Slavic Names for Boys
By Nameberry
Updated Tue Jun 09 2020
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Slavic names for boys stem from the diverse countries and cultures of a vast linguistic territory, which stretches from Central and Eastern Europe right across to Northern Asia. Russian is the biggest and best-known of the Slavic languages, but the strong Slavic boy names on this list come from all over: from pan-Slavic Milan, to Slovenian Tibor, to lively Polish Ziven. With their strong sounds and fashionable shapes, these super-rare boy names of Slavic origin feel bang on-trend in the English-speaking world right now.
Browse our full selection of striking Slavic boys' names below. The top names below rank among the current US Top 1000 Baby Names and are ordered by popularity. Unique names rank below the Top 1000 and are listed alphabetically.
Browse our full selection of striking Slavic boys' names below. The top names below rank among the current US Top 1000 Baby Names and are ordered by popularity. Unique names rank below the Top 1000 and are listed alphabetically.
- Milan
Origin:
Italian place name, Slavic, SanskritMeaning:
"middle of the plain; gracious, dear; union"Description:
Effortlessly stylish with an international feel, Milan re-entered the US charts back in 2013 after a 55 year hiatus. It has been powering up the charts ever since, following in the footsteps of sweet sound-alike Mila, and spotlighted by singer Shakira, who chose it for her son.
- Augustus
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"great, magnificent"Description:
Parents are beginning to look at imposing, somewhat fusty-sounding names like this one with fresh eyes: they definitely make a strong statement.
- Vladimir
Origin:
SlavicMeaning:
"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.
- Boris
Origin:
SlavicMeaning:
"to fight"Description:
Boris is one of the old Russian names being revived by chic Europeans; it hasn't quite made a comeback yet in the U.S., but it does have potential.
- Nicolai
Origin:
Scandinavian and Slavic form of NicholasMeaning:
"people of victory"Description:
Related to the Russian name Nikolai, this is a fresh and worldly form of a popular favorite.
- Michal
Origin:
Czech, Slavic, and Polish variation of MichaelMeaning:
"who is like God?"Description:
Michal may be one of several Eastern European forms of Michael, though there is a biblical Michal who is female, the daughter of Saul and wife of David.
- Emilian
Origin:
Romanian form of EmilMeaning:
"rival"Description:
With the new trend of boys' names rising on the heels of their popular sisters, the unusual-yet-familiar-feeling Emilian might become better known thanks to its relationship to Emily and Emilia/Amelia. Rather than being two branches of the same tree, Emilian and Emily are actually one tree while Emmett and Emma hang on a whole separate tree. But all have a lot of modern appeal, and Emilian may be a more attractive and intriguing male form than Emil. There was a St. Emilian.
- Jovan
Origin:
Slavic variation of John, or LatinMeaning:
"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.
- Jarek
Origin:
SlavicMeaning:
"spring"Description:
Diminutive for all the Slavic names that start with Jar-. If for family or cultural reasons you're seeking such a name, then this is a reasonable short form.
- Bazel
Origin:
Slavic variation of BasilMeaning:
"regal"Description:
Gives a good boy name a bad boy feel.
- Tibor
Origin:
Hungarian, Czech, Slovak, SloveneMeaning:
"of Tibur (Tivoli)"Description:
Commonly heard in Hungary and some Slavic countries, Tibor has a large measure of continental dash. The name derives from the Roman town of Tibur, now called Tivoli. It is a Top 100 pick for baby boys in its native Hungary.
- Brodny
Origin:
SlavicMeaning:
"one who lives near a stream"Description:
Off-putting cousin of Bradley and Rodney.
- Ziven
Origin:
Slavic, HebrewMeaning:
"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.
- Damek
Origin:
Slavic variation of AdamMeaning:
"son of the red earth"Description:
Damek, which you might think of as Adam with a Slavic accent, considerably freshens up the original.
- Tomik
Description:
Tomik is a masculine name with Slavic origins, functioning as a diminutive form of Thomas, which derives from the Aramaic name Ta'oma meaning 'twin.' This affectionate variation is particularly found in Polish, Czech, and other Eastern European languages. The suffix '-ik' typically adds a sense of endearment or smallness in Slavic languages. While common in its regions of origin, Tomik remains quite rare in English-speaking countries, offering cultural distinctiveness. The name maintains the friendly, approachable quality of Tom while adding a unique international flavor. Tomik might appeal to parents with Slavic heritage or those seeking a name that's recognizable yet uncommon. Its short, crisp sound makes it both distinctive and easy to pronounce across different languages.
- Ferdynandy
Description:
Ferdynandy is a masculine name that appears to be an uncommon variant or elaboration of Ferdinand, which has Germanic roots meaning 'brave journey' or 'bold protector.' The standard name Ferdinand has historical significance across Europe, having been borne by several monarchs and nobles. This particular spelling, Ferdynandy, with its distinctive ending, is extremely rare and may represent a regional variant or creative adaptation. The unusual form might be found in Eastern European contexts or could be a modern invented variation. While the traditional Ferdinand carries associations with nobility and exploration, Ferdynandy has a whimsical quality while still connecting to the respected heritage of its root name.
- Kristof
Origin:
Slavic variation of Christopher, Greek and LatinMeaning:
"bearer of Christ"Description:
Attractive attenuated form of the popular Christopher, well used throughout Europe, appearing as Christophe in France and Christoph in Germany.
- Leonti
Origin:
Russian variation of Leontios, GreekMeaning:
"lion"Description:
A fresh and rare Leo name that fits in and stands out.
- Leos
Description:
Leos is a masculine name with ancient Greek origins, derived from the Greek word 'leon' meaning 'lion.' It can be seen as a variant of Leo or a Grecian form of the name. In some Eastern European countries, particularly Czech Republic and Slovakia, Leos is used as an independent given name. The name carries powerful symbolism of strength, courage, and nobility—qualities long associated with lions across many cultures. While not common in English-speaking countries, it has maintained steady usage in parts of Eastern Europe. The name has a strong, compact sound that conveys masculinity while the final 's' adds a distinctive classical touch.
- Christo
Origin:
SlavicMeaning:
"one who carries Christ"Description:
This unusual name, which is jauntier than Chris when used as a diminutive of Christopher, is associated with the Bulgarian installation artist of that name, responsible for wrapping many public institutions and known especially for The Gates of Central Park and Running Fence. Christo is his full given name.