Slavic Names for Girls

Katarzyna

Polish variation of Catherine

"pure"

Countless notable figures from Polish history, and one America's Next Top Model contestant, have used this version of Catherine, made extra spicy by that "zy." Those interested in honoring a relative…

Emina

Arabic and Slavic

"truth"

This name of an Albanian supermodel is a short form of many Slavic choices but is an intriguing alternative to Emma on its own.

Elya

Slavic form of Helen

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

Luba

Russian, Slavic, Yiddish, "love, lover, dear"

"love, lover, dear"

Its association with the word liebe gives this name an endearing, adored aura.

Palasha

Russian, diminutive of Pelagia

"open sea"

Friendly Slavic rarity.

Pavla

Czech, feminine variation of Pavel

Distinctive Slavic choice.

Zsófia

Hungarian version of Greek Sofia

"one who possesses wisdom"

The elaborate Hungarian form of Sofia, with an alluring Z initial sound.

Ludmila

Slavic

"beloved of the people"

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…

Alzbet

Czech, variation of Elizabeth

Rarely heard outside the Slavic community.

Jovana

Serbian and Macedonian feminine form of John, Hebrew

"God is gracious"

This Slavic variation would make a pleasant and slightly more unusual alternative to Johanna or Giovanna.

Ekat

Slavic diminutive of Ekaterina

"pure, unsullied"

This short form is used by supermodel Ekat Kiseleva.

Ekaterina

Russian; Macedonian; Bulgarian, variation of Catherine

"pure"

This international variation was publicized by Olympic skater Ekaterina Gordeeva.

Živanka

Slavic

"full of life"

A vibrant and lively name, Živanka is likely to be a variation of Živa or Živana. Deriving from the Old Slavic word živŭ meaning "alive, living", it is also related to a Slavic goddess, associated…

Sveta

Sveta is a feminine Slavic name primarily used in Russia, Ukraine, Czech Republic, and other Eastern European countries. It functions as both a standalone name and a diminutive form of Svetlana,…

Ziva

Hebrew

"life"

A zippy little international name. The Hebrew name relates to the month of Israeli independence, while the Slavic Ziva (also spelled Živa and Siva) is a goddess of love, life and fertility. The name…