Slavic Names for Girls

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.

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.

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

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 sweeter take on Marcella.

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.

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.

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.

Pretty Slavic name, with some obvious pronunciation challenges.

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.

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.

See ZOE.

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.

A Slavic variation of Helen that might make an unusual update of that classic name.

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".

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.

If it's possible for a name to be too musical, this one is.

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.

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