Slavic Baby Names

Confident and compact, Ana is a widely used variation of the Biblical Hannah. Favored in Spain, Slovenia, Bosnia, Portugal, and Croatia, this shorter spelling has the same substance and versatility of its longer counterparts.

Anastasia is the feminine form on Anastasius, a Greek name derived from the word anastasis, meaning "resurrection." It was a common name among early Christians, who often gave it to daughters born around Christmas or Easter. There are handful of saints named Anastasia, including the patron saint of weavers.

Russian, Belarusian, Romanian and Bulgarian form of Andrew

Angelica is by far the choicest form of the angelic names -- more delicate than Angelina, more feminine than Angel, more modern than Angela. But though Angelica is so lacy and poetic, it lags behind the bolder Angelina (probably for obvious reasons).

Anya is a Russian variation of Anna, which came from the Hebrew name Hannah. Anya is the form found most frequently in Russia, Poland, and other East European countries, while Anja is the spelling usually preferred in Germany Norway, Denmark, Germany, Sweden, and The Netherlands. In the Hungarian language, Anya also means mother.

Since this is strictly a male name in Slavic cultures, better to stick with the "Bella" spelling here.

The Spanish Camila, pronounced ka-MEE-la, is the fastest rising version of this ancient Roman name, but recent royal Camilla may have helped promote the British brand.

If you're a movie fan or a sports fan, you might be attracted to this name, via the film "Donnie Darko" or the Serbian-born basketball star Darko Milicic. It is kind of dark, though.

Dimas is a masculine name with biblical and Greek origins. In Christian tradition, Dimas (sometimes Dismas) is the name given to the 'Good Thief' who was crucified alongside Jesus and promised paradise. The name derives from the Greek 'dysme,' meaning 'sunset' or 'death.' Dimas has remained particularly popular in Spanish-speaking countries and Portugal, where it's appreciated for its religious significance and strong, concise sound. The name carries connotations of redemption, faith, and second chances due to its biblical association. While not among the most common Hispanic names, Dimas maintains steady usage, especially in communities with strong Catholic traditions. Its distinctive sound and meaningful heritage make it an enduring choice.

Drago sounds fierce but has a sweet meaning. It may be used as a standalone name or as a short form of other Slavic names beginning with the element dragu "dear", such as Dragoljub or Dragomir.

Elena is at its most popular point ever in the US, thanks to its cross-cultural appeal and the overall popularity of El- names. It's more international than Ellen or Eleanor, but still accessible.

Eva is a simple, classic Hebrew name for girls that recently slipped out of the US Top 100 for the first time in more than a decade. Pronounced either like her more popular sister Ava or less popular sister Eve, Eva is one of the elite group of girl names that mean life.

Florien is a masculine name with Latin and French influences, derived from the Roman family name Florius, which comes from 'florus' meaning 'flowering' or 'in bloom.' It's a variant of the more common Florian, which was popularized through Saint Florian, a Roman military officer martyred for his Christian faith. Florien carries a gentle elegance with its flowing sounds and nature-inspired meaning. While more common in French-speaking regions and parts of Europe, it remains relatively rare in English-speaking countries, giving it a distinctive quality. The name suggests beauty, vitality, and growth, making it appealing to parents seeking a name with classical roots and a slightly artistic, refined character.

Though some might find it a bit heavy-booted, Ivan is one of the few Russian boys' names to become fully accepted into the American naming pool.

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.

Jalena is a feminine name with several possible origins, including being a variant of Yelena (the Russian form of Helen) or a creative modern variation of names like Jalene or Jolene. The name has a melodic quality with its flowing syllables and soft sounds. Jalena means 'light' or 'bright one' if derived from Helen. It has gained modest popularity in the United States since the 1990s, appealing to parents seeking a name that sounds familiar yet remains distinctive. The name has a contemporary feel while maintaining connections to traditional naming patterns. Jalena strikes a balance between uniqueness and accessibility, being unusual enough to stand out without being difficult to pronounce or spell.

Soft and appealing, with a whiff of vanilla.

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.