Swetlana

Russian
"star"

Swetlana Origin and Meaning

The name Swetlana is a girl's name.

Swetlana is a variant spelling of Svetlana, a feminine name with Slavic origins. Derived from the elements 'svet' meaning 'light' or 'bright,' it carries the beautiful meaning of 'luminous one' or 'shining light.' This alternative spelling with a 'w' instead of 'v' represents a transliteration variation that emerged as the name traveled across different European languages. The traditional Svetlana remains more common, particularly in Russia, Ukraine, and other Eastern European countries, where it gained popularity in the 20th century. The name has a melodious, flowing quality with its three syllables and soft consonants. Swetlana offers the familiar nicknames Sweta or Lana while maintaining its distinctive Slavic heritage and evocative meaning.