Awesome Slavic Names

  1. Lýdia
    • Maja
      • Origin:

        German, Slovene, and Scandinavian form of Maya; also, Arabic
      • Meaning:

        "splendid"
      • Description:

        Whether you pronounce it my-a, ma-zha or ma-ha, Maja is an intriguing choice. Sometimes associated with Goya's famous painting "The Naked Maja." As a cognate of Maya, it's a Top 10 name in Slovenia and Sweden and is also popular in Germany and Norway.
    • Maksim
      • Description:

        Maksim is a masculine name of Slavic origin, representing the Eastern European form of Maximus, derived from Latin meaning 'greatest' or 'largest.' Particularly popular in Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, and other Slavic countries, Maksim carries connotations of greatness, achievement, and leadership. The name has historic connections to several saints and notable figures throughout Eastern European history. In recent decades, Maksim has gained some international recognition as cultural boundaries blur, though it retains its strong Slavic identity. The spelling with a 'k' rather than an 'x' reflects the Cyrillic alphabet's representation of the sound, giving the name an authentic Eastern European character while remaining accessible to English speakers.
    • Malina
      • Origin:

        Feminine form of Malcolm or spelling variation of Melina or Polish, Bulgarian, Serbian
      • Meaning:

        "raspberry"
      • Description:

        Malina is a synthetic-feeling name that may be a feminization of the Scottish Malcolm or a spelling twist on the Greek Melina and that also has a fruit meaning in several Eastern European languages. For all that it's a little bit of lots of things, Malina doesn't feel very much like itself.
    • Mara
      • Origin:

        Hebrew
      • Meaning:

        "bitter"
      • Description:

        Mara is the evocative ancient root of Mary, appearing in the Book of Ruth, in which Naomi, devastated after the death of her two sons, says "Call me not Naomi, call me Mara." It's one of the girl names starting with M that both fits in and stands out.
    • Margareta
      • Description:

        Margareta is a feminine name that represents a European variant of Margaret, particularly common in Swedish, Romanian, and other Eastern European cultures. Derived from the Greek 'margarites' meaning 'pearl,' Margareta carries the same elegant connotations of purity and preciousness. This longer form has a melodic, flowing quality that distinguishes it from the more common Margaret or Marguerite. While maintaining moderate popularity in Scandinavian and Eastern European countries, Margareta remains relatively uncommon in English-speaking regions, making it an intriguing alternative for parents seeking a name with traditional roots but a distinctive sound. The name has royal associations in several European countries and conveys a sense of timeless dignity and grace while offering the versatility of cute nicknames like Greta, Eta, or Rita.

    • Marianna
      • Origin:

        Italian, Polish, English
      • Meaning:

        "drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved + grace"
      • Description:

        While Marianna looks like a spelling variation of Mariana, the two names have different etymologies. While the one-N spelling derives from the Roman name Marianus, Marianna is a combination of two classics, Maria and Anna, used in many European languages.
    • Marija
      • Origin:

        Croatian, Slovene, Serbian, Macedonian, Lithuanian, Latvian variation of Maria
      • Meaning:

        "drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved"
      • Description:

        Common transcription of Maria throughout Europe.
    • Marina
      • Origin:

        Latin
      • Meaning:

        "from the sea"
      • Description:

        This pretty sea-born name was used to dramatic effect by Shakespeare in his play Pericles for the virtuous princess who says she is "Call'd Marina, for I was born at sea."
    • Marko
      • Origin:

        Variation of Marco, Spanish form of Mark
      • Meaning:

        "warlike"
      • Description:

        Marko is one of the many names derived from Mars, the god of war. Marco is the more usual Spanish form but Marko is a variation used in Spain along with Russia, Ukraine, and several Slavic countries.
    • Marta
      • Origin:

        Italian, Spanish, Scandinavian, Slavic
      • Meaning:

        "lady"
      • Description:

        Sharper and steelier than Martha, but with the same underused vintage appeal.
    • Martina
      • Origin:

        Latin
      • Meaning:

        "warlike"
      • Description:

        A feminine form of Martin, this strong and zestful sounding name is popular in Argentina, Chile, Spain, and Italy, where it ranks in the Top 30. Also familiar in Czechia, the UK, Slovakia, and Switzerland, it has never made it big in the US, and fell out of the charts back in the 2000s.

        Ultimately associated with Mars, the Roman god of war and with the 3rd century patron saint of Rome, it has also been borne by two notable tennis players, Martina Navratilova and Martina Hingis.
    • Matea
      • Description:

        Matea is a feminine name with multiple cultural roots. In Slavic countries, particularly Croatia, it's the feminine form of Matej or Matthew, meaning "gift of God." It also appears in Spanish and Italian communities with the same biblical connection. The name has a warm, melodic quality with its three syllables and soft ending. Matea blends traditional roots with a contemporary sound, making it appealing to parents seeking something with historical depth yet not overly common. The name travels well across different languages and cultures while maintaining its distinct character. In recent years, Matea has gained modest popularity in various European countries but remains refreshingly uncommon in English-speaking regions.

    • Matilda
      • Origin:

        German
      • Meaning:

        "battle-mighty"
      • Description:

        Matilda is a sweet vintage name that has been gently climbing the popularity list for the past 15 years, after a half-century slumber. The spunky children's book heroine Matilda is one factor in its rise, along with others of its class like Eloise and Caspian.
    • Michaela
      • Origin:

        Feminine variation of Michael, Hebrew
      • Meaning:

        "who is like God?"
      • Description:

        This most proper form of the name shot up the charts in the nineties, only to sink just as precipitously, supplanted by upstarts Makayla and McKayla ad infinitum. The Michaela version retains some elegance as the closest feminine form to the original.
    • 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.
    • Mila
      • Origin:

        Slavic, Russian
      • Meaning:

        "gracious; dear"
      • Description:

        Mila is a popular name that took a 125 year nap, ranking in the Top 1000 in 1881 and then not ranking again until 2006, after actress Mila Kunis appeared on That 70s Show.
    • Milanka
      • Description:

        Milanka is a feminine name of Slavic origin, particularly common in Serbia, Croatia, and other South Slavic regions. The name derives from the element "mila" meaning "dear," "sweet," or "gracious," with the affectionate suffix "-anka" adding warmth and femininity. Milanka carries connotations of gentleness and charm within Slavic cultures, where it has maintained steady but modest popularity for generations. Outside Slavic countries, the name remains relatively uncommon, giving it a distinctive quality internationally. The melody of Milanka, with its soft consonants and flowing rhythm, contributes to its gentle impression. Women named Milanka often appreciate the name's cultural connections and sweet meaning while enjoying its relative uniqueness.
    • Milena
      • Origin:

        Czech; Slovak; Serbian; Croatian; Polish; Italian
      • Meaning:

        "love, warmth, grace"
      • Description:

        This popular name in various Slavic countries and in Italy holds considerable continental appeal. It is the full name of Ukranian-born actress Mila Kunis, noted for her award-winning role in the film Black Swan. Another actress bearing the name is Milena Govitch, of Law & Order.
    • Mira
      • Origin:

        Latin, Slavic, Arabic, Sanskrit
      • Meaning:

        "admirable; peace; female ruler; ocean"
      • Description:

        This name owes its present life to actress Sorvino. Mira and Mirra have an arty aura.