaning: “Blackness” or “Darkness”
- Andrea
- Origin: Greek (via Slavic)
- Pronunciation: AHN-dray-ah
- Meaning: “Manly” or “Brave”
- Alina
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: ah-LEE-nah
- Meaning: “Bright” or “Beautiful”
- Zara
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: ZAH-rah
- Meaning: “Princess” or “Flower”
- Viktoria
- Origin: Latin (via Slavic)
- Pronunciation: vik-TOH-ree-ah
- Meaning: “Victory”
- Jelena
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: ye-LEH-nah
- Meaning: “Shining light”
- Mina
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: MEE-nah
- Meaning: “Love” or “My wish”
- Lidija
- Origin: Greek (via Slavic)
- Pronunciation: lee-DEE-yah
- Meaning: “From Lydia”
- Adela
- Origin: Germanic (via Slavic)
- Pronunciation: AH-deh-lah
- Meaning: “Noble” or “Noble kind”
- Alicja
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: AH-lee-tsyah
- Meaning: “Noble” or “Exalted”
- Zora
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: ZOH-rah
- Meaning: “Dawn”
Eastern-European Gender Neutral Names
- Vanya
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: Vah-nya
- Meaning: “God is gracious”
- Sasha
- Origin: Russian
- Pronunciation: Sah-sha
- Meaning: “Defender of mankind”
- Nikola
- Origin: Greek (via Slavic)
- Pronunciation: Nee-koh-lah
- Meaning: “Victory of the people”
- Milan
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: Mee-lahn
- Meaning: “Gracious, dear”
- Jovan
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: Yo-van
- Meaning: “God is gracious”
- Radoslav
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: Rah-doh-slahv
- Meaning: “Happy glory”
- Maksim
- Origin: Latin (via Slavic)
- Pronunciation: Mahk-seem
- Meaning: “Greatest”
- Toni
- Origin: Latin (via Slavic)
- Pronunciation: To-nee
- Meaning: “Priceless” or “Invaluable”
- Vjekoslav
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: Vyeh-koh-slahv
- Meaning: “Glorious life”
- Milan
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: Mee-lahn
- Meaning: “Gracious, dear”
- Bojan
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: Boy-ahn
- Meaning: “Battle” or “Warrior”
- Luka
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: Loo-kah
- Meaning: “Light” or “Bringer of light”
- Jurek
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: Yoo-rek
- Meaning: “Farmer” or “Earth worker”
- Sacha
- Origin: Russian
- Pronunciation: Sah-sha
- Meaning: “Defender of mankind”
- Radmila
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: Rad-mee-lah
- Meaning: “Happy glory”
- Maja
- Origin: Greek (via Slavic)
- Pronunciation: My-ah
- Meaning: “Great” or “Magnolia”
- Vuk
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: Vook
- Meaning: “Wolf”
- Ksenia
- Origin: Greek (via Slavic)
- Pronunciation: Kseh-nee-ah
- Meaning: “Hospitable”
- Zoran
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: Zoh-rahn
- Meaning: “Dawn”
- Milan
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: Mee-lahn
- Meaning: “Gracious, dear”
- Laza
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: Lah-zah
- Meaning: “God’s gift”
- Anka
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: Ah-nkah
- Meaning: “Grace”
- Bojan
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: Boy-ahn
- Meaning: “Battle” or “Warrior”
- Milen
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: Mee-lehn
- Meaning: “Gracious, pleasant”
- Petar
- Origin: Greek (via Slavic)
- Pronunciation: Peh-tahr
- Meaning: “Rock” or “Stone”
- Jacek
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: Yah-tsek
- Meaning: “The one who rejoices”
- Yelena
- Origin: Greek (via Slavic)
- Pronunciation: Yeh-leh-nah
- Meaning: “Shining light”
- Teodor
- Origin: Greek (via Slavic)
- Pronunciation: Teh-oh-dor
- Meaning: “Gift of God”
- Lajla
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: Lie-lah
- Meaning: “Night”
- Stanko
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: Stahn-koh
- Meaning: “Strong”
- Borna
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: Bor-nah
- Meaning: “Battle” or “Warrior”
- Ilya
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: Il-yah
- Meaning: “The Lord is my God”
- Pavle
- Origin: Latin (via Slavic)
- Pronunciation: Pah-vleh
- Meaning: “Small” or “Humble”
- Valeri
- Origin: Latin (via Slavic)
- Pronunciation: Vah-leh-ree
- Meaning: “Strength” or “Health”
- Noa
- Origin: Hebrew (via Slavic)
- Pronunciation: No-ah
- Meaning: “Movement” or “Motion”
- Bogdan
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: Bohg-dahn
- Meaning: “God-given”
- Mira
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: Mee-rah
- Meaning: “Peace” or “World”
- Aleks
- Origin: Greek (via Slavic)
- Pronunciation: Ah-leks
- Meaning: “Defender of mankind”
- Dražen
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: Drah-zen
- Meaning: “Precious” or “Dear”
- Viktor
- Origin: Latin (via Slavic)
- Pronunciation: Vik-tohr
- Meaning: “Conqueror” or “Victor”
- Miroslav
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: Mee-roh-slahv
- Meaning: “Peaceful glory”
- Kristof
- Origin: Greek (via Slavic)
- Pronunciation: Krees-tohf
- Meaning: “Bearer of Christ”
- Luka
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: Loo-kah
- Meaning: “Light” or “Bringer of light”
- Kacper
- Origin: Persian (via Slavic)
- Pronunciation: Kah-ts-per
- Meaning: “Treasurer”
- Roderick
- Origin: Germanic (via Slavic)
- Pronunciation: Ro-der-ik
- Meaning: “Famous ruler”
- Ivo
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: Ee-voh
- Meaning: “Yew tree”
- Jakub
- Origin: Hebrew (via Slavic)
- Pronunciation: Yah-koob
- Meaning: “Supplanter” or “Holder of the heel”
- Oskar
- Origin: Old Norse (via Slavic)
- Pronunciation: O-skar
- Meaning: “God’s spear”
- Emilia
- Origin: Latin (via Slavic)
- Pronunciation: Eh-mee-lee-ah
- Meaning: “Rival” or “Eager”
- Nika
- Origin: Greek (via Slavic)
- Pronunciation: Nee-kah
- Meaning: “Victory”
- Luka
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: Loo-kah
- Meaning: “Light” or “Shining”
- Jovan
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: Yo-van
- Meaning: “God is gracious”
- Andrej
- Origin: Greek (via Slavic)
- Pronunciation: An-dray
- Meaning: “Manly” or “Brave”
- Zoran
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: Zoh-rahn
- Meaning: “Dawn” or “Morning”
- Teo
- Origin: Greek (via Slavic)
- Pronunciation: Teh-oh
- Meaning: “God” or “Divine”
- Valeri
- Origin: Latin (via Slavic)
- Pronunciation: Vah-leh-ree
- Meaning: “Strength” or “Health”
- Ilya
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: Il-yah
- Meaning: “The Lord is my God”
- Semyon
- Origin: Hebrew (via Slavic)
- Pronunciation: Sehm-yohn
- Meaning: “God has heard”
- Rami
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: Rah-mee
- Meaning: “Loving” or “Archer”
- Zbigniew
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: Zbee-nyef
- Meaning: “To dispel anger”
Traditional Eastern European Names
- Miroslav
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: Mee-roh-slahv
- Meaning: “Peaceful glory”
- Anastasia
- Origin: Greek
- Pronunciation: Ah-nah-stah-see-ah
- Meaning: “Resurrection”
- Ivan
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: Ee-vahn
- Meaning: “God is gracious”
- Daria
- Origin: Persian
- Pronunciation: Dah-ree-ah
- Meaning: “Queenly” or “Prosperous”
- Boris
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: Boh-reez
- Meaning: “Fight, battle”
- Zofia
- Origin: Greek
- Pronunciation: Zoh-fee-ah
- Meaning: “Wisdom”
- Vladimir
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: Vlah-dee-meer
- Meaning: “To rule with greatness”
- Maja
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: My-ah
- Meaning: “Great one”
- Jarek
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: Yah-rek
- Meaning: “Fierce, strong”
- Katarina
- Origin: Greek
- Pronunciation: Kah-tah-ree-nah
- Meaning: “Pure”
- Andrzej
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: An-dray
- Meaning: “Manly, brave”
- Elzbieta
- Origin: Hebrew
- Pronunciation: Elz-bee-eh-tah
- Meaning: “God is my oath”
- Luka
- Origin: Latin
- Pronunciation: Loo-kah
- Meaning: “Light”
- Aleksander
- Origin: Greek
- Pronunciation: Ah-lek-sahn-der
- Meaning: “Defender of the people”
- Milena
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: Mee-leh-nah
- Meaning: “Gracious, dear”
- Benedict
- Origin: Latin
- Pronunciation: Beh-neh-dikt
- Meaning: “Blessed”
- Svetlana
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: Sveh-tlah-nah
- Meaning: “Light, pure”
- Roman
- Origin: Latin
- Pronunciation: Roh-mahn
- Meaning: “Citizen of Rome”
- Irina
- Origin: Greek
- Pronunciation: Ee-ree-nah
- Meaning: “Peace”
- Vera
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: Veh-rah
- Meaning: “Faith”
- Bogdan
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: Boh-gdahn
- Meaning: “God-given”
- Dmitri
- Origin: Greek
- Pronunciation: Dmee-tree
- Meaning: “Follower of Demeter”
- Natalia
- Origin: Latin
- Pronunciation: Nah-tahl-yah
- Meaning: “Born on Christmas day”
- Sasha
- Origin: Russian
- Pronunciation: Sah-shah
- Meaning: “Defender of the people”
- Petra
- Origin: Greek
- Pronunciation: Peh-trah
- Meaning: “Stone, rock”
- Viktor
- Origin: Latin
- Pronunciation: Vik-tor
- Meaning: “Victor, conqueror”
- Zbigniew
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: Zbee-gnyef
- Meaning: “To dispel anger”
- Krzysztof
- Origin: Polish
- Pronunciation: Kshish-tof
- Meaning: “Christ-bearer”
- Tamara
- Origin: Hebrew
- Pronunciation: Tah-mah-rah
- Meaning: “Date palm tree”
- Vesna
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: Vez-nah
- Meaning: “Spring”
- Mikhail
- Origin: Hebrew
- Pronunciation: Mee-khiel
- Meaning: “Who is like God?”
- Jana
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: Yah-nah
- Meaning: “God is gracious”
- Radoslav
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: Rah-doh-slav
- Meaning: “Happy glory”
- Irena
- Origin: Greek
- Pronunciation: Ee-reh-nah
- Meaning: “Peace”
- Vera
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: Veh-rah
- Meaning: “Faith”
- Slavko
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: Slahv-koh
- Meaning: “Glory, fame”
- Elena
- Origin: Greek
- Pronunciation: Eh-leh-nah
- Meaning: “Shining light”
- Roksolana
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: Rok-soh-lah-nah
- Meaning: “From the land of the Roks”
- Sergey
- Origin: Latin
- Pronunciation: Ser-gay
- Meaning: “Servant”
- Jadwiga
- Origin: Polish
- Pronunciation: Yad-vee-gah
- Meaning: “Holy war”
- Tomasz
- Origin: Aramaic
- Pronunciation: To-mash
- Meaning: “Twin”
- Lidia
- Origin: Greek
- Pronunciation: Lee-dee-ah
- Meaning: “From Lydia”
- Stanislav
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: Stah-nee-slahv
- Meaning: “Glorious ruler”
- Klementyna
- Origin: Latin
- Pronunciation: Kleh-men-tee-nah
- Meaning: “Merciful, gentle”
- Boguslaw
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: Boh-goo-swahv
- Meaning: “God’s glory”
- Alina
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: Ah-lee-nah
- Meaning: “Bright, beautiful”
- Nikola
- Origin: Greek
- Pronunciation: Nee-koh-lah
- Meaning: “Victory of the people”
- Svetlana
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: Svye-tlah-nah
- Meaning: “Light, purity”
- Zdzislaw
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: Zdzhee-swahv
- Meaning: “To spread glory”
- Jolanta
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: Yo-lahn-tah
- Meaning: “Violet flower”
Modern Eastern European Names
- Anna
- Origin: Hebrew
- Pronunciation: AH-nah
- Meaning: Grace
- Nikolai
- Origin: Greek
- Pronunciation: nee-koh-LIE
- Meaning: Victory of the people
- Zofia
- Origin: Greek
- Pronunciation: ZOH-fyah
- Meaning: Wisdom
- Luka
- Origin: Latin
- Pronunciation: LOO-kah
- Meaning: Light
- Ivana
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: ee-VAH-nah
- Meaning: God is gracious
- Mateusz
- Origin: Hebrew
- Pronunciation: mah-TEH-oosh
- Meaning: Gift of God
- Katarina
- Origin: Greek
- Pronunciation: kah-tah-REE-nah
- Meaning: Pure
- Viktor
- Origin: Latin
- Pronunciation: VIK-tor
- Meaning: Conqueror
- Alina
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: ah-LEE-nah
- Meaning: Bright, beautiful
- Milena
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: mee-LEH-nah
- Meaning: Gracious, pleasant
- Darius
- Origin: Persian
- Pronunciation: DAH-ree-us
- Meaning: Upholder of good
- Jelena
- Origin: Greek
- Pronunciation: yeh-LEH-nah
- Meaning: Torch, bright
- Luka
- Origin: Latin
- Pronunciation: LOO-kah
- Meaning: Light
- Anton
- Origin: Latin
- Pronunciation: AHN-ton
- Meaning: Priceless, of inestimable worth
- Maja
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: MAH-yah
- Meaning: Great, mother
- Zoran
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: ZOH-rahn
- Meaning: Dawn
- Eva
- Origin: Hebrew
- Pronunciation: EH-vah
- Meaning: Life, living one
- Radek
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: RAH-dek
- Meaning: Happy, joyful
- Ivanka
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: ee-VAHN-kah
- Meaning: God is gracious
- Aleksander
- Origin: Greek
- Pronunciation: ah-lek-SAHN-der
- Meaning: Defender of the people
- Anja
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: AHN-yah
- Meaning: Grace
- Tomas
- Origin: Aramaic
- Pronunciation: toh-MAHS
- Meaning: Twin
- Milos
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: MEE-lohsh
- Meaning: Gracious, dear
- Petra
- Origin: Greek
- Pronunciation: PEH-trah
- Meaning: Rock, stone
- Bogdan
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: BOG-dahn
- Meaning: Gift from God
- Nadia
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: NAH-dee-ah
- Meaning: Hope
- Stefan
- Origin: Greek
- Pronunciation: STEH-fahn
- Meaning: Crown, wreath
- Violeta
- Origin: Latin
- Pronunciation: vee-oh-LEH-tah
- Meaning: Violet flower
- Kristof
- Origin: Greek
- Pronunciation: KREE-stof
- Meaning: Christ-bearer
- Emilia
- Origin: Latin
- Pronunciation: eh-MEE-lee-ah
- Meaning: Rival
- Danka
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: DAHN-kah
- Meaning: Grace
- Viktorija
- Origin: Latin
- Pronunciation: vik-TOH-ree-ah
- Meaning: Victory
- Luka
- Origin: Latin
- Pronunciation: LOO-kah
- Meaning: Light
- Danica
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: DAH-ni-tsah
- Meaning: Morning star
- Toma
- Origin: Aramaic
- Pronunciation: TOH-mah
- Meaning: Twin
- Veronika
- Origin: Greek
- Pronunciation: veh-ROH-nee-kah
- Meaning: True image
- Emil
- Origin: Latin
- Pronunciation: EH-meel
- Meaning: Rival
- Radoslav
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: RA-doh-slahv
- Meaning: Happy glory
- Nika
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: NEE-kah
- Meaning: Victory
- Adriana
- Origin: Latin
- Pronunciation: AH-dree-ah-nah
- Meaning: Dark
- Jakub
- Origin: Hebrew
- Pronunciation: YAH-koob
- Meaning: Supplanter
- Magda
- Origin: Greek
- Pronunciation: MAG-dah
- Meaning: High tower
- Rada
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: RAH-dah
- Meaning: Happy, joyful
- Sava
- Origin: Hebrew
- Pronunciation: SAH-vah
- Meaning: Old man, wise
- Liza
- Origin: Hebrew
- Pronunciation: LEE-zah
- Meaning: Consecrated to God
- Jakub
- Origin: Hebrew
- Pronunciation: YAH-koob
- Meaning: Supplanter
- Emilia
- Origin: Latin
- Pronunciation: eh-MEE-lee-ah
- Meaning: Rival
- Cvetan
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: TSVEH-tan
- Meaning: Flower
- Vanya
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: VAH-nyah
- Meaning: Gracious gift of God
- Milen
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: MEE-len
- Meaning: Gracious, pleasant
- Ksenia
- Origin: Greek
- Pronunciation: KSEH-nee-ah
- Meaning: Hospitality
- Zlatan
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: ZLAH-tan
- Meaning: Golden
- Kiril
- Origin: Greek
- Pronunciation: KEE-reel
- Meaning: Lordly, masterful
- Nikoleta
- Origin: Greek
- Pronunciation: nee-koh-LEH-tah
- Meaning: Victory of the people
- Sofija
- Origin: Greek
- Pronunciation: SOH-fee-yah
- Meaning: Wisdom
- Aleksandra
- Origin: Greek
- Pronunciation: ah-lek-SAHN-drah
- Meaning: Defender of the people
- Antonia
- Origin: Latin
- Pronunciation: an-TOH-nee-ah
- Meaning: Priceless, of inestimable worth
- Tereza
- Origin: Greek
- Pronunciation: teh-REH-zah
- Meaning: Harvester
- Marko
- Origin: Latin
- Pronunciation: MAHR-koh
- Meaning: War-like, male
- Bojana
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: BOH-yah-nah
- Meaning: Battle
- Emilia
- Origin: Latin
- Pronunciation: eh-MEE-lee-ah
- Meaning: Rival
- Teodora
- Origin: Greek
- Pronunciation: te-oh-DOH-rah
- Meaning: Gift of God
- Aleksandr
- Origin: Greek
- Pronunciation: ah-lek-SAHN-dar
- Meaning: Defender of the people
- Lara
- Origin: Latin
- Pronunciation: LAH-rah
- Meaning: Cheerful
- Jovana
- Origin: Hebrew
- Pronunciation: YOH-vah-nah
- Meaning: God is gracious
- Petr
- Origin: Greek
- Pronunciation: PET-ur
- Meaning: Rock, stone
- Timofey
- Origin: Greek
- Pronunciation: tee-moh-FEY
- Meaning: Honoring God
- Kristina
- Origin: Latin
- Pronunciation: kris-TEE-nah
- Meaning: Follower of Christ
- Igor
- Origin: Old Norse
- Pronunciation: EE-gor
- Meaning: Warrior, archer
Slavic Mythology-Inspired Names
- Veles
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: Veh-les
- Meaning: God of earth, waters, and the underworld
- Perun
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: Peh-roon
- Meaning: God of thunder and lightning
- Mokosh
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: Moh-kosh
- Meaning: Goddess of fertility and earth
- Dazhbog
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: Dah-zh-bog
- Meaning: God of the sun and a bringer of wealth
- Rod
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: Rohd
- Meaning: God of creation and family
- Chors
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: Khors
- Meaning: God of the sun
- Svarog
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: Sva-rog
- Meaning: God of celestial fire and the forge
- Marzanna
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: Mar-zah-nah
- Meaning: Goddess of winter, death, and rebirth
- Baba Yaga
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: Bah-bah Yah-gah
- Meaning: A witch and mythological figure associated with death and rebirth
- Zorya
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: Zor-yah
- Meaning: Goddess of the dawn
- Koschei
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: Koh-shay
- Meaning: Immortal being often associated with death
- Triglav
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: Tree-glav
- Meaning: A god with three heads, symbolizing the three aspects of the divine
- Stribog
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: Stree-bog
- Meaning: God of the wind
- Lada
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: Lah-dah
- Meaning: Goddess of beauty, love, and fertility
- Valko
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: Val-ko
- Meaning: A god of the wolves
- Zmey
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: Zmeh
- Meaning: Dragon or serpent, often seen as a villain in myth
- Belobog
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: Beh-loh-bog
- Meaning: God of light, the opposite of Chernobog
- Chernobog
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: Cher-noh-bog
- Meaning: God of darkness, the opposite of Belobog
- Mora
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: Mor-ah
- Meaning: A spirit of nightmares
- Vesna
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: Ves-nah
- Meaning: Goddess of spring
- Morozko
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: Moh-rohz-ko
- Meaning: God of winter, often depicted as a frost king
- Zlata
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: Zlah-tah
- Meaning: Meaning “golden,” symbolizing beauty and wealth
- Jasna
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: Yas-nah
- Meaning: Goddess of the morning star, representing brightness
- Kupala
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: Koo-pah-lah
- Meaning: Goddess of love and water
- Perunina
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: Peh-roo-nee-nah
- Meaning: A name derived from Perun, related to strength and thunder
- Viktor
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: Vik-tor
- Meaning: Derived from the Slavic god of victory
- Slava
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: Slah-vah
- Meaning: Meaning “glory” or “fame”
- Zlati
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: Zlah-tee
- Meaning: Derived from the word for gold, symbolizing wealth
- Lada
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: Lah-dah
- Meaning: The name of the goddess of beauty and fertility
- Veleslav
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: Veh-les-lahv
- Meaning: Glory of Veles, related to the god of earth and water
- Rusalka
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: Roo-sahl-kah
- Meaning: A mythological spirit, often associated with lakes and rivers
- Svetlana
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: Svet-lah-nah
- Meaning: Light, symbolizing brightness and purity
- Bogdan
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: Boh-gdahn
- Meaning: “Given by God,” representing divine grace
- Dobrava
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: Doh-brah-vah
- Meaning: A name meaning “good” or “virtuous”
- Jaga
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: Yah-gah
- Meaning: A witch-like figure, often seen as a wise old woman
- Dobroslava
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: Doh-broh-slah-vah
- Meaning: “Good glory,” symbolizing virtue and honor
- Bojana
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: Boh-yah-nah
- Meaning: Derived from the word “battle,” symbolizing strength
- Veselina
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: Veh-seh-lee-nah
- Meaning: Derived from “vesely” meaning joy or happiness
- Tvardy
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: Tvard-ee
- Meaning: Strong or firm, symbolizing resilience
- Snegurochka
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: Sneh-goo-roh-ch-kah
- Meaning: Snow Maiden, a mythological figure representing winter
- Miloslava
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: Mee-loh-slah-vah
- Meaning: “Gracious glory,” symbolizing beauty and kindness
- Gordana
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: Gor-dah-nah
- Meaning: Related to “gord” meaning proud or noble
- Dragomir
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: Dra-goh-meer
- Meaning: Meaning “precious peace,” symbolizing strength and harmony
- Bojislav
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: Boh-yee-slahv
- Meaning: “God’s glory,” symbolizing divine protection and honor
- Stanislava
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: Stah-nee-slah-vah
- Meaning: “Glorious standing,” symbolizing stability and honor
- Ksyusha
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: Ksyoo-shah
- Meaning: A diminutive of Ekaterina, meaning “pure”
- Ivana
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: Ee-vah-nah
- Meaning: Meaning “God is gracious”
- Vladimir
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: Vlah-dee-meer
- Meaning: “Ruler of the world,” symbolizing strength and leadership
- Milena
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: Mee-leh-nah
- Meaning: Meaning “gracious” or “pleasant”
- Radmila
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: Rahd-mee-lah
- Meaning: “Happy and dear,” symbolizing love and joy
- Vladislava
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: Vladi-slah-vah
- Meaning: “Glorious ruler,” symbolizing power and prestige
- Miroslava
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: Mee-roh-slah-vah
- Meaning: “Peaceful glory,” symbolizing tranquility and honor
- Dragica
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: Drah-git-sah
- Meaning: “Precious” or “valuable”
Eastern-European Names Inspired by Nature
- Svetlana
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: SVEHT-lah-nah
- Meaning: Light, pure, saintly
- Vladimir
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: VLAH-dee-meer
- Meaning: Ruler of the world
- Radmila
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: RAHD-mee-lah
- Meaning: Careful, gentle, or holy
- Vesna
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: VEHS-nah
- Meaning: Spring (season)
- Zorya
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: ZOH-ryah
- Meaning: Dawn, goddess of the dawn
- Perun
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: PEH-roon
- Meaning: God of thunder and war
- Moroz
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: MOH-rohz
- Meaning: Frost
- Kostya
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: KOHST-yah
- Meaning: Constant, steadfast
- Darya
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: DAHR-yah
- Meaning: Sea, wealthy
- Boris
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: BOH-rees
- Meaning: Battle glory
- Mila
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: MEE-lah
- Meaning: Gracious, dear
- Radoslav
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: RAH-doh-slav
- Meaning: Happy glory
- Lada
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: LAH-dah
- Meaning: Goddess of beauty, fertility, and love
- Slava
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: SLAH-vah
- Meaning: Glory, fame
- Svyatoslav
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: SVYAH-toh-slahv
- Meaning: Holy glory
- Bozena
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: BOH-zeh-nah
- Meaning: Divine, goddess
- Veles
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: VEH-les
- Meaning: God of the underworld, cattle, commerce
- Jaromir
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: YAH-roh-meer
- Meaning: Fierce, strong, peaceful
- Zlata
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: ZLAH-tah
- Meaning: Golden, wealth
- Dragomir
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: DRAH-goh-meer
- Meaning: Precious peace
- Jovana
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: YO-vah-nah
- Meaning: God is gracious
- Stanislava
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: STAH-nee-slah-vah
- Meaning: Glorious ruler
- Radislav
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: RAH-dee-slahv
- Meaning: Joyful glory
- Vera
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: VEH-rah
- Meaning: Faith
- Rurik
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: ROO-reek
- Meaning: Famous ruler
- Marina
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: Mah-REE-nah
- Meaning: Of the sea
- Yaroslava
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: YAH-roh-slah-vah
- Meaning: Fierce and glorious
- Tatislava
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: TAH-tee-slah-vah
- Meaning: Father’s glory
- Viktor
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: VEEK-tor
- Meaning: Victorious
- Ludmila
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: LOOD-mee-lah
- Meaning: People’s favor
- Veselina
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: VEH-seh-lee-nah
- Meaning: Cheerful, joyful
- Anastasia
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: AH-nah-STAH-see-ah
- Meaning: Resurrection
- Maksim
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: MAHK-seem
- Meaning: The greatest
- Alena
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: AH-leh-nah
- Meaning: Bright, shining light
- Zdenek
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: ZDNEK
- Meaning: To build, to create
- Miroslava
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: MEE-roh-slah-vah
- Meaning: Peaceful glory
- Zora
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: ZOH-rah
- Meaning: Dawn, morning star
- Klement
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: KLEH-ment
- Meaning: Gentle, merciful
- Gorana
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: GOH-rah-nah
- Meaning: A woman from the mountains
- Ilya
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: EEL-yah
- Meaning: God is my salvation
- Vladislav
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: VLAH-dee-slahv
- Meaning: Glory of the ruler
- Radoslava
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: RAH-doh-slah-vah
- Meaning: Joyful glory
- Yaroslav
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: YAH-roh-slahv
- Meaning: Fierce and glorious
- Zdenka
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: ZDEHN-kah
- Meaning: To build, to create
- Luka
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: LOO-kah
- Meaning: Light, bringer of light
- Jarek
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: YAH-rehk
- Meaning: Strong, powerful
- Sviatoslav
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: SVYAH-toh-slahv
- Meaning: Holy glory
- Veselin
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: VEH-seh-leen
- Meaning: Joyful
- Dmitri
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: DMEET-ree
- Meaning: Follower of Demeter
- Nikola
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: NEE-koh-lah
- Meaning: Victory of the people
- Vladan
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: VLAH-dahn
- Meaning: Ruler, prince
- Zinaida
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: ZEE-nah-ee-dah
- Meaning: Of Zeus
- Milena
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: MEE-leh-nah
- Meaning: Gracious, dear
- Svyatoslava
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: SVYAH-toh-slah-vah
- Meaning: Holy glory
- Matylda
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: MAH-teel-dah
- Meaning: Mighty in battle
- Elena
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: EH-leh-nah
- Meaning: Bright, shining light
- Vlastimir
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: VLAH-stee-meer
- Meaning: Ruler of power
- Jaromira
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: YAH-roh-mee-rah
- Meaning: Fierce and peaceful
- Bohdan
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: BOH-dahn
- Meaning: Given by God
- Alena
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: AH-leh-nah
- Meaning: Shining light
- Milica
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: MEE-lee-tsah
- Meaning: Gracious, dear
- Otto
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: OH-toh
- Meaning: Wealth, fortune
- Slavica
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: SLAH-vee-tsah
- Meaning: Glory
- Boleslav
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: BOH-leh-slahv
- Meaning: Great glory
- Zoraida
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: ZOH-rah-ee-dah
- Meaning: Beautiful, radiant
- Miroslava
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: MEE-roh-slah-vah
- Meaning: Peaceful glory
- Lech
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: LEKH
- Meaning: A name of a mythical Polish prince
- Dragica
- Origin: Slavic
- Pronunciation: DRAH-jee-tsah
- Meaning: Precious, dear
Name Nuggets: Fun Facts About Eastern European Names
-
Longest Names in the Region: Some Eastern European names can be surprisingly lengthy, like Stanisława (Polish) or Vladimirescu (Romanian), often due to compound structures or suffixes.
-
Most Popular Names by Decade: In the 1980s, Anna and Mikhail dominated in Russia, while Katarzyna and Piotr were favorites in Poland during the same period.
-
Unusual Naming Stories: In Bulgaria, it’s not uncommon to find names like Dzhokhar (inspired by Chechen leaders) or Rosen (meaning “rose”), reflecting unique historical and cultural influences.
-
Name Days Over Birthdays: In countries like Hungary and Slovakia, name days (celebrating the feast day of a saint) are often more significant than birthdays.
-
Patronymic Traditions: In Russia, middle names often derive from the father’s first name, like Ivanovich (son of Ivan) or Petrovna (daughter of Peter).
-
Nature-Inspired Names: Many Eastern European names are rooted in nature, such as Zora (dawn in Serbian/Croatian) or Rūta (a type of flower in Lithuanian).
-
Revival of Ancient Names: Countries like Lithuania are seeing a resurgence of ancient names like Gabija (goddess of fire) and Lukas (light).
-
Names with Royal Roots: Names like Kazimierz (Polish) and Svetlana (Russian) have historical ties to royalty and nobility.
-
Unique Spelling Variations: The same name can have different spellings across regions, like Katarzyna (Poland) vs. Kateryna (Ukraine).
-
Names Banned by Law: In some Eastern European countries, names must align with cultural norms, leading to bans on overly creative or foreign names.
Conclusion
Eastern European names carry a rich cultural and historical significance, reflecting the diverse traditions and languages of the region.
By reviewing this list, readers can gain a deeper understanding of the meanings, and the origins behind these names.
If you are researching for personal, academic, or creative purposes, familiarizing yourself with Eastern European names can provide valuable insights into the heritage and identity of the region.
This knowledge not only broadens your perspective but also helps in appreciating the subtle nuances that make these names so distinctive.
Reading through this list will undoubtedly enhance your understanding and appreciation of the cultural fabric of Eastern Europe.