Slavic Names

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.

Katerina and its near-identical twin Katarina have a pleasingly lilting European sound, though for some Americans they may be uncomfortably close to Katrina, which will be linked for a long time to the hurricane that devastated New Orleans.

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

This simplified spelling is a bit too polyester, though this is also the authentic Slavic version of an Old Testament name that's being rediscovered.

A sweeter take on Marcella.

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

Though the name Kinga has penetrated the international consciousness via the Slovakian model Kinga Rajzak, it's a rare choice for American baby girls: Only six were named Kinga last year. Is that because Kinga sounds like pseudo-royalty, ala Princessa? Though with names such as Reign and Royal rising through the ranks, the time-honored Kinga may see more widespread usage.

A rarely used Slavic name until the Czech-born ex-Mrs. Trump took it over the top. Daughter's name Ivanka adds a dollop of charm.

A twist on Alina or Alena, this name popped into the Top 500 for the first time in 2014. Also an Arabic name, meaning "soft, pliable, delicate".

Both a first and last name, Zorina has a pretty, ballerina-like quality.

Lada is the Slavic goddess of youth, merriment, beauty and fertility, usually associated with spring. Her name is referenced in wedding and folk songs in Eastern Europe, but largely unknown in the West.

Albert Einstein's first wife was Mileva Marić, a Serbian student and his classmate at the Zurich Polytechnic (her childhood nickname was Mitza.) With the newfound popularity of Mila, this obscure Old Slavic name may be discovered outside of its native land.

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 musical.

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.

Neza is a feminine name with Slavic origins, particularly found in Slovenia where it's a diminutive form of Agnes. The name Agnes itself derives from the Greek word 'hagnos' meaning 'pure' or 'holy.' Neza has a soft, melodic quality that makes it appealing in contemporary naming trends. While not widely used outside of Slavic countries, it offers a distinctive alternative to more common Agnes derivatives. The name carries connotations of purity, innocence, and gentleness. In Slovenia, it's appreciated for its cultural heritage and simple, feminine sound pattern.

This Slavic classic name might begin to make its mark with American parents, what with the growing popularity of the short form Mila. Borne by a tenth century saint who had been a princess from Bohemia, Ludmila is widely used in Russia, Ukraine and Bulgaria.

Zvezda, which means star in several Slavic languages, is a traditional established name in Eastern Europe and Russia. While names with celestial meanings have an intrinsic appeal, that initial Zv may be difficult for English speakers to wrap their tongues around.

Robia is a feminine name with diverse cultural connections. It may derive from Arabic roots where it relates to 'spring' or 'blossom,' symbolizing growth and renewal. Alternatively, it could be connected to the Latin 'robur' meaning 'strength' or function as a feminine form of Robert. While relatively uncommon in Western countries, the name has maintained a modest presence in Middle Eastern and North African communities. Robia has a pleasant melodic quality with its flowing vowel sounds, making it both distinctive and approachable. The name's cross-cultural versatility gives it a global appeal, working well in diverse cultural contexts. For parents seeking something uncommon yet accessible, Robia offers uniqueness without complexity, combining gentle sounds with potentially meaningful associations to natural beauty or inner strength.

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.

See ZOE.