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Slavic Names for Boys

Nameberry
By Nameberry
Updated Tue Jun 09 2020
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.
  1. Milan

    • Origin:

      Italian place name, Slavic, Sanskrit

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  2. Augustus

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  3. 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.
  4. Boris

    • Origin:

      Slavic

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  5. Tibor

    • Origin:

      Hungarian, Czech, Slovak, Slovene

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  6. Emilian

    • Origin:

      Romanian form of Emil

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  7. Damek

    • Origin:

      Slavic variation of Adam

    • Meaning:

      "son of the red earth"

    • Description:

      Damek, which you might think of as Adam with a Slavic accent, considerably freshens up the original.
  8. Jovan

    • Origin:

      Slavic variation of John Latin

    • Meaning:

      "God is gracious; 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.
  9. Jarek

    • Origin:

      Slavic

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  10. Tygr

    • Description:

      Tygr is an unconventional masculine name that serves as a creative spelling variation of 'Tiger.' While not traditional in English-speaking countries, it reflects the modern trend of alternative spellings and nature-inspired names. The removal of the 'e' gives the name a more compact, striking appearance. As a given name, Tygr is extremely rare, though animal names have gained some popularity in recent decades. The name evokes qualities associated with the tiger - strength, power, ferocity, and beauty. Parents choosing this name likely value uniqueness and may be drawn to its strong symbolic associations. The tiger has cultural significance across many societies, particularly in Asian cultures where it represents courage and might. Tygr projects a bold, distinctive image for a child.
  11. Christo

    • Origin:

      Slavic

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  12. 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.
  13. Nicolai

    • Origin:

      Scandinavian and Slavic form of Nicholas

    • Meaning:

      "people of victory"

    • Description:

      Related to the Russian name Nikolai, this is a fresh and worldly form of a popular favorite.
  14. Ladislas

    • Origin:

      Slavic

    • Meaning:

      "glorious rule"

    • Description:

      Ladislas is a masculine name of Slavic origin, derived from the elements 'vlad' meaning 'to rule' and 'slava' meaning 'glory' or 'fame.' This regal name has been borne by several kings and nobles throughout Central European history, particularly in Poland, Hungary, and Czechoslovakia.

  15. Kristof

    • Origin:

      Slavic variation of Christopher, Greek and Latin

    • Meaning:

      "bearer of Christ"

    • Description:

      Attractive attenuated form of the popular Christopher, well used throughout Europe, appearing as Christophe in France and Christoph in Germany.
  16. Bazel

    • Origin:

      Slavic variation of Basil

    • Meaning:

      "regal"

    • Description:

      Gives a good boy name a bad boy feel.
  17. Michal

    • Origin:

      Czech, Slavic, and Polish variation of Michael

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  18. Bazyli

    • Description:

      Bazyli is a masculine name of Polish origin, representing the Polish form of Basil, which derives from Greek 'basileus' meaning 'king' or 'royal.' This distinctive name carries significant historical and religious importance, particularly in Eastern European and Orthodox Christian traditions. Saint Basil the Great, a 4th-century church father and theologian, contributed to the name's spread throughout Christian communities. In Poland and other Slavic countries, Bazyli has maintained steady usage throughout the centuries, though it's considered traditional rather than trendy. The name combines strength with a melodic quality, featuring the characteristic Polish adaptation of replacing the 's' sound with a 'z' and adding the masculine ending 'i.' Outside Poland, it remains an uncommon choice that carries cultural richness.
  19. Toman

    • Description:

      Toman is a masculine name with Slavic origins, particularly found in Czech and Slovak cultures. The name likely derives from Thomas, which means 'twin' in Aramaic. In Slavic usage, Toman has developed as a distinct name with its own character. Less common globally, it maintains recognition within Eastern European communities. Toman has a strong, concise sound that travels well across language boundaries. The name carries a sense of cultural heritage while being relatively easy to pronounce for non-Slavic speakers. In recent decades, Toman has remained a relatively uncommon choice, giving it a distinctive quality for those who bear it.

  20. Anatol

    • Description:

      Anatol is a masculine name of Greek origin, derived from the name Anatolius, which means "sunrise" or "from the east." It is particularly popular in Eastern European countries, especially Russia, Poland, and Ukraine. The name carries an air of distinction and scholarly refinement, partly due to its literary associations through characters in works by authors such as Arthur Schnitzler. Anatol has a timeless quality that bridges ancient history and modern usage. While never extremely common in English-speaking countries, it has maintained steady usage in Eastern Europe. The name offers an attractive alternative to more common Alexander or Andrew while retaining a similar classical heritage and sophisticated sound.