Eastern European Names

  1. Ilona
    • Origin:

      Hungarian variation of Helen, Finnish
    • Meaning:

      "shining torch; light; joy"
    • Description:

      This variant of Helen is used across Europe, in France, Germany, Lithuania, Poland, and it's native Hungary. Reminiscent of Elena, Leona, Ilaria, Fiona and Lola, it nevertheless remains a rarity in the US.
  2. 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.
  3. Inka
    • Origin:

      Norse, diminutive of Ingrid or Inga
    • Meaning:

      "guarded by Ing or Ing is beautiful"
    • Description:

      Inka is a feminine name with rich multicultural origins. Most prominently, it references the Inca civilization of South America, lending the name historical and cultural significance. In Finnish and other Baltic languages, Inka serves as a diminutive form of names containing 'Ing' such as Ingrid or Inge.

  4. Ilias
    • Origin:

      Greek, from Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "Yahweh is God"
    • Description:

      The Greek form of Elijah.
  5. Melor
    • Origin:

      Celtic
    • Meaning:

      "iron man"
    • Description:

      Melor is the name of a Breton saint who in legend was also a prince, suggesting he was the son of a Cornish king (Mylor is the Cornish variation of the name). Melor was said to have a foot and hand made of silver,
  6. Vanya
    • Origin:

      Russian, diminutive of John
    • Description:

      This short form of Ivan just could join the other Russian nickname names coming into fashion, and it does have the Chekhov connection.
  7. Valeska
    • Origin:

      German
    • Meaning:

      "strong"
    • Description:

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

      Ruda is a masculine name with multiple cultural origins. In Slavic contexts, it derives from words meaning "ore" or "mineral," suggesting strength and value. In Hindi, it connects to Rudra, an aspect of the god Shiva, representing power and storm energy. The name also appears in Polish and Czech languages, where it can relate to the color red or reddish-brown. Ruda is concise and strong, with a distinctive but accessible pronunciation across many languages. Though uncommon in English-speaking countries, it enjoys more usage in Eastern European and Indian communities, where its cultural resonances are better recognized.

  9. 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.
  10. Jovan
    • Origin:

      Slavic variation of John, or Latin
    • Meaning:

      "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.
  11. Pasha
    • Origin:

      Russian, diminutive of Pavel
    • Meaning:

      "small, humble"
    • Description:

      Similar in sound to Sasha, Pasha is a Russian diminutive of the name Pavel, itself a form of Paul. Also used as a title for a high ranking officer in the (now historical) Ottoman military, and as the common name of a type of butterfly, it is a name well-suited for an Easter baby, due to its similarity to the word Pascha.
  12. Ksenia
    • Description:

      Ksenia is a feminine name with deep Slavic roots, particularly popular in Russia, Ukraine, and other Eastern European countries. Derived from the Greek word "xenos" meaning "stranger" or "hospitality," it carries connotations of welcoming and generosity. Traditionally spelled "Xenia" in Western countries, the Slavic spelling with 'K' maintains its authentic cultural connection. The name gained wider recognition through figures like Russian Saint Ksenia of Petersburg and various contemporary celebrities. With its exotic sound and relatively uncommon usage in English-speaking countries, Ksenia offers a distinctive choice that's still accessible in pronunciation. The name combines strength and femininity with its crisp 'k' sound and melodic ending.
  13. Aleena
    • Origin:

      Arabic
    • Meaning:

      "soft, delicate"
    • Description:

      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".
  14. Jana
    • Origin:

      International feminine variation of Jan
    • Description:

      A sweet name with many cross-cultural ties: it's an equivalent of Jane in languages including Czech, Slovak, Dutch, German, Slovene, Catalan, Estonian, and Latvian.
  15. Tanya
    • Origin:

      Russian diminutive of Tatiana
    • Description:

      Long integrated into the U. S. name pool but still retaining some Slavic flavor, Tanya feels a bit tired; it's ready for replacement by cooler Russian choices like Sasha, Mischa, or parent name Tatiana.
  16. Verona
    • Origin:

      Italian place-name
    • Description:

      Verona is a scenic place-name with the added attraction of a Shakespearean connection, as in Two Gentlemen of....
  17. Zuzanna
    • Origin:

      Slavic variation of Susannah
    • Meaning:

      "lily"
    • Description:

      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.
  18. Sascha
    • Origin:

      German variation of Sasha
    • Meaning:

      "defending warrior"
    • Description:

      In Europe, this name is mostly male, but here it's more fashionable for girls. It's a diminutive of Alexander.
  19. Iryna
    • Description:

      Iryna is a Slavic feminine name, primarily used in Ukrainian and Belarusian cultures as their version of Irene. The name derives from the Greek 'Eirene,' meaning 'peace.' Iryna carries a beautiful cultural heritage and has gained recognition beyond Eastern Europe, especially with increased global awareness of Ukrainian culture. The name combines strength and femininity with its crisp pronunciation and meaningful etymology. While maintaining its traditional Slavic roots, Iryna offers a distinctive alternative to the more common Western versions like Irene or Irina. The 'y' spelling gives it a unique visual appearance while preserving the authentic pronunciation from its origin countries. Iryna represents peace and harmony, qualities that transcend cultural boundaries.
  20. Kafka
    • Origin:

      Czech
    • Meaning:

      "jackdaw"
    • Description:

      Murakami's Kafka on the Shore features a character named after the famous Czech author of The Metamorphoses.