Eastern European Names

While Aurelio, Aurelia, and Aurelius are all on the rise, this historical and Romanian form of the golden name is yet to share in its relatives' success. Given to just 25 boys in a recent year, it may never the less appeal to those who like Adrian, Elian, and Augustine. 
 
Aurelian is typically used in English to refer to the 3rd century Roman emperor (Lucius Domitius Aurelianus), known for reuniting the Roman Empire through his successful military victories. There's also the wrestler Aurelian Smith, better known as Grizzly Smith, Paul Aurelian, a 6th-century Welsh saint who supposedly lived to be 140, and Aurelian Temișan, a singer and actor.

Aurelian

This feminine form of Theodosius has long been buried deep in the attic, but might be a good discovery for the parent who wants to move beyond Theodora. Vice President Aaron Burr named a daughter Theodosia ("Dear Theodosia" is a song in the smash musical Hamilton), and it was the birth name of silent screen vamp Theda Bara. Theodosia actually appeared on the US popularity lists in the 1880s and 90s.

Theodosia

This unusual and alluring choice was used by David Mamet for his daughter, who is now grown and an actress on the hit show Girls.

Zosia

In the US, Anessa reads as Vanessa with the V lobbed off. But it's actually missing a G — that from Agnessa, the Russian variation of Agnes.

Anessa

Justyn is a masculine name that represents a modern variant spelling of Justin. Derived from the Latin name Justinus, meaning 'just' or 'fair,' it has roots in ancient Roman tradition. The unique spelling with a 'y' gives the classic name a contemporary twist while maintaining its distinguished history. Like its traditional counterpart, Justyn carries connotations of integrity and righteousness. This variant began gaining modest popularity in the late 20th century as parents sought distinctive spellings of traditional names. While less common than Justin, Justyn offers a slightly more unique option while still being recognizable and easy to pronounce, making it appealing to parents seeking a subtle twist on a classic name.

Justyn

A popular choice in Russia, Nikita is a sharp, zippy choice that became heavily associated with the Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev in the 50s and 60s. Derived from the Greek name Niketas meaning "victory", it is also used in Moldova, Latvia, Czechia, and Poland. 
 
A multicultural choice, Nikita may alternatively have its roots in Hindi and Sanskrit, where it is used as a feminine choice meaning "home, habitation". This may contribute to some of its use as a feminine name in English speaking countries, however that may also be down to the 90s film and TV series, La Femme Nikita, its similarity to Nicola, and the perception of -a ending names as feminine.
 
Currently used as a gender neutral choice in the US, given to around 30 boys and 30 girls in a recent year, it once ranked in the Top 300 for girls in the 80s, likely following the release of Elton John's song, Nikita in 1985. The singer was aware it was a Russian masculine name, but it may have held appeal as an alternative to popular Nicole and Natasha.
 
These days, it might hold some sway as an alternative to Micah, Luca, Nicholas, and Nico instead, though it remains mostly popular in its native Russian. International forms include Ukrainian Mykyta and Belarusian Mikita (mee-kee-tuh) and the Greek Nikitas.

Nikita

Saint Savina of Milan gave comfort to prisoners. Her name is a variation of the Latin Sabina, which refers to the Sabine people. Not completely unknown in the US, there were 25 baby girls named Savina last year, and fewer than 100 called Sabina. Savina and Sabina will inevitably be confused with Sabrina, which is much more popular.

Savina

Henryk is the Polish, Czech, and Scandinavian variant of Henry, derived from the Germanic name Heinrich, meaning "home ruler" or "ruler of the household." This distinguished name combines the elements "heim" (home) and "ric" (power, ruler). Henryk has been borne by several Polish kings and notable figures, including the renowned composer Henryk Górecki and the writer Henryk Sienkiewicz, who won the Nobel Prize in Literature. While consistently popular in Eastern European countries, particularly Poland, the name has gained modest international recognition. Henryk offers a distinctive alternative to the more common Henry, with its distinctive Slavic spelling adding character and cultural depth.

Henryk

Mirel is a sparky diminutive of Miriam, making it one of many international choices connected to the classic, Biblical Mary. Also spelled as Mirele, from this origin, it is notably used in Israel, where it leans nearly entirely feminine.
 
Alternatively, it may also be the Romanian form of Mireille, a French name meaning "to admire". While does lean feminine in Romania, it is also given to boys and used as a masculine form of Mireille.

Mirel

Danylo is a masculine name of Ukrainian and Eastern Slavic origin, representing the Ukrainian form of Daniel. The name derives from Hebrew origins meaning 'God is my judge.' Danylo has deep historical roots in Ukraine, being the name of several important historical figures including Danylo Romanovych, the first King of Ruthenia in the 13th century. The name features the distinctive Slavic spelling pattern with the 'y' replacing the 'i' found in other variants. While primarily used in Ukraine and by Ukrainian diaspora communities, Danylo has gained modest international recognition as interest in Eastern European names has increased. The name offers a strong cultural connection while maintaining links to the widely recognized biblical name, combining heritage with accessibility.

Danylo

Concise Nada is a cross-cultural choice with pleasant meanings. In Arabic, it is derived from nadan meaning "dew, moisture", though other possible translations include "caller" and "goodness". As a Serbian, Bosnian, and Croatian name, it means "hope".
 
A lovely option, but a word of warning: it is also the Spanish and Portuguese word for "nothing", which might or might not put you off.

Nada

Rahil is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins, found in Arabic, Hebrew, and Indian traditions. In Arabic, it means 'traveler' or 'one who embarks on a journey,' while in Hebrew it's related to Rachel, meaning 'ewe' or 'female sheep.' In Indian usage, particularly in Hindu contexts, it may be a variant of Rahila. The name has a gentle, flowing quality with its soft sounds. Rahil is used across several countries and religious traditions, making it genuinely multicultural. While not extremely common in Western countries, it enjoys modest popularity in the Middle East, parts of Asia, and within Muslim communities worldwide. Its cross-cultural appeal and meaningful etymology make it attractive to diverse families seeking a name with both spiritual significance and global recognition.

Rahil

Izak

In Norse mythology, the son of the giant who ruled the wind and air; in modern America, recalls a 1970s girl's nickname name, à la Carrie and Keri. 

Kari

Sharp and spiky with international potential, as a feminine name, Nikita has its roots in Hindi, Marathi, and ultimately Sanskrit. It comes from niketa, meaning "home, habitation", and may also be spelled as Nikitha. 
 
Alternatively, it is a traditionally masculine name from its Russian roots, deriving from the Greek name Niketas, meaning "victory". It took on a new image, however, when it was used on the female spy/assassin in the movie and TV series La Femme Nikita back in the 90s.
 
Appearing in the US charts a few times back in the 70s, it had its peak in 1986, when it climbed nearly 700 places up the list, from #956 to #250. An impressive leap, but why? The song Nikita by Elton John (released towards the end of 1985) may well be the cause — and yes, the singer knew full well it was a Russian masculine name. 
 
These days, Nikita is a gender neutral choice in the US, given to around 30 girls and 30 boys in a recent year. Elsewhere, the balance is different and it remains a popular masculine name in Russia and a familiar female choice in India.

A timeless cultural crossover name, Nadiya can either be a variant spelling of Nadia, a diminutive of the Russian name Nadezhda, meaning "hope"; or derived from the Arabic word Nada, meaning "morning dew" or "to be wet with dew" — something especially precious in dry climates.

Nadiya

Arguably, an even more Anglicized spelling of László than Laszlo, this stripped back form of the Hungarian name has begun to see occasional use in the US, though the longer spelling is still twice as popular. Given to 13 boys in a recent count, the name ultimately comes from the Slavic Vladislav. 
 
The name is associated with an 11th century saint and king, celebrated for his bravery and Christian virtue, and in its traditional form, is a top ranking choice in Hungary.

Lazlo

Makar is a masculine name with Slavic origins, particularly popular in Russia, Ukraine, and other Eastern European countries. It derives from the Greek name Makarios, meaning "blessed" or "happy." In Russian culture, the name has deep historical roots and appears in classic literature, including works by Dostoevsky. Makar has seen increased international recognition in recent decades as global naming patterns have expanded beyond traditional Western choices. In its native regions, the name is associated with strength, good fortune, and a certain rustic charm. The name's straightforward pronunciation (muh-KAR) and strong consonant sounds give it a distinct, masculine quality. While still uncommon in English-speaking countries, Makar appeals to parents seeking a name with authentic cultural roots and positive meaning.

Makar

Known in America via the wife of Soviet head Mikhail Gorbachev; a possibility for parents of Eastern-European descent wanting to move beyond Natasha and Nadia or for parents from the Middle East looking for a name that works in both cultures.

Raisa

About 60 girls were named Alise in the US last year, making it an uncommon but not truly rare name. While it's pretty and intriguing as a spin on the very popular Alice, it's pronounced more like Elise or -- in Latvian -- Elisa, and so may prove more confusing than it's worth. If you want to name your daughter Alice, name her Alice, and if you want to name her Elise, name her Elise. Choosing Alise in many ways gives you the worst of all worlds.

Alise

Eastern European names span the vast cultures of Eastern Europe, from Latvian and Lithuanian to Romanian and Russian. Among the most popular baby names across Eastern Europe right now are Sofia, Anna, and Emilia for girls, Daniel, Ivan, and Marko for boys.

Eastern European girl names you may want to consider include Vera, Zora, and Anya. Among the best Eastern European boy names are Casimir, Lev, and Laszlo.

Many Eastern European names derive from the same sources as those more familiar in English, including mythology and the Bible. These include names such as Gavril and Yakov, along with Zinaida and Dmitri.

If you have Eastern European heritage or are curious about this part of the world, explore our full collection of names here,

 ordered by their current popularity on Nameberry.

Eastern European baby names for girls and boys, including Anastasia and Dimitri, with meanings, origin, and popularity. (Page 11)