Slavic Names for Girls

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.

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.

See ZOE.

Tesla, the surname of Serbian inventor Nikola Tesla that has more recently been used as the brand name for an electric car, is gaining some use as a first name for girls. Exactly 100 girls were named Tesla in the U.S. last year. You might think of the name as a Tessa/Isla hybrid, though with Tesla the s is not silent. There was also a rock band named Tesla.

This international variation was publicized by Olympic skater Ekaterina Gordeeva.

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

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.

Robie is a feminine name that functions as a diminutive of Roberta or Robin, ultimately derived from the Germanic elements "hrod" (fame) and "berht" (bright). As a standalone name, Robie has a friendly, approachable quality while maintaining connection to more traditional forms. In English-speaking contexts, it emerged as a nickname before occasionally being used independently. The spelling variant with "ie" ending gives it a distinctly feminine feel compared to the masculine Roby or Robbie. While never reaching mainstream popularity, Robie has maintained steady if uncommon usage throughout the 20th century. The name carries a vintage charm along with contemporary versatility, appealing to parents seeking a name that balances familiarity with distinctiveness.

Robi is a feminine name that can be seen as a diminutive form of Roberta or simply a unique variation of Robin. The name ultimately derives from the Germanic elements 'hrod' meaning 'fame' and 'berht' meaning 'bright.' As a short form, Robi carries a youthful, friendly quality while maintaining connections to its more formal counterparts. The name has cross-cultural appeal, appearing in various forms in different languages, including as a unisex name in some Eastern European countries. With its simple two-syllable structure and approachable sound, Robi offers a modern, casual alternative to more traditional female names. Though uncommon in formal records, it works well in contemporary naming contexts where brief, accessible names are increasingly popular.

Pretty Slavic name, with some obvious pronunciation challenges.