Živka: a female name of Slavic origin meaning "This name derives from the Old Church Slavonic “zhivŭ (живъ),” which in turn derives from the Proto-Slavic “*živŭ (*živъ),” meaning “alive, lively".It derives from the Slavic word "Životŭ > život / *živŭ > zhivŭ".
Parents seeking a meaningful feminine name often discover Živka, drawn to its Slavic heritage and beautiful significance: "This name derives from the Old Church Slavonic “zhivŭ (живъ),” which in turn derives from the Proto-Slavic “*živŭ (*živъ),” meaning “alive, lively". This name offers a perfect blend of cultural depth and personal meaning, making it a timeless choice for families around the world.
Quick Facts About Živka
Quick facts about Živka
Origin
Slavic
Gender
Girl name
Popularity
Moderately popular
Researched by Name Doctor Linguistics Team
Our names are verified by professional linguists with expertise in etymology and cultural naming traditions.
Last reviewed: November 2025
Meaning
This name derives from the Old Church Slavonic “zhivŭ (живъ),” which in turn derives from the Proto-Slavic “*živŭ (*živъ),” meaning “alive, lively.” The word is linked to the Old Church Slavonic “životŭ (животъ) život (живот),” meaning “life.” The feast day is traditionally celebrated on January 26.
Etymology & Details
Name Root
Životŭ > život / *živŭ > zhivŭ
Other Scripts
Serbian (Живка)
How to Pronounce Živka
Živka is pronounced /ˈʒɪv.kə/(English)
Step-by-step pronunciation guide:
Break it into syllables: Živ-ka
Say it like: "ŽIV-KA"
Practice saying it naturally a few times
✓Pronunciation verified by linguistic sources
Usage & Popularity
This name has found popularity across croatian, and serbian speaking regions, demonstrating its cross-cultural appeal and adaptability.
croatianserbian
Name Relationships
The masculine counterpart to Živka is Živko, sharing the same Slavic etymology and core meaning. Both names derive from the same linguistic root.
Živka means "This name derives from the Old Church Slavonic “zhivŭ (живъ),” which in turn derives from the Proto-Slavic “*živŭ (*živъ),” meaning “alive, lively.” The word is linked to the Old Church Slavonic “životŭ (животъ) život (живот),” meaning “life.” The feast day is traditionally celebrated on January 26.". The name comes from Životŭ > život / *živŭ > zhivŭ. In its original form, the name derives from životŭ (животъ) život (живот) *živŭ (*živъ) zhivŭ (живъ). This slavic name has been passed down through generations, carrying its meaning across different cultures and time periods. Parents who choose Živka for girls often connect with the name's meaning of "This name derives from the Old Church Slavonic “zhivŭ (живъ),” which in turn derives from the Proto-Slavic “*živŭ (*živъ),” meaning “alive, lively.” The word is linked to the Old Church Slavonic “životŭ (животъ) život (живот),” meaning “life.” The feast day is traditionally celebrated on January 26." as a quality they hope to see in their child. While not the most common choice, Živka's meaningful roots have given it staying power among parents looking for a name with substance.
What is the origin of the name Živka?
Živka is a slavic name. The name traces back to Životŭ > život / *živŭ > zhivŭ. The original form životŭ (животъ) život (живот) *živŭ (*živъ) zhivŭ (живъ) shows the name's roots in its native language. In its native script, Živka is written as Serbian (Живка). From its slavic roots, Živka spread to become common in croatian, serbian. The slavic meaning "This name derives from the Old Church Slavonic “zhivŭ (живъ),” which in turn derives from the Proto-Slavic “*živŭ (*živъ),” meaning “alive, lively.” The word is linked to the Old Church Slavonic “životŭ (животъ) život (живот),” meaning “life.” The feast day is traditionally celebrated on January 26." reflects values important in the culture where this name first appeared.
Is Živka a boy or girl name?
Živka is a girl's name. This traditionally feminine name has been chosen by parents for daughters across many cultures and time periods. In slavic tradition, Živka has historically been given to girls. The meaning "This name derives from the Old Church Slavonic “zhivŭ (живъ),” which in turn derives from the Proto-Slavic “*živŭ (*živъ),” meaning “alive, lively.” The word is linked to the Old Church Slavonic “životŭ (животъ) život (живот),” meaning “life.” The feast day is traditionally celebrated on January 26." carries well for a daughter, giving the name lasting appeal.
How do you pronounce Živka?
Živka is pronounced "/ˈʒɪv.kə/". This pronunciation follows en language patterns. In its original script, the name appears as Serbian (Живка), which helps explain how native speakers pronounce it. As a single-syllable name, Živka is quick to say and easy to call out. Pronunciation may vary slightly in croatian, serbian, where the name is also used. Local accents and language rules can shift certain sounds while keeping the name recognizable. If you're unfamiliar with slavic names, listening to a native speaker say Živka can help you catch the right rhythm and emphasis. The name's root Životŭ > život / *živŭ > zhivŭ influences how Živka sounds in its original language.
How popular is the name Živka?
Živka is somewhat common, familiar to most people. With moderate popularity, Živka offers familiarity without being everywhere. It's the kind of name people recognize but don't hear every day. Živka's popularity may vary between slavic communities and the broader population, where naming trends differ. The name's meaning of "This name derives from the Old Church Slavonic “zhivŭ (живъ),” which in turn derives from the Proto-Slavic “*živŭ (*živъ),” meaning “alive, lively.” The word is linked to the Old Church Slavonic “životŭ (животъ) život (живот),” meaning “life.” The feast day is traditionally celebrated on January 26." likely influences its appeal, as parents often choose names that express values or hopes for their children. Among girls' names, Živka holds its own, appealing to parents who value distinctive options.
What are variations of the name Živka?
Živka is related to Živko (feminine). The feminine version Živko carries the same essential meaning, adapted to fit naming conventions for girls. In slavic tradition, these variations allow the core name to work across different contexts while maintaining its character. All variations preserve the meaning "This name derives from the Old Church Slavonic “zhivŭ (живъ),” which in turn derives from the Proto-Slavic “*živŭ (*živъ),” meaning “alive, lively.” The word is linked to the Old Church Slavonic “životŭ (животъ) život (живот),” meaning “life.” The feast day is traditionally celebrated on January 26.", so choosing between them comes down to sound preference and cultural fit rather than different meanings. Parents drawn to Živka might also consider these related forms, especially if they want options for siblings or prefer a more traditional or modern feel. In croatian and serbian, Živka may be more or less common than its variations, depending on local naming customs.
Where is the name Živka commonly used?
Živka is common in croatian and serbian naming traditions. Though slavic in origin, Živka found a home in other cultures where it resonated with local naming preferences. The meaning "This name derives from the Old Church Slavonic “zhivŭ (живъ),” which in turn derives from the Proto-Slavic “*živŭ (*živъ),” meaning “alive, lively.” The word is linked to the Old Church Slavonic “životŭ (животъ) život (живот),” meaning “life.” The feast day is traditionally celebrated on January 26." carries universal appeal, helping explain why different cultures adopted Živka into their naming traditions. A child named Živka will likely find their name recognized in multiple countries, which can be an advantage for families with international connections or who value global accessibility. Across these cultures, Živka is given to girls, maintaining consistent gender association.
Sources: Etymology verified through linguistic research including Oxford Dictionary of First Names, Behind the Name, and academic etymology databases.