Many parents prefer unique baby names that stand out and exude elegance. If you have been looking for such monikers, Slavic baby names offer many choices that effortlessly reflect Slavic people's rich historical and cultural heritage. Generally, Slavic first names have a tricky pronunciation, especially for those unfamiliar with the language and its phonetic features. Besides, each Slavic name has its name day, which the family celebrates as a second birthday. Slavic names exhibit diverse categories. They have two-basic names, for instance, mostly ending with mir/měr, voldъ, pъlkъ, *slavъ, and their variations. Their given or personal names are often inspired by flora and fauna like Shchuka (pike) and Zayac (hare). They also have names reflecting the child's birth order and those linked to human qualities or traits like Hrabr (brave) and Milana (beautiful). Moreover, some names even originate from pagan deities, such as Troyan and Veleslava. In the pre-Christian period, children were given a substitution name which they had to bear until they were seven to ten years old. The purpose of this name was to deflect the baby's attention and protect him from evil powers. The practice came into being because of the high mortality rate of young ones during that time. The child who crossed ten years was given a new name during the ritual first haircut. The tradition is not followed now. In Slavic tradition, a name usually includes a first name, then a patronymic, and finally, a last name or family name. The list below comprises unique and beautiful Slavic names with their meanings. Many of these names are gender-specific, while some can be used for both boys and girls. Scroll down and explore to find a name that resonates with your preferences and complements your child's personality.
Name | Gender | Meaning | |
---|---|---|---|
Jaroslava | Girl | She who is energetic and fierce | |
Jaroslaw | Boy | Fierce and glorious | |
Jaroslawa | Girl | She who is fierce | |
Jarrick | Boy | A fierce and dear one | |
Jasey | Girl | God is gracious | |
Jasika | Girl | Slavic name for girls | |
Jasna | Girl | A clear one | |
Jasoslava | Girl | Glory of light | |
Jehona | Girl | Refers to an imitation or repetition | |
Jenicka | Girl | God has shown kindness to me | |
Jereni | Girl | Undisturbed | |
Jonco | Boy | God is merciful"; Variant of John | |
Josip | Boy | Yahweh will add; God will multiply; God will rise; A variant of Joseph | |
Juliana | Girl | Youthful; Soft hair; Sky father; Downy | |
Julianna | Girl | Devoted to Jove; Youthful | |
Juraj | Boy | Handy, quick | |
Jurij | Boy | handy | |
Jurji | Boy | A handy person | |
Kajla | Girl | Chain; Golden chain | |
Kalina | Girl | Flower; Viburnum | |
Kamilia | Girl | Attending the ceremony; Sweet flower | |
Karel | Boy | Strong; Manly; Masculine | |
Kasimier | Boy | He enforces peace | |
Kasimir | Boy | Enforcer of peace | |
Katinka | Girl | Transparent; Clear; Pure | |
Khoza | Girl | Goat | |
Kieva | Unisex | Gentle; Beautiful; Precious | |
Kiro | Unisex | Small; Little | |
Kitka | Girl | Bunch of flowers | |
Kolar | Boy | Occupational name derived from the Slavic kolar meaning cartwright; Wheelwright | |
Kole | Boy | The victory of the people | |
Korva | Girl | Korva means Cow | |
Krasimira | Girl | Feminine form of Krasimir. It means beautiful peace. | |
Kraven | Unisex | Hunter; Seeker | |
Kristina | Girl | Christian | |
Kristjan | Boy | A follower of Christ | |
Krpana | Girl | Krpana means Patchwork | |
Krpanaka | Girl | The name means Ptchwork | |
Kryska | Girl | Kryska means a Follower of Christ | |
Krystka | Girl | Krystka means She is Christian | |
Laciann | Boy | The famous ruler | |
Lada | Girl | Slavic Goddess of love; Maiden; Girl | |
Ladda | Girl | Maiden; Young girl; Goddes of love | |
Ladeca | Girl | A maiden | |
Ladina | Girl | Domination; Glory | |
Ladislao | Boy | Leader and ruler | |
Lala | Girl | Tulip | |
Laska | Unisex | Love; Affection | |
Lech | Boy | From the name of the Slavic tribe Lendians | |
Lel | Boy | The one who takes what he wants | |
Lenka | Girl | The one who illuminates; Bright one | |
Lexa | Girl | The defender of mankind | |
Lida | Girl | Loved by people; Grace | |
Lilijana | Girl | God is abundance; The name of a flower | |
Livan | Boy | White; Joined in harmony | |
Ljuba | Girl | Love | |
Lonna | Girl | A bright and almost blinding light | |
Ludie | Girl | Graceful; Favorable people | |
Ludivine | Girl | One who is a friend of the people | |
Ludmila | Girl | Loved by the people | |
Lumina | Girl | Bright as a Sunshine | |
Lynia | Unisex | Delicate beauty | |
Lyuba | Girl | The one who loves | |
Lyubomir | Boy | Form of Lubomir; Loving; World | |
Lyudmila | Girl | A dear person who loves and feels deeply | |
Lyudmyla | Girl | One who is nice to everyone | |
Madja | Girl | A splendid; Noble one | |
Magda | Girl | From Magdala | |
Mailo | Unisex | Strength in battle | |
Maja | Girl | She who is splendid | |
Malyna | Girl | A woman sweet as a raspberry | |
Maria | Girl | Bitter | |
Marjam | Girl | One who is happy | |
Marjeta | Girl | Pearl | |
Marzanna | Girl | Goddess of winter and death | |
Matvey | Boy | Given by God | |
MayIndian | Girl | The day of the May | |
Micka | Unisex | Who is like God | |
Mieszko | Boy | A well-known gentleman | |
Mikella | Unisex | Gift from God | |
Mila | Girl | Gracious; Dear | |
Milabelle | Girl | A beautiful girl, full of grace | |
Milada | Girl | A graceful young girl; A lovable girl | |
Milana | Girl | Favor; Gracious | |
Milaslava | Girl | One who likes or wants to be glorified | |
Milen | Boy | Gracious; Favor; Grace; Fame; Glory | |
Milica | Girl | A graceful lady; An alluring one | |
Millan | Girl | A loving and gracious person | |
Milo | Boy | A merciful soldier | |
Miloh | Boy | One who forgives easily | |
Mirek | Boy | A peaceful nature; Ambassador of peace | |
Miroslav | Boy | Peace; World | |
Miroslava | Boy | Peace; Glory | |
Miroslawa | Boy | A calm person; A glorified, peaceful person | |
Mislav | Boy | The thought of glory | |
Morana | Girl | A Goddess of winter and death | |
Myko | Unisex | Gift from God | |
Myroslava | Girl | One who is destined to be glorious | |
Nadezda | Girl | Hope or belief | |
Naiden | Unisex | Found | |
Slavic baby names mirror Slavic countries' rich linguistic, historical, and cultural heritage. These names have deep meanings and interpretations, adding to their elegance and refinement. Their phonetic sound and spelling add individuality that makes Slavic names more attractive. While pronouncing these names can be challenging for some, they offer stylish options that stand out. So pick a moniker from the list that perfectly blends your preferences with the beautiful connotations it carries.
Infographic: Exalting Slavic Baby Names With Meanings
Slavic baby names have an interesting history and a special charm. Some come from basic words, while others are inspired by nature and the order of a baby's birth. These names reflect the richness of this vibrant Slavic culture. Go through the infographic below on Slavic names and finalize your favorite one for your adorable child.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are gender-neutral Slavic names?
Neutral Slavik names are those that can be used for both genders. Some neutral or unisex Slavik names are Saša and Nikola. Jarka, Jára, Jindra, Kája, Jirča, Jirka, Mira, Mára, Míla, Míša, and Míťa are other neutral names.
2. What is the Slavic name for love?
Lyubov, Liubov, or Lubov is a feminine personal name of Slavik origin and means 'love.' It was born by many Slavik artists, athletes, and authors. Lada is another name that means love and refers to the goddess of beauty and marriage.
3. Are Polish names Slavic?
Polish names have Slavik roots because Poles are the modern-day descendants of Western Slavic tribes. The earliest Polish names were Slavic names. These were names built with two lexemes, such as -sław, or -mir. But after the Council of Trent imposed a ban on pagan names in the 1500s, most of the original Slavic forenames turned rare. Very few original Slavic names stayed in use (1).
4. Which Slavik names mean pure?
Catta, Agneza, Katerina, Kate, and Katja are some Slavik names that signify 'pure' or 'chaste.' Agnieszka is another Slovakian and Polish name that implies holy or pure.
5. Which Slavik names mean hope?
Nadia and Nadenka are two Slavik names that signify hope.
6. Which Slavik names mean stone?
Petrija is a feminine name and is a Slavic variation of Petra. It means 'stone' or 'rock.' Its origins are Old Greek. Piotr is another Polish first name that means 'rock.'
7. Which Slavik names mean flower?
The root terms Cvet-, Kvet-, and Tsvet in Slavik words signify flower. Cveta, Cvetana, and Cvetka are some names that mean flower. Kalina is another Slavik name that means flower.
8. Which Slavik name means queen?
Raina is a feminine name with Slavik roots. It means queen. This name is often used in Bulgaria and Slavik nations for females.
9. Which Slavik name means thunder?
Perun in the Slavik culture means thunder. It is a name that comes from the Slavic mythology. This figure was the major god in Slavic mythology.
10. Which Slavik name means vera?
The name Vera means faith. This term has Slavik origins. Its roots lie in the Latin vera, which means ‘true.’ Nadezda is another Slavic girl name that means hope. It is popular in Russia, Ukraine, and Croatia.
References
- A Foreigner’s Guide to Polish Names
https://culture.pl/en/article/a-foreigners-guide-to-polish-names