Slavic names belong to the Slavic language tradition. This collection contains 2,546 Slavic names with their meanings, cultural backgrounds, and pronunciation guides. You'll find 1,536 names traditionally given to boys and 989 names for girls, reflecting naming patterns from regions where Slavic is spoken. These names carry the linguistic heritage and cultural values of Slavic-speaking communities. Common themes include noble, peace, warrior, showing what Slavic cultures have valued across generations.
(NO RELIABLE INFORMATION IS NOW AVAILABLE, WE WILL UPDATE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE).
This name derives from the Serbo-Croatian “lȁv (ла̏в),” meaning “lion.”
Vuk is a diminutive form of Vukašin, Vukan. The name is of Slavic origin and comes from “vȗk (ву̑к),” meaning “wolf.”
This name derives from the Old Church Slavonic “ogónʹ (огоìнь) ogǎn (огън), meaning “fire, fiery (also figurative), light, weapons fire.” The feast day is traditionally celebrated on February 6. The name is directly related to the Latin “ignis” with the same meaning.
It is a given name of Slavic origin composed of two elements: “voj, (Voyna (Война) vojna (војна)” (war, warrior) plus “ciech / cieszyć” (rejoice, enjoy), with the resulting combination meaning “one who enjoys as a soldier, joy of war, warrior comfort, enjoying warrior, smiling warrior.” The name Adalbert is sometimes associated with Wojciech / Vojtech, but they have no linguistic relationship with each other. Their components and meanings are entirely different, but the names may have become associated as a result of St. Adalbert of Prague (born Vojtěch Slavník) taking the name of Adalbert at confirmation. The first name Vojtěch is the 9th most used name in the Czech Republic.
This name derives from the Slavic “Vladislav (Владислав),” composed of two elements: “vladěti (владѣти) vladétʹ (владе́ть)” (to rule, to own, possess, be master of, own, govern, control, to master, manage) plus “sláva (сла́ва)” (glory, fame, renown, honor, repute, reputation). In turn, the name means “to rule with glory, glorious lord, one who commands fame.” Vladislaus I (1065–1125) was Duke of Bohemia from 1109 to 1117 and from 1120 until his death. Vladislav I was a son of Duke, later King Vratislaus II of Bohemia, by his second wife, Svatava, a daughter of Casimir I of Poland. The name is popular among all Slavic nations as well as some neighboring non-Slavic countries.
This name derives from the Slavic “neven (heвeн),” meaning “Marigold.” Marigold (Calendula officinalis) is a plant in the genus Calendula of the family Asteraceae. It is probably native to southern Europe, though its long history of cultivation makes its precise origin unknown.
This name derives from the Slavic word “rumen / rȕmēn (ру̀мен / ру̏ме̄н),” meaning “rosiness, rosy, ruddy, pink, reddish, red.” In turn, the name means “red in the face, red-cheeked.”
This name derives from the Slavic name “rad (рад) rȁd (ра̏д),” meaning “well-disposed, happy, joyful, glad.”
Venelin� is a personal name, which means “a crown of Slavic,” which appeared in Bulgaria at the end of the Ottoman rule. It derives from the surname of the Ukrainian writer-historian Yuriy Venelin. His female form is Venelinia or Veneta.
This name derives from the Old Church Slavonic “vesna (весна),” meaning “messenger.” In many Slavic languages, this is now the poetic word for “spring.” The Vesna or Vesnas were mythological female characters associated with youth and springtime in early Slavic mythology, particularly within Croatia, Serbia, and Slovenia. Along with her male companion Vesnik, she was associated with rituals conducted in rural areas during springtime.
Jája is a diminutive of Jaromír and Jaroslav. The name is of Slavic origin and comes from the following roots: (JARŬ *MIR" / MIR) and (JAROSLÁV).
The origin of this name is still today quite uncertain. The theories include: 1) From the Slavic word “boj (Бой),” which means (battle, combat, engagement, fight, fighting, struggle), plus the suffix “-an (-ан)” which is common in Bulgarian and Slavic names. In turn, the name means “warrior, fighter.” 2) Others yet believe that it comes from the famous khagan of Avars, Bayan I (562–602), who ruled the Slavs in Pannonia. 3) An alternative suggested etymology is from the Vulgar Latin or the Balkan Latin “*boiana” (herdsman’s [river]), from the Latin “boviana,” meaning “herdsman’s.” Boyana (Bulgarian: Бояна) is a neighborhood of the Bulgarian capital of Sofia, part of Vitosha municipality and situated 8 km south of the city center, in the outskirts of Vitosha. Boyana is one of the most expensive parts of Sofia to live in. The Boyana Church (Bulgarian: Боянска църква, Boyanska tsărkva) is a medieval Bulgarian Orthodox church situated on the outskirts of Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, in the Boyana quarter.
This name is of Slavic origin, composed of two elements: “búditi (бу́дити)” (to awaken, rouse from sleep) plus “*mir” (*mirъ) mir (мир)” (peace, calm, tranquility, universe, world). In turn, the name means “one who awakens the world, the one who awakens peace.” Budimir is a village located 8 kilometers from the city of Trilj, Croatia.
This name derives from the Slavic “deja / dezha (дежа),” meaning “to act, to do.” Otherwise, it may be related to Latin “deus,” meaning “god.”
This name derives from the Proto-Slavic “*duša,” Old East Slavic “duša / dousha (доуша / душа),” meaning “soul, spirit (the spirit or essence of a person that is believed to live on after the person’s death).” The feast day, for the faithful of the Eastern Churches, is celebrated on the 1 November, also known as All Saints. This is done in memory of St. Stephen Uros IV Dusan, Emperor of Serbia and Romania, and also his wife, Helen. It can also be celebrated on 2 December. Dušan promoted the Serbian Church from an archbishopric to a patriarchate. He finished the construction of the Visoki Dečani-monastery (Unesco site), and founded the Saint Archangels Monastery, among others.
Miro is the short form of several names ending in “-miro”, such as Casimiro, Aldemiro, Vladimiro and Palmiro. The name is of Germanic, Slavic and Latin origin and comes from the following roots: (KAZIMIERZ) (ADALMAR / ALDEMAR) (VOLODIMĚRŬ) and (PALMĀRIUS).
This name derives from a Serbian and Croatian word “nenad (Ненад),” meaning “unexpected.”
This name derives from the Slavic Serbo-Croatian “Velimir (Велимир)”, composed of two elements: Proto-Slavic “velii / velje (*velьjь)” (great, more, many, much, a lot) plus “*mir” (*mirъ) mir (мир)” (peace, calm, tranquility, universe, world). In turn, the name means “bold peace, great peace, the one who is great in maintaining peace.” 1) Velimir Khlebnikov 1885–1922), was a poet and playwright, a central part of the Russian Futurist movement, but his work and influence stretch far beyond it. 2) Velimir “Velja” Ilić (born 1951) is a Serbian politician and Minister without portfolio in the Government of Serbia.
This name is of Slavic origin, composed of two elements: “čȅdo (че̏до) (*čędo)” (child) plus “*mir” (*mirъ) mir (мир)” (peace, calm, tranquility, universe, world). In turn, the name means “peace for children.”
This name is of Slavic origin, from “gora (Гора),” meaning “mountain, the man from the mountains, Highlander.” The name can also have a metaphorical meaning “tall as a tree, the big one, the tall one or the good looking one.” Parents wishing their child health and prosperity have chosen Goran in hopes of their child growing up to be as tall as the mountains, and as strong as the rocks that fall from it.
The origin of this name is still today quite uncertain. The theories include: 1) From the Slavic word “boj (Бой),” which means (battle, combat, engagement, fight, fighting, struggle), plus the suffix “-an (-ан)” which is common in Bulgarian and Slavic names. In turn, the name means “warrior, fighter.” 2) Others yet believe that it comes from the famous khagan of Avars, Bayan I (562–602), who ruled the Slavs in Pannonia. 3) An alternative suggested etymology is from the Vulgar Latin or the Balkan Latin “*boiana” (herdsman’s [river]), from the Latin “boviana,” meaning “herdsman’s.” Boyana (Bulgarian: Бояна) is a neighborhood of the Bulgarian capital of Sofia, part of Vitosha municipality and situated 8 km south of the city center, in the outskirts of Vitosha. Boyana is one of the most expensive parts of Sofia to live in. The Boyana Church (Bulgarian: Боянска църква, Boyanska tsărkva) is a medieval Bulgarian Orthodox church situated on the outskirts of Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, in the Boyana quarter.
The origin of this name is still today quite uncertain. The theories include: 1) From the Slavic word “boj (Бой),” which means (battle, combat, engagement, fight, fighting, struggle), plus the suffix “-an (-ан)” which is common in Bulgarian and Slavic names. In turn, the name means “warrior, fighter.” 2) Others yet believe that it comes from the famous khagan of Avars, Bayan I (562–602), who ruled the Slavs in Pannonia. 3) An alternative suggested etymology is from the Vulgar Latin or the Balkan Latin “*boiana” (herdsman’s [river]), from the Latin “boviana,” meaning “herdsman’s.” Boyana (Bulgarian: Бояна) is a neighborhood of the Bulgarian capital of Sofia, part of Vitosha municipality and situated 8 km south of the city center, in the outskirts of Vitosha. Boyana is one of the most expensive parts of Sofia to live in. The Boyana Church (Bulgarian: Боянска църква, Boyanska tsărkva) is a medieval Bulgarian Orthodox church situated on the outskirts of Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, in the Boyana quarter.
This name derives from Slavic “Božidar,” composed of two elements: “Boz(s)” (divine, destiny, fate, luck) plus “-dar” (a gift). The name means “the divine gift, God’s gift.” It is a calque of the Greek name Theodore, itself derived from the Ancient Greek “Theodōros (Θεόδωρος).” Božidar Vuković Podgoričanin (Serbian Cyrillic: Божидар Вуковић) (~1466–1540) was one of the first printers of Serb books. He founded the famous Serbian Venetian Printing House.
This name derives from the Proto-Slavic “*duša,” Old East Slavic “duša / dousha (доуша / душа),” meaning “soul, spirit (the spirit or essence of a person that is believed to live on after the person’s death).” The feast day, for the faithful of the Eastern Churches, is celebrated on the 1 November, also known as All Saints. This is done in memory of St. Stephen Uros IV Dusan, Emperor of Serbia and Romania, and also his wife, Helen. It can also be celebrated on 2 December. Dušan promoted the Serbian Church from an archbishopric to a patriarchate. He finished the construction of the Visoki Dečani-monastery (Unesco site), and founded the Saint Archangels Monastery, among others.
This name represents different transliterations of various origins. The main ones are: 1) From the name “Vitus” which in turn derives from the Ancient Germanic root “*widu / witu,” meaning “forest as a borderline, forest, wood, tree.” 2) From the Slavic “vȉdeti (ви̏дети)” which in turn derives from the Proto-Slavic “*viděti,” meaning “to see,” compared to the (Latin: “vīsum > vĭdĕo).
This name represents different transliterations of various origins. The main ones are: 1) From the name “Vitus” which in turn derives from the Ancient Germanic root “*widu / witu,” meaning “forest as a borderline, forest, wood, tree.” 2) From the Slavic “vȉdeti (ви̏дети)” which in turn derives from the Proto-Slavic “*viděti,” meaning “to see,” compared to the (Latin: “vīsum > vĭdĕo).
This name is of Slavic origin, composed of two elements: “čȅdo (че̏до) (*čędo)” (child) plus “*mir” (*mirъ) mir (мир)” (peace, calm, tranquility, universe, world). In turn, the name means “peace for children.”
This name derives from the Proto-Baltic and Slavic “vȅsel (*veselъ),” meaning “glad, happy, cheerful, merry, merry one.” In turn, this name derives from the Proto Indo-European term “*wesus,” meaning “good,” refers to a person who has the goodness of heart, goodness-of-mind.
This name derives from Slavic “Božidar,” composed of two elements: “Boz(s)” (divine, destiny, fate, luck) plus “-dar” (a gift). The name means “the divine gift, God’s gift.” It is a calque of the Greek name Theodore, itself derived from the Ancient Greek “Theodōros (Θεόδωρος).” Božidar Vuković Podgoričanin (Serbian Cyrillic: Божидар Вуковић) (~1466–1540) was one of the first printers of Serb books. He founded the famous Serbian Venetian Printing House.
This name derives from the Slavic “radost (pадость),” from the Proto-Slavic “*radostь,” meaning “happy, gladly, gladness, joy.”
This name is of Slavic origin, composed of two elements: “búditi (бу́дити)” (to awaken, rouse from sleep) plus “*mir” (*mirъ) mir (мир)” (peace, calm, tranquility, universe, world). In turn, the name means “one who awakens the world, the one who awakens peace.” Budimir is a village located 8 kilometers from the city of Trilj, Croatia.
This name is a diminutive of Bogdan and Bogoljub. The name is of Slavic origin and comes from the following roots: (BOG / BOGU- DAN) and (BOG / BOGU- LJÚBITI).
This name is of Slavic origin, from “gora (Гора),” meaning “mountain, the man from the mountains, Highlander.” The name can also have a metaphorical meaning “tall as a tree, the big one, the tall one or the good looking one.” Parents wishing their child health and prosperity have chosen Goran in hopes of their child growing up to be as tall as the mountains, and as strong as the rocks that fall from it.
This name derives from the South Slavic “gord (Горд),” meaning “dignified one, proud.” In Croatia, it became especially popular after the novel “Gordana,” written by Marija Juric Zagorka, and most people began to use the name from the 1970s until today.
Jača is a diminutive of Jasna and Jadranka. The name is of Slavic and Latin origin and comes from the following roots: (JȀSNO) and (HĂDRĬĀNUS).
Nešo is a short form of Nebojša and Nenad. The name is of Slavic origin and comes from the following roots: (NE BÒJATI) and (NENAD).
Neša is a short form of Nebojša and Nenad. The name is of Slavic origin and comes from the following roots: (NE BÒJATI) and (NENAD).
This name derives from the Slavic “Nebojša (Небојша),” composed of two elements: the “ne (не)” (not) plus “bòjati (бо̀јати)” (to fear, be afraid of). In turn, the name means “fearless, not to be afraid, to be fearless.” This name is the 76th most popular male name in Serbia.
This name is of Proto-Slavic origin and represents a short form or pet form of several names beginning with the element “rad (рад) rȁd (ра̏д),” such as Radislav, Radoslav, Radomil, Radomir. The name element means “well-disposed, happy, joyful, glad.”
Srba is a short form of Srboljub, Srbislava, and Srbislav. The name is of Slavic origin and comes from the following roots: (SRBI / SȐBIN LJÚBITI) and (SRBI / SȐBIN SLÁVA).
Srbo is a short form of Srboljub and Srbislav. The name is of Slavic origin and comes from the following roots: (SRBI / SȐBIN LJÚBITI) and (SRBI / SȐBIN SLÁVA).
This name derives from the medieval Church Slavonic “urove (ѹрове)”, meaning “lords”. The noun was probably borrowed from the Hungarian (Magyar) word “úr,” meaning “master, Ruler, lord.” The suffix “-oš” in “uroš” is found in several Slavic given names, particularly those of the Serbs, Czechs, and Poles. 1) Uroš I (Serbian: Урош I) was the Grand Prince (Veliki Župan) of the Grand Principality of Serbia from about 1112 to 1145. 2) Uroš II, also known as Primislav (Serbian: Урош II Примислав) was Serbian Grand Prince from ~1145 to 1162, with brief interruptions as ruler by Desa, his brother.
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.
It is a male given name of Slavic origin, meaning “defender of peace.” The name is composed of two elements: “rat / rȁt (ра̏т)” (war, fight) plus “*mir” (*mirъ) mir (мир)” (peace, calm, tranquility, universe, world). Ratimir or Ratimar was a Slavic prince that ruled the Duchy of Lower Pannonia as a Bulgar vassal between 829 and 838. In 827, the Bulgars under Great Khan Omurtag invaded and conquered Lower Pannonia and parts of Frankish territories to the north. In 829, the Bulgars imposed a local Slavic prince, Ratimir, as the new ruler of Pannonia. His province is believed to have been the territory of Roman Pannonia Savia. It is known in modern historiography as Lower Pannonia; earlier, Sigismund Calles (1750) called him “Slavic duke of the Drava.”
This name derives from the Serbo-Croatian “bugáriti (буга́рити),” meaning “to lament, wail.”
This name derives from the Old Church Slavonic “Nadéžda (Надежда),” meaning “hope,” a translation of the Ancient Greek word “elpís (ἐλπίς),” with the same meaning. The name began to be used in Western Europe around the 19th-century. It suddenly became much more common due to the popularity of Romanian gymnast Nadia Comăneci, spreading to all Western countries. It should be noted that the name is almost a homograph to Nadiyya, Nadya, Nadia, an Arabic name, which means “tender, delicate.” However, it is not related to the Slavic name Nadja. 1) Nadežda Petrović (1873–1915) was a Serbian painter from the late 19th and early 20th-centuries. Considered Serbia’s most famous impressionist and fauvist, she was the most important Serbian female painter. 2) Nadezhda Konstantinovna “Nadya” Krupskaya (1869–1939) was a Russian Bolshevik revolutionary and politician (she served as the Soviet Union’s Deputy Minister of Education from 1929 until she died in 1939), and the wife of Vladimir Lenin from 1898 until he died in 1924.
This name derives from the Old Polish language, composed of two elements: “Zby-” (to dispel, to get rid of) plus “gniew” (anger). 1) Zbigniew was the Duke of Poland (in Greater Poland, Kuyavia, and Masovia) from 1102 until 1107. Zbigniew was born around 1070 (1060 to 1076), the first child of Władysław I Herman and Przecława, a member of the Prawdzic clan. The location of his birth within Poland is unknown. 2) Zbigniew Kazimierz Brzezinski (born 1928) is a Polish American political scientist, geo-strategist, and statesman who served as United States National Security Advisor to President Jimmy Carter from 1977 to 1981.
This name derives from the Proto-Slavic root element “*dorg (Доргъ) drag / drȃg (драг / дра̑г),” meaning “dear, precious, much beloved.” The element “drag-” represents a short form of several Slavic names beginning with the element “drag,” such as Dragoslav, Dragomir, Dragoslava, and Dragomira.
This name is of Old Slavic origin, composed of two elements: “čestʹ (честь)” (honor, regard, respect) and “sláva (сла́ва)” (glory, fame, renown, honor, repute, reputation). In turn, the name means “one who has fame and honor.” Czesław Jóźwiak, in other languages Ceslaus (born 1919), was a Polish Christian martyr of World War II who was beatified by the Roman Catholic Church.
It is a common Slavic female name. Originally was a diminutive of several names beginning or ending from the element “milŭ (милъ) mil (мил),” meaning “kind, dear, nice, pleasant, loving, gracious, gentle, mild,” such as Milana, Milanka, Milena, Milenka, Milada, Lyudmila, Miloslava, Bohumila, Bogomila, and Milorada. It is of Slavic origin and comes from the following roots: (MILOSLAV) (BOGUMIL) (MILORAD) and (LYUD MIL).
Lída is a diminutive form of Lýdie, Ludmilla and Ludmila. It is of Greek and Slavic origin and comes from the following roots: (LYDÍA) and (LJUDIJE / LJUDIE MILŬ / MIL).
This given name derives from the Slavic “Bogu- *slava (*bogъ слава),” meaning “glory of God.” The name is composed of two Proto-Slavic elements: “Bogu- (*bogъ),” meaning “fortunate, but which later shifted in meaning to (god)” plus “sláva (сла́ва),” meaning “glory, fame, renown, honor, repute, reputation.” Common among most Slavic nations, today the name is usually found among Polonophone speakers. Bogusław Radoszewski (~1577–1638) of Oksza coat of arms was a Polish noble and Roman Catholic priest. Bohuslav (Cyrillic: Богуслав) is a city of district significance on the Ros’ River in Kiev Oblast (province) of Ukraine.
This given name derives from the Slavic “Bogu- *slava (*bogъ слава),” meaning “glory of God.” The name is composed of two Proto-Slavic elements: “Bogu- (*bogъ),” meaning “fortunate, but which later shifted in meaning to (god)” plus “sláva (сла́ва),” meaning “glory, fame, renown, honor, repute, reputation.” Common among most Slavic nations, today the name is usually found among Polonophone speakers. Bogusław Radoszewski (~1577–1638) of Oksza coat of arms was a Polish noble and Roman Catholic priest. Bohuslav (Cyrillic: Богуслав) is a city of district significance on the Ros’ River in Kiev Oblast (province) of Ukraine.
This name is of Slavic origin, from “gora (Гора),” meaning “mountain, the man from the mountains, Highlander.” The name can also have a metaphorical meaning “tall as a tree, the big one, the tall one or the good looking one.” Parents wishing their child health and prosperity have chosen Goran in hopes of their child growing up to be as tall as the mountains, and as strong as the rocks that fall from it.
This name is of Slavic origin, from “gora (Гора),” meaning “mountain, the man from the mountains, Highlander.” The name can also have a metaphorical meaning “tall as a tree, the big one, the tall one or the good looking one.” Parents wishing their child health and prosperity have chosen Goran in hopes of their child growing up to be as tall as the mountains, and as strong as the rocks that fall from it.
There are two sources for this name: from the Latin “(vērĭtās > vērus / vēra),” meaning “truth” and a Slavic “véra (ве́ра) vȅra (ве̏ра),” meaning “faith, belief.” Both roots are linked to a religious tradition because they are connected to the Lord’s faith and truth. In fact, the two cultures have been merged, and both are still promoted by various saints who have taken this name, both in the Catholic and Orthodox Churches.
This name is of Old Slavic origin, composed of two elements: “čestʹ (честь)” (honor, regard, respect) and “sláva (сла́ва)” (glory, fame, renown, honor, repute, reputation). In turn, the name means “one who has fame and honor.” Czesław Jóźwiak, in other languages Ceslaus (born 1919), was a Polish Christian martyr of World War II who was beatified by the Roman Catholic Church.
This name derives from the South Slavic “Vukašin (Вукашин),” composed of two elements: “vȗk (ву̑к),” Pre-Slavic ”*vьlkъ” (wolf) plus “sin (син)” (son). In turn, the name means “son of the wolf.” Vukašin Mrnjavčević (1320–1371) was a medieval Serbian nobleman (became a king in 1365) of the Mrnjavčević family that ruled the modern-day central and northwestern Macedonia from 1365 to 1371. Vučko (Serbo-Croatian Cyrillic: Вучко) is the Olympic mascot of the 1984 Winter Olympics in Sarajevo, created by the Slovenian painter Jože Trobec. The mascot is a wolf, an animal typically found in the forests of the Dinaric Alps region.
This name derives from the South Slavic “Vukašin (Вукашин),” composed of two elements: “vȗk (ву̑к),” Pre-Slavic ”*vьlkъ” (wolf) plus “sin (син)” (son). In turn, the name means “son of the wolf.” Vukašin Mrnjavčević (1320–1371) was a medieval Serbian nobleman (became a king in 1365) of the Mrnjavčević family that ruled the modern-day central and northwestern Macedonia from 1365 to 1371. Vučko (Serbo-Croatian Cyrillic: Вучко) is the Olympic mascot of the 1984 Winter Olympics in Sarajevo, created by the Slovenian painter Jože Trobec. The mascot is a wolf, an animal typically found in the forests of the Dinaric Alps region.
This name derives from the Old Church Slavonic “Volodiměrŭ (Володимѣръ),” composed of two elements: “vladěti (владѣти) vladétʹ (владе́ть)” (to rule, to own, possess, be master of, be in possession of, govern, control, to master, manage) plus “*mir” (*mirъ) mir (мир)” (peace, calm, tranquility, universe, world). In turn, the name means “to rule with greatness, of great power, ruler of the world/peace/people.” This name is now widespread throughout all Slavic nations. It is also a common name in former Soviet non-Slavic countries where Christianity is practiced, such as Armenia. Volodymyr Sviatoslavich the Great (Old East Slavic: Володимѣръ Свѧтославичь) was a prince of Rus, grand prince of Kiev, and ruler of Kievan Rus’ from 980 to 1015. Max Vasmer explains the name as meaning “regal.” Folk etymology interprets the meaning as “person of the people” or “the one with peace on one side.”
This name derives from the South and West Slavic word “zora (зора),” meaning “dawn, aurora, daybreak.” In Slavic mythology, the Zorja (the evening stars, the morning star) are the two guardian goddesses, known as the Auroras. They guard and watch over the doomsday hound, Simargl, who is chained to the star Polaris in the constellation Ursa Minor, the “little bear.” If the chain ever breaks, the hound will devour the constellation, and the universe will end. The Zorja represent the Morning Star and the Evening Star.
This name derives from the Slavic “ljúbiti (љу́бити) ljuby (любы),” meaning “to love, love, affection.” The name is also linked to “Ljubičica,” a genus of flowering plants in the violet family Violaceae, with around 400–500 species distributed around the world. Love is love, and everyone who hears this name will definitely smile at little Lyubov and tell her some gentle words. Lyubov Dostoyevskaya (Russian: Любо́вь Достое́вская; 1869–1926) was a Russian writer, memoirist and the second daughter of famous writer Fyodor Dostoyevsky and his wife, Anna.
This name derives from Slavic “Božidar,” composed of two elements: “Boz(s)” (divine, destiny, fate, luck) plus “-dar” (a gift). The name means “the divine gift, God’s gift.” It is a calque of the Greek name Theodore, itself derived from the Ancient Greek “Theodōros (Θεόδωρος).” Božidar Vuković Podgoričanin (Serbian Cyrillic: Божидар Вуковић) (~1466–1540) was one of the first printers of Serb books. He founded the famous Serbian Venetian Printing House.
This name derives from the Slavic “Vladislav (Владислав),” composed of two elements: “vladěti (владѣти) vladétʹ (владе́ть)” (to rule, to own, possess, be master of, own, govern, control, to master, manage) plus “sláva (сла́ва)” (glory, fame, renown, honor, repute, reputation). In turn, the name means “to rule with glory, glorious lord, one who commands fame.” Vladislaus I (1065–1125) was Duke of Bohemia from 1109 to 1117 and from 1120 until his death. Vladislav I was a son of Duke, later King Vratislaus II of Bohemia, by his second wife, Svatava, a daughter of Casimir I of Poland. The name is popular among all Slavic nations as well as some neighboring non-Slavic countries.
This name derives from the Proto-Balto-Slavic “*rasā”, meaning “dew, very light rain, drizzle, tiny, dew-like drops”.
There are two sources for this name: from the Latin “(vērĭtās > vērus / vēra),” meaning “truth” and a Slavic “véra (ве́ра) vȅra (ве̏ра),” meaning “faith, belief.” Both roots are linked to a religious tradition because they are connected to the Lord’s faith and truth. In fact, the two cultures have been merged, and both are still promoted by various saints who have taken this name, both in the Catholic and Orthodox Churches.
Lana is a short form of Alana and Svetlana. It is of Slavic and Breton origin and comes from the following roots: свѣтъ (světŭ) свет (svet) plus (Alan). In an independent name survey, Lana appears in 2007’s top-1000 name list at rank 402. In Hawaiian, Lana means “afloat; calm as still waters.” In Mexico, it is a slang word for money. The name also resembles the romantic term for wool: “laine.” In Kurdish, it is a female name which means “nest” or “the house of a lion.” The feast day is celebrated on November 25.
Stas is a diminutive of Anastas and Stanislav. It is of Slavic and Greek origin and comes from the following roots: (ANASTÁSIOS) and (STANISLÁV).
Raya is a diminutive of Rayna and a variant form of Regina. It is of Latin and Slavic origin and comes from the following roots: (REGINA) and (RADOSLAV).
Rade is mainly a diminutive of Milorad and a diminutive of names containing the Slavic element “rad (*radъ),” such as Radoslav and Radovan. This name is of Slavic origin and comes from the following roots: (MILORAD) (RADOSLAV) and (RADOVAN).
Jaga is a diminutive of Agatha and Jagoda. It is of Greek and Slavic origin and comes from the following roots: (AGATHĒ) and (AGODA).
Veta is a short form of Svetlana and Violetta. The name is of Slavic and Greek origin and comes from the following roots: (SVĚTŬ / SVET) and (VIOLETTE / VIOLE).
Tomo is a diminutive of Tomislav, Toma, Tomaš, and Tomaž. It is of Aramaic and Slavic origin and comes from the following roots: (THOMAS) and (TOMISLAV).
This name derives from the Old Slavic “Dragomir (Драгомир),” composed of two elements: “*dorg” (Доргъ) drag / drȃg (драг / дра̑г)” (dear, precious, much beloved) plus “*mir” (*mirъ) mir (мир)” (peace, calm, tranquility, universe, world). In turn, the name means “the one who takes care of the precious peace, dear and precious peace.” This name and its derivatives were early regarded to be a native Danish name because of its sound: Old Danish “dag,” meaning “day” plus the Old Danish “már,” meaning “little girl, virgin, unmarried girl.”
This name is linked to several roots, and today it is difficult to separate the source for each variant name. The theories include: 1) From the Latin “mīlĕs > militis” (soldier, soldier on foot). 2) From the Germanic “mild” (peaceful, calm). 3) From the Slavic root “mil” (kind, compassionate, the merciful). The name “milo” comes from different roots, and it is difficult to associate the name in certain countries. English names should be derived from the Germanic root, while the Italian names from the Slavic root though uncertainty remains.
There are two sources for this name: from the Latin “(vērĭtās > vērus / vēra),” meaning “truth” and a Slavic “véra (ве́ра) vȅra (ве̏ра),” meaning “faith, belief.” Both roots are linked to a religious tradition because they are connected to the Lord’s faith and truth. In fact, the two cultures have been merged, and both are still promoted by various saints who have taken this name, both in the Catholic and Orthodox Churches.
Biba is a diminutive of Biljana and Biserka. The name is of Slavic origin and comes from the following roots: (BELYY / BELAYA) (BILJKA > BȊLJE / BÍLJE) and (BISER).
The origin of this name is still today quite uncertain. The theories include: 1) From the Slavic word “boj (Бой),” which means (battle, combat, engagement, fight, fighting, struggle), plus the suffix “-an (-ан)” which is common in Bulgarian and Slavic names. In turn, the name means “warrior, fighter.” 2) Others yet believe that it comes from the famous khagan of Avars, Bayan I (562–602), who ruled the Slavs in Pannonia. 3) An alternative suggested etymology is from the Vulgar Latin or the Balkan Latin “*boiana” (herdsman’s [river]), from the Latin “boviana,” meaning “herdsman’s.” Boyana (Bulgarian: Бояна) is a neighborhood of the Bulgarian capital of Sofia, part of Vitosha municipality and situated 8 km south of the city center, in the outskirts of Vitosha. Boyana is one of the most expensive parts of Sofia to live in. The Boyana Church (Bulgarian: Боянска църква, Boyanska tsărkva) is a medieval Bulgarian Orthodox church situated on the outskirts of Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, in the Boyana quarter.
This name derives from the Slavic Serbo-Croatian “Velimir (Велимир)”, composed of two elements: Proto-Slavic “velii / velje (*velьjь)” (great, more, many, much, a lot) plus “*mir” (*mirъ) mir (мир)” (peace, calm, tranquility, universe, world). In turn, the name means “bold peace, great peace, the one who is great in maintaining peace.” 1) Velimir Khlebnikov 1885–1922), was a poet and playwright, a central part of the Russian Futurist movement, but his work and influence stretch far beyond it. 2) Velimir “Velja” Ilić (born 1951) is a Serbian politician and Minister without portfolio in the Government of Serbia.
This name derives from the Slavic “Dazh’bog (Дажьбог),” composed of two elements: “dáty (да́ти) (Ancient Greek: dídōmi, Sanskrit: dádāti, Persian: dâdan)” (to give) plus “Bog (Бог) *bogъ” (god). In turn, the name means “the one who gives to God, giving god,” god-giver, god-donor.” Dažbog was one of the major gods of Slavic mythology, most likely a solar deity and possibly a cultural hero. He is one of several authentic Slavic gods, mentioned by many medieval manuscripts, and one of the few Slavic gods for which evidence of worship can be found in all Slavic nations.
This name derives from the Slavic and Polish tribe “Lędzianie.” The name “Lędzianie” is composed of two elements: From the Old-Polish “lęda” (field) plus from the Proto-Slavic “sláva (сла́ва)” (glory, fame, renown, honor, repute, reputation). In turn, the name, in the Polish language, means “glory of the Poles.” In the modern Polish language, the word “ląd” still exists, which means “land.” The Lendians were a West Slavic tribe that lived in East Lesser Poland and Cherven Towns between the 7th and 11th-centuries.
This name is of Proto-Slavic origin and represents a short form or pet form of several names beginning with the element “rad (рад) rȁd (ра̏д),” such as Radomira, Radoslava, Radomila, Radmila. The name element means “well-disposed, happy, joyful, glad.”
There are two sources for this name: from the Latin “(vērĭtās > vērus / vēra),” meaning “truth” and a Slavic “véra (ве́ра) vȅra (ве̏ра),” meaning “faith, belief.” Both roots are linked to a religious tradition because they are connected to the Lord’s faith and truth. In fact, the two cultures have been merged, and both are still promoted by various saints who have taken this name, both in the Catholic and Orthodox Churches.
This name derives from the South and West Slavic word “zora (зора),” meaning “dawn, aurora, daybreak.” In Slavic mythology, the Zorja (the evening stars, the morning star) are the two guardian goddesses, known as the Auroras. They guard and watch over the doomsday hound, Simargl, who is chained to the star Polaris in the constellation Ursa Minor, the “little bear.” If the chain ever breaks, the hound will devour the constellation, and the universe will end. The Zorja represent the Morning Star and the Evening Star.
Lada is a short form of Vladimira, Vladimíra, Vladilena, Vladlena, Ladislava, and Vladislava. The name is of Slavic origin and comes from the following roots: (VOLODIMĚRŬ) and (VLADISLAV).
This name derives from the Old Church Slavonic “Volodiměrŭ (Володимѣръ),” composed of two elements: “vladěti (владѣти) vladétʹ (владе́ть)” (to rule, to own, possess, be master of, be in possession of, govern, control, to master, manage) plus “*mir” (*mirъ) mir (мир)” (peace, calm, tranquility, universe, world). In turn, the name means “to rule with greatness, of great power, ruler of the world/peace/people.” This name is now widespread throughout all Slavic nations. It is also a common name in former Soviet non-Slavic countries where Christianity is practiced, such as Armenia. Volodymyr Sviatoslavich the Great (Old East Slavic: Володимѣръ Свѧтославичь) was a prince of Rus, grand prince of Kiev, and ruler of Kievan Rus’ from 980 to 1015. Max Vasmer explains the name as meaning “regal.” Folk etymology interprets the meaning as “person of the people” or “the one with peace on one side.”
This name derives from the Slavic “Vladislav (Владислав),” composed of two elements: “vladěti (владѣти) vladétʹ (владе́ть)” (to rule, to own, possess, be master of, own, govern, control, to master, manage) plus “sláva (сла́ва)” (glory, fame, renown, honor, repute, reputation). In turn, the name means “to rule with glory, glorious lord, one who commands fame.” Vladislaus I (1065–1125) was Duke of Bohemia from 1109 to 1117 and from 1120 until his death. Vladislav I was a son of Duke, later King Vratislaus II of Bohemia, by his second wife, Svatava, a daughter of Casimir I of Poland. The name is popular among all Slavic nations as well as some neighboring non-Slavic countries.
Inna is a romanization of the modern Russian given name (Инна), supposedly meaning “strong water.” It was an early male Russian martyr but is currently used as a feminine name only. Inna was the fourth most popular name given to baby girls born in Moscow, Russia, in 2007. In ancient Greece, the name “Inna” (Инна) is also attested (probably from “Innin” (ἴννην), meaning ‘little girl’). However, a connection with the Russian Inna hasn’t been confirmed. In other Russian sources, Inna means “fountain, lively, and full of life.”
This name derives from the Slavic “nedélja (неде́ля),” composed of two elements: “ne (не)” (not, no, without) plus “délatʹ (де́лать) délaya (де́лая)” (to make, to do). In turn, the name means “no working, Sunday.” 1) Holy Sunday Church (Bulgarian: църква “Света Неделя” Sveta Nedelya) is an Eastern Orthodox church in Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, a cathedral of the Sofia bishopric of the Bulgarian Patriarchate. 2) Nedelya was a Russian liberal-Narodnik political and literary newspaper. It appeared in St. Petersburg from 1866 to 1901. 3) Nedelya Petkova (1826–1894) was a Bulgarian education pioneer. In 1859 she began teaching girls and developed this into a school system for girls across the Bulgarian part of the Ottoman Empire, with hundreds of girls attending classes.
This name derives from the Latin “mors > mortis,” from the Proto-Indo-European “*mor-t” (death), from “*mer-” (to die). In turn, the name means “death, corpse, annihilation, phantom, vision, hallucination.” In Slavic mythology, this was the name of the goddess of winter and death. It is a Baltic and Slavic goddess associated with seasonal rites based on the idea of death and rebirth of nature. She is associated with death, winter, and nightmares. Some medieval Christian sources such as the Czech 9th century Mater Verborum compare her to the Greek goddess Hecate, associating with sorcery. 15th-century Polish chronicler Jan Długosz likened her to Ceres, the Roman goddess of agriculture.
This name derives from the Serbo-Croatian “srèbro (срѐбро),” meaning “silver,” from the Old Church Slavonic “sĭrebro (сьрєбро),” (Proto-Germanic: *silubrą).
This name derives from the Slavic “deja / dezha (дежа),” meaning “to act, to do.” Otherwise, it may be related to Latin “deus,” meaning “god.”
This name derives from the Slavic “Vladislav (Владислав),” composed of two elements: “vladěti (владѣти) vladétʹ (владе́ть)” (to rule, to own, possess, be master of, own, govern, control, to master, manage) plus “sláva (сла́ва)” (glory, fame, renown, honor, repute, reputation). In turn, the name means “to rule with glory, glorious lord, one who commands fame.” Vladislaus I (1065–1125) was Duke of Bohemia from 1109 to 1117 and from 1120 until his death. Vladislav I was a son of Duke, later King Vratislaus II of Bohemia, by his second wife, Svatava, a daughter of Casimir I of Poland. The name is popular among all Slavic nations as well as some neighboring non-Slavic countries.
This name derives from the Proto-Slavic “*duša,” Old East Slavic “duša / dousha (доуша / душа),” meaning “soul, spirit (the spirit or essence of a person that is believed to live on after the person’s death).” The feast day, for the faithful of the Eastern Churches, is celebrated on the 1 November, also known as All Saints. This is done in memory of St. Stephen Uros IV Dusan, Emperor of Serbia and Romania, and also his wife, Helen. It can also be celebrated on 2 December. Dušan promoted the Serbian Church from an archbishopric to a patriarchate. He finished the construction of the Visoki Dečani-monastery (Unesco site), and founded the Saint Archangels Monastery, among others.
This name derives from the Slavic word “momche (момче) momchil (момчил),” meaning “lad, boy, youth, young man.” Momchil was a 14th-century Bulgarian brigand and local ruler. Initially, a member of a bandit gang in the borderlands of Bulgaria, Byzantium, and Serbia, Momchil, was recruited by the Byzantines as a mercenary. Through his opportunistic involvement in the Byzantine civil war of 1341–1347, where he played the various sides against each other, he became ruler of a large area in the Rhodopes and western Thrace.
Boro is a short form of Borislav, Boris, and Velibor. The name is of Slavic origin and comes from the following roots: (BȎRIS) (BORISLAV) and (VELJE BÍTKA).
This name derives from the Slavic “Lyudmila,” composed of two Proto-Slavic and Old Church Slavonic elements: “*ljudъ / ljudije (людиѥ) ljudie (людиє)” (people, folk) plus “milŭ (милъ) mil (мил)” (kind, dear, friendly, pleasant, loving, gracious, gentle, mild). In turn, the name means “love for the people, dear people.” The name Lyudmila appeared in Russia in the Age of Romanticism, but it reached its popularity peak in the mid-XXth-century. Saint Ludmila is a Czech saint and martyr venerated by the Orthodox and the Roman Catholics. She was born in Mělník, the daughter of a Slavic prince, Slavibor. Saint Ludmila was the grandmother of Saint Wenceslaus, who is widely referred to as Good King Wenceslaus. Lyudmila consistently ranks among the most common female names in Russia. The peak of its use accounts for the years 1938–1953.
This name derives from the South and West Slavic word “zora (зора),” meaning “dawn, aurora, daybreak.” In Slavic mythology, the Zorja (the evening stars, the morning star) are the two guardian goddesses, known as the Auroras. They guard and watch over the doomsday hound, Simargl, who is chained to the star Polaris in the constellation Ursa Minor, the “little bear.” If the chain ever breaks, the hound will devour the constellation, and the universe will end. The Zorja represent the Morning Star and the Evening Star.
This name derives from the Proto-Slavic root element “*dorg (Доргъ) drag / drȃg (драг / дра̑г),” meaning “dear, precious, much beloved.” The element “drag-” represents a short form of several Slavic names beginning with the element “drag,” such as Dragoslav, Dragomir, Dragoslava, and Dragomira.
Slavic names developed within the Slavic language tradition. The naming traditions from regions where Slavic is spoken have evolved over centuries, shaped by migration, trade, religion, and cultural exchange. Today's Slavic names carry this history.
Slavic naming traditions reflect the values and beliefs of regions where Slavic is spoken. Names served multiple purposes: identifying individuals, honoring ancestors, expressing hopes for a child's future, and marking religious or cultural affiliation. These functions shaped which names became popular and how they were used.
Today, Slavic names appear far beyond regions where Slavic is spoken. Immigration, global media, and cultural exchange have made many Slavic names familiar worldwide. Parents choose these names to honor heritage, appreciate their meanings, or simply because they like how they sound. The 2,546 names in this collection range from ancient choices still popular today to names that have fallen out of use but retain historical interest.
Slavic naming traditions have developed their own patterns and preferences. Names may honor family members, reflect religious beliefs, describe hoped-for qualities, or commemorate significant events. These patterns explain which names stayed popular.
These traditional patterns still matter, but modern parents also mix things up. Some combine traditional and contemporary elements, pick names from other cultures, or create unique variations of classic names.
This collection breaks down to 60% masculine names (1,536) and 39% feminine names (989).
Slavic names follow the phonetic rules of their language of origin. English speakers may need to adjust their pronunciation for sounds that don't exist in English. Each name page includes a pronunciation guide to help.
When in doubt about pronunciation, listening to native speakers helps more than reading transliterations. Each name page has a pronunciation guide. If you're considering a Slavic name for your child, say it out loud and think about how others in your community will pronounce it.
With 2,546 names in our database, Slavic is one of our bigger origin categories. These names appear on birth certificates worldwide, from regions where Slavic is spoken to immigrant communities on every continent.
Slavic names for boys outnumber those for girls at roughly 1.6:1 in our database. This reflects historical naming patterns, though modern naming trends are shifting.
Current naming trends show renewed interest in heritage names, with parents seeking meaningful connections to cultural roots. Some Slavic names have crossed over to mainstream use, while others remain specific to Slavic-speaking communities.
Popular Slavic names for boys include Uja, Lav, Vuk, Ogi, Wojt. Our database contains 1,536 Slavic names traditionally given to boys, ranging from classic choices to unique options.
Our collection includes 989 Slavic names for girls. Popular choices blend traditional sounds with meaningful origins. Use the feminine tab to explore options organized by popularity.
Slavic names carry meanings from the Slavic language tradition. Common themes in Slavic names include noble, peace, warrior, new. Each name in our database includes its specific meaning and cultural context.
Slavic names follow the phonetic rules of their language. Each name page includes a pronunciation guide. When uncertain, listening to native speakers provides the most accurate reference.
This database contains 2,546 Slavic names: 1,536 for boys and 989 for girls. This represents documented names that have been used historically or are in current use. The actual number of Slavic names ever used is certainly higher.
Spelling difficulty depends on the specific name and your familiarity with Slavic phonetics. Some Slavic names have been adapted to English spelling conventions, making them straightforward. Others retain original spellings that may be unfamiliar. Consider how important easy spelling is to you when choosing a name.