Slavic Names for Girls

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Ekaterina
    • Origin:

      Russian; Macedonian; Bulgarian, variation of Catherine
    • Meaning:

      "pure"
    • Description:

      This international variation was publicized by Olympic skater Ekaterina Gordeeva.
  4. Yana
    • Origin:

      Slavic variation of Jana, feminine variation of John
    • Meaning:

      "God is gracious"
    • Description:

      A Slavic classic, as common as Jane or Joan here. If you live in an Anglophone culture and you want it pronounced with a Y sound at the beginning, use the Y spelling.
  5. Lala
    • Origin:

      Slavic
    • Meaning:

      "laurel"
    • Description:

      If it's possible for a name to be too musical, this one is.
  6. 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".
  7. Inger
    • Description:

      Inger is a Scandinavian feminine name with ancient Norse origins, derived from the name Ingrid or from the Norse god Ing (also known as Freyr), the god of fertility and peace. The name means 'daughter of Ing' or 'Ing's warrior.' Popular in Norway, Sweden, and Denmark, Inger has a rich cultural heritage dating back centuries. Though uncommon in English-speaking countries, it has a clean, strong sound that appeals to those seeking Nordic names or names with historical depth. Inger is typically pronounced with a soft 'g' sound in Scandinavian languages. The name's simplicity, combined with its cultural significance, gives it an understated elegance and strength that transcends trends.
  8. Neza
    • Description:

      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.
  9. Suzana
    • Description:

      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 European countries including Croatia, Serbia, Slovenia, and Poland, as well as in Portugal and Brazil. The name appears in biblical tradition as Susanna, a woman of virtue in the Book of Daniel's apocryphal sections. Suzana carries a classic elegance with international appeal, being recognized across multiple cultures while maintaining consistent pronunciation. While less common in English-speaking countries than Susan or Susannah, Suzana has maintained steady usage in Slavic and Portuguese-speaking regions. The name balances traditional roots with a slightly exotic quality for English speakers, offering a familiar yet distinctive option with cross-cultural connections.

  10. Melena
    • Origin:

      Dutch diminutive of Magdalena, variation of Melaina or Melina
    • Meaning:

      "from the high tower; black, dark; honey"
    • Description:

      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.
  11. Darva
    • Origin:

      Slavic
    • Meaning:

      "honeybee"
    • Description:

      Once associated with the first bride on "Who Wants to Marry a Millionaire", Darva is a Slavic name with a strong sound and sweet meaning.
  12. Ekat
    • Origin:

      Slavic diminutive of Ekaterina
    • Meaning:

      "pure, unsullied"
    • Description:

      This short form is used by supermodel Ekat Kiseleva.
  13. Tesla
    • Origin:

      Slavic
    • Meaning:

      "from Thessaly"
    • Description:

      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.
  14. Ivana
    • Origin:

      Feminine variation of Ivan
    • Description:

      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.
  15. Zvezda
    • Origin:

      Slavic, Russian
    • Meaning:

      "star"
    • Description:

      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.
  16. Nedda
    • Origin:

      Slavic
    • Meaning:

      "born on Sunday"
    • Description:

      Midcentury macramé-maker.
  17. Romona
    • Description:

      Romona is a feminine name that serves as a variant spelling of Ramona, which originated as the feminine form of Ramón, a Spanish name derived from the Germanic elements "ragin" (advice) and "mund" (protector). The spelling with an "o" rather than an "a" emerged in the 20th century, likely influenced by phonetic pronunciation in some regions. Ramona gained popularity in the United States through Helen Hunt Jackson's 1884 novel "Ramona." The variant Romona has never achieved the same level of usage as the standard spelling, but offers a subtle distinction for parents seeking something slightly different while maintaining the melodic, romantic quality of the original name.
  18. Zarya
    • Origin:

      Slavic mythology name
    • Description:

      In Slavic myth, this name belonged to the water priestess and protector of warriors.
  19. Luci
    • Description:

      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, clarity, and radiance. Luci offers a modern, streamlined alternative to longer light-based names while maintaining their meaningful essence. The spelling with an 'i' instead of 'y' (Lucy) gives it a slightly more contemporary feel. While less common than Lucy, Luci has gained steady appreciation among parents seeking a name that's both simple and distinctive. Its cross-cultural appeal works well in many language traditions, particularly Spanish and Italian communities where names related to light are traditionally popular.

  20. Feodora
    • Origin:

      Ukrainian; Russian, from Greek
    • Meaning:

      "gift of God"
    • Description:

      Feodora is an interesting choice for the intrepid name-giver, especially with the dynamic nickname Feo.