44 Adorable Albanian Baby Names From The Balkan Country

Albanian baby names are a fascinating illustration of historical and multicultural influences. Located on the Balkan peninsula of southeast Europe, Albania is rooted in the ancient Illyrian heritage. Albania's naming practices have undergone a significant change and exhibit influences from Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman, and modern cultural traditions. Albanian names are written in the Roman script (1). However, these names are typically distinct from those of other Western Balkan countries despite the presence of ethnic Albanian populations in regions like West Macedonia, Serbia, and Montenegro.

Traditionally, Albanians followed a naming convention where they have a personal name followed by a family name as the surname, with no middle name, such as Adil Berisha. Some Albanian family names, particularly in North Macedonia, indicate the tribe or clan from which a person originates. Further, religious influences also play a significant role in Albanian naming customs. For instance, a person with a family name like Fatmi, which has Islamic roots, is not necessarily a Muslim (2).

Albanian names also often reflect the natural environment, or virtues in their meanings. For instance, the name Arber means ‘field’ or ‘meadow,’ Era means ‘wind’ or ‘air,’ and Genta meaning ‘ a type of flower,’ highlighting the importance of nature. Some names embody virtues, such as Djali means ‘brave,’ Dalina means ‘gentle’ or ‘noble,’ and Valon means ‘courageous.’ Additionally, Albanian names can incorporate the name of a region or town, such as Tirana or Surroje, to indicate a person's origins (2).

In recent times, there has been a rise in the use of traditional and distinctive Albanian names, while Albanian names have become popular in other places. For instance, names like Arber, Besnik, or Elira, have acquired global status transcending their Albanian roots. This reflects the globalized nature of contemporary Albanian society. Our list of Albanian baby names offers a wealth of meaningful options, encompassing various options and preferences.

NameGenderMeaning
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Arian
Baby Boy Sign Boy Noble
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Era
Baby Girl Sign Girl Wind or air; a very long duration of time
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Edvin
Baby Boy Sign Boy One who is a friend for riches
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Erion
Baby Boy Sign Boy The wind from Ion sea
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Eda
Baby Girl Sign Girl A wealthy guardian angel who is well mannered; To strive for wealth
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Arber
Baby Boy Sign Boy Field, Meadow
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Fletcher
Baby Girl Sign Girl Maker of arrows
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Elira
Baby Girl Sign Girl Freedom loving and compassionate
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Dalina
Baby Girl Sign Girl Gentle; Noble; Delicate
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Leart
Baby Boy Sign Boy Golden life
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Besnik
Baby Boy Sign Boy Faithful; Loyal
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Arlind
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Golden lion; Noble and courageous
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Besart
Baby Boy Sign Boy Golden oath
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Endrit
Baby Boy Sign Boy To shine; Have light
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Luani
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Lion
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Liridon
Baby Boy Sign Boy One who is of free will
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Ledion
Baby Boy Sign Boy The Morning Star
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Edona
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Radiant or gift of God
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Valon
Baby Boy Sign Boy Brave; Courageous
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Drita
Baby Girl Sign Girl It is derived from the Albanian form Dritan; Light
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Admira
Baby Girl Sign Girl A friendly and divine individual
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Blerte
Baby Girl Sign Girl Green
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Edon
Baby Girl Sign Girl Loved and independent being
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Erminus
Baby Boy Sign Boy Wind from the Ion sea
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Fatmir
Baby Boy Sign Boy A Boy of great luck
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Finuala
Baby Boy Sign Boy A person who has fair shoulders
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Flutura
Baby Girl Sign Girl A butterfly
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Genta
Baby Girl Sign Girl A type of flower; Gentian floret
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Kostandin
Baby Boy Sign Boy The name means Steadfast
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Majlinda
Baby Girl Sign Girl A girl born in May
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Marsona
Baby Girl Sign Girl A young woman who is like the God of Mars
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Minaz
Baby Boy Sign Boy A desire for something; Wish
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Mirash
Baby Boy Sign Boy A desert; A deserted land or place
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Savaric
Baby Boy Sign Boy The powerful old or aged ruler
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Surroje
Baby Boy Sign Boy Name of a place; One who is from an Albanian village Surroj
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Tirana
Baby Girl Sign Girl A city formed of solid materials; A fortress
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Odeta
Baby Girl Sign Girl Blue sea
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Bashkim
Baby Boy Sign Boy Unity or alliance
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Fjolla
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Shining star or bright light
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Endri
Baby Boy Sign Boy Strong wolf
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Djali
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Brave; Young man
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Jeta
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Lively; Full of life
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Delvina
Baby Girl Sign Girl Pretty; Noble
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Gresa
Baby Girl Sign Girl Strength; Beauty; Grace

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can Albanian baby names be used internationally?

Yes. Due to their rich history and meaningful connotations, Albanian names can be used worldwide. In fact, Albanian names Eda and Fletcher can be found in many countries.

2. How do Albanian names compare to names from neighboring countries?

While Albanian names are mostly influenced by Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman cultures and naming origins, its neighboring countries, Greece, Macedonia, Kosovo, and Montenegro, have different naming styles. The majority of names in Greece are derived from Greek and Biblical roots, while Macedonian names mostly have Greek and Latin roots. Similarly, Montenegrin names are mostly derived from the Serbian and Croatian languages.

3. How do Albanian surnames influence baby names?

Albanians may choose any names as given names based on their personal preference, faith, religion, and other aspects. However, considering the flow of the name with the Albanian surname might influence the decision to name it.

Albanian baby names combine ancient tradition with cultural diversity, reflecting the country's rich historical roots and influences from various ancient civilizations. Albanian naming customs have a distinctive appeal. Albanian baby names offer a glimpse into the country's diverse identity, from names that signify natural beauty and virtues to those that indicate regional origins or familial connections. Whether parents seek a name that reflects their tribal heritage or regional pride or displays its personal meaning, Albanian baby names celebrate both individuality and collective heritage.

References

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  1. Albania.
    https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6672f1b264e554df3bd0db7e/Albania_Toponymic_Factfile.pdf
  2. A Guide To Names And Naming Practices.
    https://www.fbiic.gov/public/2008/nov/Naming_practice_guide_UK_2006.pdf
Shikha is a writer-turned-editor at MomJunction, with over seven years of experience in the field of content. Having done a certification in Relationship Coaching, her core interest lies in writing articles that guide couples through their courtship to marriage and parenthood.

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