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Slavic Names for Boys

Nameberry
By Nameberry
Updated Tue Jun 09 2020
Slavic names for boys stem from the diverse countries and cultures of a vast linguistic territory, which stretches from Central and Eastern Europe right across to Northern Asia. Russian is the biggest and best-known of the Slavic languages, but the strong Slavic boy names on this list come from all over: from pan-Slavic Milan, to Slovenian Tibor, to lively Polish Ziven. With their strong sounds and fashionable shapes, these super-rare boy names of Slavic origin feel bang on-trend in the English-speaking world right now.

Browse our full selection of striking Slavic boys' names below. The top names below rank among the current US Top 1000 Baby Names and are ordered by popularity. Unique names rank below the Top 1000 and are listed alphabetically.
  1. Augustus

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "great, magnificent"

    • Description:

      Parents are beginning to look at imposing, somewhat fusty-sounding names like this one with fresh eyes: they definitely make a strong statement.
  2. Milan

    • Origin:

      Italian place name, Slavic, Sanskrit

    • Meaning:

      "middle of the plain; gracious, dear; union"

    • Description:

      Effortlessly stylish with an international feel, Milan re-entered the US charts back in 2013 after a 55 year hiatus. It has been powering up the charts ever since, following in the footsteps of sweet sound-alike Mila, and spotlighted by singer Shakira, who chose it for her son.
  3. Vladimir

    • Origin:

      Slavic

    • Meaning:

      "great ruler, peaceful ruler, ruler of the world"

    • Description:

      Vladimir is a cultured and deep-rooted Slavic name associated in this country with cultural figures including piano virtuoso Vladimir Horowitz and the author of Lolita, Vladimir Nabokov.
  4. Boris

    • Origin:

      Slavic

    • Meaning:

      "to fight"

    • Description:

      Boris is one of the old Russian names being revived by chic Europeans; it hasn't quite made a comeback yet in the U.S., but it does have potential.
  5. Bazyli

    • Description:

      Bazyli is a masculine name of Polish origin, representing the Polish form of Basil, which derives from Greek 'basileus' meaning 'king' or 'royal.' This distinctive name carries significant historical and religious importance, particularly in Eastern European and Orthodox Christian traditions. Saint Basil the Great, a 4th-century church father and theologian, contributed to the name's spread throughout Christian communities. In Poland and other Slavic countries, Bazyli has maintained steady usage throughout the centuries, though it's considered traditional rather than trendy. The name combines strength with a melodic quality, featuring the characteristic Polish adaptation of replacing the 's' sound with a 'z' and adding the masculine ending 'i.' Outside Poland, it remains an uncommon choice that carries cultural richness.
  6. Tibor

    • Origin:

      Hungarian, Czech, Slovak, Slovene

    • Meaning:

      "of Tibur (Tivoli)"

    • Description:

      Commonly heard in Hungary and some Slavic countries, Tibor has a large measure of continental dash. The name derives from the Roman town of Tibur, now called Tivoli. It is a Top 100 pick for baby boys in its native Hungary.
  7. Bazel

    • Origin:

      Slavic variation of Basil

    • Meaning:

      "regal"

    • Description:

      Gives a good boy name a bad boy feel.
  8. Emilian

    • Origin:

      Romanian form of Emil

    • Meaning:

      "rival"

    • Description:

      With the new trend of boys' names rising on the heels of their popular sisters, the unusual-yet-familiar-feeling Emilian might become better known thanks to its relationship to Emily and Emilia/Amelia. Rather than being two branches of the same tree, Emilian and Emily are actually one tree while Emmett and Emma hang on a whole separate tree. But all have a lot of modern appeal, and Emilian may be a more attractive and intriguing male form than Emil. There was a St. Emilian.
  9. Damek

    • Origin:

      Slavic variation of Adam

    • Meaning:

      "son of the red earth"

    • Description:

      Damek, which you might think of as Adam with a Slavic accent, considerably freshens up the original.
  10. Nicolai

    • Origin:

      Scandinavian and Slavic form of Nicholas

    • Meaning:

      "people of victory"

    • Description:

      Related to the Russian name Nikolai, this is a fresh and worldly form of a popular favorite.
  11. Ladislas

    • Origin:

      Slavic

    • Meaning:

      "glorious rule"

    • Description:

      Ladislas is a masculine name of Slavic origin, derived from the elements 'vlad' meaning 'to rule' and 'slava' meaning 'glory' or 'fame.' This regal name has been borne by several kings and nobles throughout Central European history, particularly in Poland, Hungary, and Czechoslovakia.

  12. Jovan

    • Origin:

      Slavic variation of John Latin

    • Meaning:

      "God is gracious; Jove-like, majestic"

    • Description:

      Jovan, the name of the supreme Roman deity, seems more extraterrestrial now -- and it's also firmly attached to a perfume label. Some parents may see it as a variation of Giovanni, the Italian for John. It is in fact the Slavic variation of John and may be an original way to honor an ancestral John.
  13. Tomik

    • Description:

      Tomik is a masculine name with Slavic origins, functioning as a diminutive form of Thomas, which derives from the Aramaic name Ta'oma meaning 'twin.' This affectionate variation is particularly found in Polish, Czech, and other Eastern European languages. The suffix '-ik' typically adds a sense of endearment or smallness in Slavic languages. While common in its regions of origin, Tomik remains quite rare in English-speaking countries, offering cultural distinctiveness. The name maintains the friendly, approachable quality of Tom while adding a unique international flavor. Tomik might appeal to parents with Slavic heritage or those seeking a name that's recognizable yet uncommon. Its short, crisp sound makes it both distinctive and easy to pronounce across different languages.

  14. Jarek

    • Origin:

      Slavic

    • Meaning:

      "spring"

    • Description:

      Diminutive for all the Slavic names that start with Jar-. If for family or cultural reasons you're seeking such a name, then this is a reasonable short form.
  15. Christo

    • Origin:

      Slavic

    • Meaning:

      "one who carries Christ"

    • Description:

      This unusual name, which is jauntier than Chris when used as a diminutive of Christopher, is associated with the Bulgarian installation artist of that name, responsible for wrapping many public institutions and known especially for The Gates of Central Park and Running Fence. Christo is his full given name.
  16. Vladislav

    • Origin:

      Slavic

    • Meaning:

      "glorious rule"

    • Description:

      In Eastern Europe, more fashionable these days than Vladimir.
  17. Ziven

    • Origin:

      Slavic, Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "vigorous, lively; bright, radiant"

    • Description:

      Ziven is a sleek choice with multicultural origins and a bright, energized feel to it. From its Slavic roots, it likely derives from the South Slavic word, živ meaning "alive, living", making it a relative to Živko and Živka, which are used in Serbia and Croatia. It may also be considered a masculine form of Zivena (also called Živa), the goddess of life, love, and fertility in Slavic mythology. It may then also be spelled as Živan.
  18. Dariusz

    • Description:

      Dariusz is the Polish form of Darius, a name with ancient Persian origins derived from 'Dārayavahush,' meaning 'possessing goodness' or 'maintaining good.' The name carries significant historical weight, as Darius was the name of several kings in the Persian Empire. In Poland and other Eastern European countries, Dariusz has maintained steady popularity since the mid-20th century. The distinctive 'sz' ending follows Polish orthographic traditions, creating a strong, masculine sound. Dariusz combines historical significance with a contemporary European feel, offering a dignified choice with international recognition. While less common outside Eastern Europe, the name retains its appeal for parents seeking a masculine name with both strength and historical depth.
  19. Franc

    • Origin:

      Slovene, from Latin

    • Meaning:

      "Frenchman or free man"

    • Description:

      The most common male name in Slovenia, pronounced the same way as Franz. One of the many classics in the Francis family.
  20. Brodny

    • Origin:

      Slavic

    • Meaning:

      "one who lives near a stream"

    • Description:

      Off-putting cousin of Bradley and Rodney.

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