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Eastern European Names

kaitjo
By kaitjo
Updated Thu May 25 2023
Russia, Latvia, Lithuania, Ukraine, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia, Macedonia, Slovenia, Belarus, Bosnia, Hungary, Albania, Montenegro, and Moldova
  1. Alek

    • Origin:

      Polish, Armenian, Serbian, and Russian form of Alex, Greek, Greenlandic

    • Meaning:

      "defending men; harpoon line"

    • Description:

      A variation of Alex used in a number of languages, Alek has the cool, solid feel of Erik and Axel. It can also be a name of Greenlandic origin, meaning "harpoon line".
  2. Alina

    • Origin:

      Slavic, Germanic, Arabic, Scottish

    • Meaning:

      "bright, beautiful; noble; delicate, soft; defending men"

    • Description:

      Alina has been drifting up the US popularity charts since the early 1980s, and now sits in in the Top 200. But Alina's real strength is in its international flexibility: The name ranks highly in a wide range of European, English speaking, and Latin American countries.
  3. Anja

    • Origin:

      Scandinavian; Finnish; Slovene; Croatian; Serbian, from Russian

    • Meaning:

      "grace"

    • Description:

      Anja is one of the most international of several versions of Ann/Anna now being imported, also including Anya and Annika.
  4. Lara

    • Origin:

      Russian, diminutive of Larissa or Larisa

    • Meaning:

      "citadel"

    • Description:

      This is an alternative to Laura or Lauren made romantic by Dr Zhivago, and badass by video-game heroine Lara Croft.
  5. LENKA
    • Lera

      • Description:

        Lera is a feminine given name with multiple origins. In Slavic countries, it functions as a diminutive of Valeria, meaning 'strength' or 'health.' In Greek contexts, it may relate to names derived from 'Leander,' meaning 'lion-man.' Lera has a simple, elegant sound with just two syllables, making it easily pronounceable across many languages. While never reaching widespread popularity in English-speaking countries, the name maintains a steady presence in Eastern European regions. Lera has a timeless quality that works well across generations. The name's brevity gives it a modern feel despite its classical roots, potentially appealing to parents seeking something simple yet distinctive.

    • Mateusz

      • Origin:

        Polish, from Hebrew

      • Meaning:

        "gift of God"

      • Description:

        The Polish form of Matthew.