Slavic Names

Luca

Italian variation of Luke and Lucas, Hungarian variation of Lucia

"light; man from Lucania"

Very much a boy's name in Italy, it's beginning to be seen as a unisex possibility here: actress Jennie Garth used it for her daughter, as did influencers Alyssa and Dallin Johnson, When spelled…

Luci

Luci is a feminine name that serves as a shortened form of Lucia or Lucille, both derived from the Latin word "lux" meaning "light." This cheerful, bright name carries connotations of illumination,…

Marcelina

Polish, Spanish, Portuguese, from Latin

"warlike"

A sweeter take on Marcella.

Zarya

Slavic mythology name

In Slavic myth, this name belonged to the water priestess and protector of warriors.

Valeska

German

"strong"

This diminutive of Valeria has a strong and striking sound to match its meaning. It has also been used in Brazil in recent decades.

Ekaterina

Russian; Macedonian; Bulgarian, variation of Catherine

"pure"

This international variation was publicized by Olympic skater Ekaterina Gordeeva.

Wanda

Slavic or German

"shepherdess; wanderer"

Rarely heard, and when it is, usually attached to a witch. Historically, though, Wanda was a legendary eighth century queen of Poland, and in literature it is the central character of Ouida's…

Zuzanna

Slavic variation of Susannah

"lily"

Remember Zuzu, the adorable little girl you watch every Christmas in "It's a Wonderful Life"? Here's a direct path to that nickname, a lot more zesty than the more familiar Susannah.

Lala

Slavic

"laurel"

If it's possible for a name to be too musical, this one is.

Elya

Slavic form of Helen

A Slavic variation of Helen that might make an unusual update of that classic name.

Suzana

Suzana is a feminine name representing a variant of Susanna or Susannah, which derives from the Hebrew Shoshana meaning "lily" or "rose." This particular spelling is common in various Eastern…

Galina

Russian and Slavic feminine form of Galen, Greek

"calm, healer"

Commonly used in Russia, has an Old World Slavic feel. The original Galen can be used for girls as well as boys.

Melena

Dutch diminutive of Magdalena, variation of Melaina or Melina

"from the high tower; black, dark; honey"

A short form of Magdalena in Dutch and a variation of Melaina, Melina, Melinda, Melanie, Milena and similar, Melena is also used for a character in the novel Wicked and the subsequent Broadway…