Popular in Bosnia and Herzegovina
By gabhart
Updated Mon Feb 26 2024
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- Zara
Origin:
Hebrew and ArabicMeaning:
"blooming flower; God remembers"Description:
Zara has multiple origins, but most notably is a variation of Zahrah, a name derived from the Arabic zahrah, meaning "blooming flower." Zara can also be a diminutive of the Bulgarian name Zaharina, a feminine form of the Hebrew Zechariah. Today, Zara is heavily associated with the Spanish fast-fashion empire of the same name.
- Lana
Origin:
English diminutive of AlanaMeaning:
"rock or handsome"Description:
Popularized in the 1940s by Lana (born Judy) Turner, today Lana is synonymous with American singer-songwriter Lana Del Rey. Although it has been rising steadily since the early 2000s, Lana still sits in the popularity "sweet spot" – familiar, but not overused. Simple, sleek and seamlessly international, it makes a great choice.
- Una
Origin:
Latin, Irish, or Old NorseMeaning:
"one; lamb; happy"Description:
In an epic poem, the personification of truth, beauty, and unity; this ancient name is popular in several European countries but less common in the US. The Oona spelling is slightly more popular but Una sleeker.
- Faris
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"rider, knight"Description:
A great uncommon English-Arabic crossover choice, easily pronounceable internationally.
- Hana
Origin:
Hebrew, Hawaiian, Maori, JapaneseMeaning:
"grace, work, glow, flower"Description:
Many things to many peoples: a flower name, also spelled Hanae, to the Japanese; a Czech and Polish short form of Johana; and an alternate form of the biblical name Hannah in the US. It also means "craft, work" in Hawaiian and "glow" in Maori.
- Dalia
Origin:
Hebrew, Spanish, or SwahiliMeaning:
"branch; dahlia; gentle"Description:
Similar in sound to the flower name Dahlia, this gentle but distinctive name, heard in many cultures, hits that Golden Mean between too popular and too unusual. In Lithuanian mythology, Dalia is a goddess of weaving and of fate.
- Tarik
Origin:
Turkish, Bosnian variation of Tariq, ArabicMeaning:
"the one who knocks at the door"Description:
This bold and straightforward name is a common variant of Tariq in Turkey and Bosnia and is used as an alternate spelling in Arabic-speaking countries.
- Esma
Origin:
Turkish, BosnianMeaning:
"supreme"Description:
Turkish and Bosnian form of the Arabic name Asma, with the powerful meaning of "supreme".
- Marta
Origin:
Italian, Spanish, Scandinavian, SlavicMeaning:
"lady"Description:
Sharper and steelier than Martha, but with the same underused vintage appeal.
- Lejla
Description:
Lejla is a beautiful feminine name with Arabic and Bosnian origins. It's a variant spelling of Leila or Layla, which derives from the Arabic word 'laylah' meaning 'night' or 'dark beauty.' The name is particularly popular in Bosnia and Herzegovina and other Balkan countries, as well as in Muslim communities worldwide. Lejla carries poetic associations, as it features in the famous Middle Eastern love story of Layla and Majnun. The distinctive spelling with 'j' gives the name a unique touch while maintaining its melodic quality. Lejla combines cultural richness with a gentle, flowing sound, making it an increasingly popular choice for parents seeking a name that is both internationally recognized and somewhat uncommon in Western countries.
- Ema
Origin:
Variation of Emma, German, JapaneseMeaning:
"universal; favor, benefit + flax"Description:
Streamlined and succinct, Ema is a multicultural choice with wide-reaching appeal and versatility.
- Adna
Description:
Adna is a feminine name with ancient roots and cross-cultural significance. In Hebrew, it means 'pleasure' or 'delight,' while in Bosnian it's associated with 'paradise.' The name appears in the Bible as a male name belonging to several minor figures, but in modern usage, it's more commonly given to girls. Adna has maintained a consistent presence across several cultures, particularly in the Balkans and Middle East. Its brevity and melodic quality make it accessible across language barriers. The name's simple two-syllable structure and soft consonants give it a gentle, flowing quality. Despite its ancient origins, Adna feels contemporary and distinctive without being difficult to pronounce or spell.
- Iman
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"faith"Description:
One of the best-known African names in the Western World because of the Somali-born model and wife of the late David Bowie.
- Arman
Origin:
Form of Herman or Armen, French, Armenian, Persian, Kazakh, TurkishMeaning:
"soldier; land of Armenia; wish, hope, purpose"Description:
One of those truly international names, with a similar feel to Roman, Arthur, and Artem, without the popularity, in the US at least. The name is in fact in the Top 50 in Armenia and Bosnia, while it also features in the UK Top 800.
- Imran
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"prosperity; exalted nation"Description:
A Quranic name especially popular in South Asia, it is also used across Europe, from Bosnia to France, from Spain to England. It appears in the Quran as the name of Maryam's (the Virgin Mary) father, and as the father of Moses, making it a counterpart to Hebrew Joachim or a variant of Hebrew Amran. The meaning of Imran isn't listed in the Quran, however, from its Hebrew roots, it could mean "exalted nation", or it could come from the Arabic word eimran meaning "prosperity".
- Asja
Origin:
Diminutive of Anastazija, Slovene and CroatianMeaning:
"resurrection"Description:
Originated as a nickname for Anastazija, but now is more popular as an independent name.
- Daris
Description:
Daris is a masculine name with multiple possible origins. It may derive from the Persian name Dariush (meaning 'possessing goodness'), be a variation of Darius, or stem from the Greek 'doron' meaning 'gift.' In some cultures, it's connected to the Arabic 'daris,' meaning 'student' or 'one who studies.' The name maintains a consistent presence across various cultures while never becoming extremely common. Daris has a strong yet approachable quality, with its crisp consonants balanced by soft vowel sounds. Its cross-cultural nature makes it versatile, functioning well in diverse linguistic environments. The name carries an intellectual connotation in Arabic contexts, while in Western usage it often appeals to parents seeking something distinctive with historical resonance.
- Hamza
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"lion or strong"Description:
Hamza was the legendary uncle of the Prophet Muhammad, hero of The Hamzanama, the Story of Hamza.
- Ena
Origin:
Diminutive of several namesDescription:
Baby names that started off as diminutives -- Ena, Ita, Etta -- seem too insubstantial for a modern female.
- Ilma
Origin:
Finnish, Hungarian, Spanish, or literary QuenyaMeaning:
"air; starlight"Description:
A name that's unknown in the US and Britain but is popular as a nature name in Finland. May also be known as a Hungarian variation of Amelia and a Spanish form of Wilhelmina.