152 Adorable Bulgarian Boy Names
Gavrail, Radoslav, Tsvetan, and a lot more in the list of charming Balkan names.
Illustration: MomJunction Design Team
Bulgarian boy names represent the rich culture and beautiful landscapes of Bulgaria. Evolved over centuries, these names reflect Bulgaria's diverse heritage, influenced by Slavic, Thracian (1), and Balkan traditions. Bulgaria's geographical attributes also contributed heavily to the naming traditions in the country. Situated at the crossroads between Europe and Asia, many of their names are variants of names from other countries indicating their historical interactions. Originating from the Slavic language, many Bulgarian names are inspired by ancient words and concepts. Bogdan, for instance, means ‘gift of God,’ indicating the spiritual inclination of the natives. The Byzantine and Ottoman periods introduced names of Greek and Turkish origins, leading to a fusion of linguistic influences. Nikolay meaning ‘victory of the people,’ and Ivan meaning ‘God is gracious’, reflect the strong Eastern Orthodox Christian influence, while Hristo meaning ‘bearing Christ,’ stems from the Greek Christopher. The evolution of Bulgarian names also showcases a fusion of old and new names. These names can be seen as a connecting link between the glorious past and the intriguing present. Even though modern names are popular in the country, names such as Aleksandar and Viktor are also still popular choices among millennial parents. These names honor ancestral roots and parents’ hopes for their child’s bright future. Bulgarian names provide a sense of individuality and a sense of belonging in a community that the child may cherish as they grow older. Choosing a Bulgarian boy name is perfect for parents who wish to preserve their Bulgarian roots or their love for the country. These names represent the country’s cultural evolution through time. From ancient origins to modern identity, they connect children to their roots and carry forward the nation's diverse heritage. Here is a list of Bulgarian baby boy names with meanings to help you pick the most versatile and meaningful name for your child. Read on.
On This Page
Browse Baby Names By Gender
Browse Baby Names By Alphabet
| Name | Gender | Meaning | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |  Boy | Victory; People | |
| | Boy | Christian; Follower of the Christ; Anointed | |
| | Boy | Obedient; Listening; Hearing | |
| | Boy | Victor; Conqueror | |
| |  Girl | A great and famous ruler; Peace; World | |
| | Boy | Supplanter; May God protect; Holder of the heel | |
| |  Unisex | Beautiful; Priceless; Praiseworthy; Flower | |
| | Boy | Courageous; Enduring; Manly; Masculine | |
| | Boy | Mars; The god of war; Warlike; Male | |
| | Boy | Earthworker; Well-born; Noble | |
| | Boy | From Hadria | |
| | Boy | Snow leopard; Wolf | |
| | Boy | Given by God | |
| | Boy | A gift of god | |
| | Boy | God will help | |
| | Boy | Defender or helper of the people | |
| | Boy | To rule; Glory | |
| | Boy | Small; Humble | |
| | Unisex | Downy-bearded | |
| | Boy | Yahweh is gracious | |
| | Boy | Slender; Pure; Viburnum tree | |
| | Boy | Constant; Steadfast; Firm | |
| | Boy | Victory of the people | |
| | Boy | One who heals; Ash tree; Serene | |
| | Boy | Victory; The triumph of the public | |
| | Boy | Gold | |
| | Boy | Glorious rule | |
| | Boy | Handsome | |
| | Unisex | My God is Yahweh | |
| | Boy | God is my judge | |
| | Boy | Torture and glory | |
| | Boy | Old man; Granfather; Saint who was a trainer of young monks | |
| | Boy | Precious | |
| | Boy | My God is Yahweh | |
| | Boy | My God is Yahweh | |
| | Boy | Peace; World; Glory | |
| | Boy | Servant; To preserve; To keep safe | |
| | Boy | A dear and beloved person; A precious person | |
| | Boy | Watchful; Alert | |
| | Boy | Raven | |
| | Boy | Lord; Lordly | |
| | Boy | Servant | |
| | Boy | With no home; Unconquerable | |
| | Boy | Defender or helper of the people | |
| | Boy | Masculine; Manly; Courageous; Virility | |
| | Boy | Who is like God | |
| | Unisex | Peace; Yahweh is gracious | |
| | Boy | He will add | |
| | Boy | Descent; Flow down | |
| | Boy | Cloud; Yahweh is gracious | |
| | Boy | To tame | |
| | Unisex | Deed; Action; To do | |
| | Boy | Mother of earth; Earth mother | |
| | Unisex | God is gracious | |
| | Boy | Stone | |
| | Boy | Something found; The name of a saint | |
| | Unisex | Found | |
| | Boy | Comforter; Consolation | |
| | Boy | He who is destined to become glorious and famous | |
| | Boy | Ash tree; Clear; Serene | |
| | Boy | Ash tree | |
| | Boy | One who has no residence; Homeless; One who is present in everything; Lord Shiva; Unconquerable | |
| | Boy | God is a judge | |
| | Boy | Farmer; Earthworker | |
| | Boy | God is my strong man; God is my hero | |
| | Boy | Bearing Christ | |
| | Boy | My God is Yahu | |
| | Boy | My God is Yahweh; Young goat | |
| | Boy | Handsome John | |
| | Unisex | Son of Swati; Father of Chitraratha; A variant of Rusanka | |
| | Boy | Fiery ones; An order of angels, each with six wings | |
| | Boy | Stand; Become glory | |
| | Boy | King | |
| | Unisex | Male | |
| | Unisex | Defender | |
| | Boy | Defender of Men | |
| | Boy | Cutting; Silver; Island | |
| | Boy | Flame; Fire | |
| | Boy | A person who is immortal | |
| | Boy | Fearless; To flee | |
| | Boy | He is a good fighter | |
| | Boy | A divine gift; Derivation of the Greek name Theodore | |
| | Boy | Chime; Level; Flat | |
| | Boy | Precious; Peace; World | |
| | Boy | Precious; Peace; World | |
| | Boy | Well-born | |
| | Boy | A strong man who will shine; A shiny star | |
| | Boy | Krasimir means The Beautiful Peace | |
| | Girl | Gracious; Dear | |
| | Boy | Strong; Vigorous | |
| | Boy | Yahweh is gracious | |
| | Boy | First | |
| | Boy | The one from an enclosed meadow | |
| | Boy | Ruddy; Rosy; Pink | |
| | Boy | He who stands firmly | |
| | Boy | A person who honors God | |
| | Boy | A beautiful and pleasant gift from God | |
| | Boy | Color; Floret | |
| | Boy | Battle glory | |
| | Boy | Maple tree | |
With Slavic roots, Bulgarian boy names are a fusion of tradition and modernity. These names carry forward a rich legacy of the country and represent the nation’s culture. Bulgarian names are also inspired by the breathtaking landscapes of the country. They may have evolved over time but have not lost the essence unique to Bulgarian traditions. Every name is attached to historical threads that bind generations and cultures. So pick a Bulgarian baby name that catches your fancy and give your child the perfect gift for a lifetime.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why do Bulgarians have three names?
Bulgarian names typically include a given name, which is placed first, a patronymic placed second, and a family name placed last. However, the patronymic name is typically left out when speaking about the individual.
2. Are Bulgarian last names gendered?
Yes, Bulgarian last names are gendered. In Bulgarian culture, most last names have distinct male and female variants. The suffixes '-ov' and '-ski' are frequently used for male last names, but for female last names, the suffixes "-ova" and "-ska" are used. If a man had the last name Ivanov, the female equivalent would have the last name Ivanova.
3. Are there any Bulgarian baby boy names that are also popular in other countries?
Some Bulgarian baby boy names popular in other countries include Ivan, Dimitar, Georgi, Nikola, and Stefan.
4. What is the significance of middle names in Bulgarian culture?
In the Bulgarian naming convention, a person's middle name, second name, or patronymic/father's name is special. They indicate the individual's genealogy and are taken from the given name of the individual's father.
Infographic: Authentic Bulgarian Names For Boys
A blend of Slavic, Turkish, and Greek influences, Bulgarian boy names are rich in history and culture. Choosing a Bulgarian name for a child preserves the country’s tradition and connects the child to their culture. Parents also opt for these names for their unique pronunciation and strong meanings. The infographic below can help you choose from some traditional and modern Bulgarian names.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
References
- Thracian Non-Material Heritage.
https://ancientbulgaria.bg/thracian/thracian-non-material-heritage
Look Up For Many More Names
Do you have a name in mind and want to know more about it? Or want to find names belonging to a particular origin, religion, or having a specific meaning? Use our search tool below to explore more baby names with different combinations.
Community Experiences
Join the conversation and become a part of our nurturing community! Share your stories, experiences, and insights to connect with fellow parents.
Read full bio of Trisha Chakraborty
Read full bio of Shikha Thakur
Read full bio of Nisha Bharatan
