Illustration: MomJunction Design Team
Every baby is a unique blessing from the Almighty, and these Latvian baby names are bound to make your little one stand out from their peers. To congratulate you on the birth of your bundle of joy, we have bundled up a few names that are guaranteed to make your child stand out among their peers. Each one on the list is a beautiful and meaningful name. These amazing Latvian names are derived from the country of Latvia. It is a Baltic country located in Northern Europe. And just like in most European cultures, even Latvian names consist of two elements – a given name and a family name. The practice of providing middle names was discouraged during the Soviet occupation. But with Independence, Latvian legislation allowed the use of two given names. Male Latvian names end in the first or second declension endings, which could be -s/-š or -is. A handful of male names, especially foreign names, can end in indeclinable -o. The female Latvian names have fourth or fifth declension endings, which could be -a or -e, respectively. Latvian names also use patronymics and are usually connected to the father’s nickname rather than the individual’s given name. The patronymic ‘dels’ stands for son, and ‘mete’ means daughter. The diminutive forms of names are used when addressing children or expressing endearment. Latvian names have a variety of sources. During the ancient days, the earliest Latvians shared one name. These names were typically derived from nature, meaning they could be named after animals, plants, flowers, trees, birds, and even the elements. On the other hand, modern names can be influenced by Western shows or German knights or even bear religious significance. Below is our unique collection of Latvian baby names with meanings. Have a look at it!
| Name | Gender | Meaning | |
|---|---|---|---|
 Valters |  |  Boy | To rule; Army; Warrior |
| Velna | |  Girl | Female devil |
| Viktorija | | Girl | Croatian form of Victoria; Victory |
| Vilhelms | | Boy | Will; Desire |
| Vilis | | Boy | Helmet of determination |
| Virma | | Girl | Ruffle |
| Vladislava | | Boy | Glory |
| Zanda | |  Unisex | Defender of mankind |
| Zein | | Boy | Fragrant and beautiful plant |
| Zelsana | | Girl | Prosperity |
| Zelta | | Girl | Gold |
| Zigfrids | | Boy | Victory; Peace; Protection; Safety |
| Zinaida | | Girl | Daughter of Zeus |
| Zuza | | Girl | Lily; Lotus flower |
| Zuzana | | Girl | Lily or lotus flower; A variant of Zuza |
| Zuzanka | | Girl | Lily or lotus flower |
| Zuzanna | | Girl | Lily |
| Zuzka | | Girl | Lily flower |
Latvian baby names are beautiful and majestic-sounding names that come from the Baltic region. The naming system has evolved over the centuries, from choosing names inspired by nature to selecting names influenced by heroes and more modern culture. This shows the flexibility of the names and the people’s openness toward accepting change. With this exhaustive list, you can find both traditional and contemporary names to suit your varied preferences. Each name carries a profound meaning and can positively impact your baby in their emotional growth.
Infographic: Endearing Latvian Baby Names With Meanings
Parents are consistently on the lookout for unique names with appealing meanings. These Latvian baby names are distinct and sound beautiful. The names echo the sound of the Balkan lands. If you are of Latvian descent or appreciate the country's beauty, this infographic containing Latvian baby names is for you. Go through it to discover some of the best Latvian boy and girl names for your little one.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How have Latvian baby names changed over time?
Over time, Latvian baby names have experienced transformations. Initially rooted in tradition and mythology, the Soviet era brought new influences. As people sought inspiration from unconventional sources, Western names like Oskars and Aivars gained popularity in the 1960s, inspired by characters in Vilis Lacis' novels. This shift reflects the impact of societal and cultural changes on naming trends in Latvia.
2. What are some unique or uncommon baby names that are popular in Latvia?
Latvia has seen the rise of several uncommon and distinctive baby names that have become popular. Some examples include Zinta (which signifies magic or charm), Ansis (meaning Yahweh is gracious), Līva ( meaning protection), Rūta (meaning friend), and Edvards ( meaning wealth).
3. What are the most popular baby names for boys and girls in Latvia?
Jānis (God is gracious), Juris (farmer), and Jurģis (earth-worker) are among the favored baby names for boys in Latvia. For girls, popular choices include Anna (grace), Inese ( ‘chaste’), and Zane (Lily).
4. What are some Latvian baby names that have different meanings or connotations in other languages?
Certain Latvian baby names may possess distinct meanings or connotations in other languages. For instance, the Latvian name Linda signifies ‘beautiful,’ whereas, in German, it translates to ‘snake.’ The Latvian name Artūrs, which means 'noble,' is pronounced similarly to the English name Arthur, meaning 'bear,’ but it has an alternative etymology and carries a different meaning.
5. Who are some Latvian celebrities or public figures who have influenced baby names in Latvia?
Latvian celebrities like Jānis Lūsēns (track and field athlete), Kristaps Porziņģis (basketball player), and Baiba Broka (actress) have influenced baby names in Latvia.
