Czech Names

Albert Einstein's first wife was Mileva Maric, a Serbian student and his classmate at the Zurich Polytechnic. (Her childhood nickname was Mitza.) With the newfound popularity of Mila, this obscure Old Slavic name may be discovered outside of its native land.

Sources say that Bina, which is close to the word for bee in Yiddish, was once used as a translation for the Hebrew Deborah, which means bee. On its own, it also means "understanding" in Hebrew. Simple and sweet in itself, it could also be short for (or a nod to) many names including Sabina, Robina, Columbina, and Jacobina.

You’re most likely to find this Theodore cognate in Eastern Europe, where it ranks among the top names for boys in the Czech Republic, Slovenia, Poland, and Romania. The nickname Teo is a real winner.

Despite the light, pretty sound of Bella for a girl, the boys' name Bela has dark and mysterious undertones, thanks to Dracula actor Bela Lugosi. Béla is also the first name of composer Bartók.

A wearable update to the New Testament classic.

Variant of the popular Slavic name Bogdan, meaning "given by god".

With the rise of both Russian names and those that start with the letter V, this sharp Eastern European choice may become more familiar in the English-speaking world.

This name has two origins: the English word Dusk, meaning evening twilight and the Czech name for girls Duška meaning "soul or spirit". Either way, this is an interesting name with some potential.

"Bore" and "boring" are teasing possibilities; Thora, Nora, and Flora recommended alternatives.

Slavic diminutive of Anna

A strong Slavic classic, borne by many kings and princes through the ages.

Short form of the Russian Varvara, a feistier version of Barbara.

Krista may be past its peak -- along with all similar C-starting sisters and their K variations -- yet it's still a pretty name.

Cornell, without the Ivy League prestige.

Since this is strictly a male name in Slavic cultures, better to stick with the "Bella" spelling here.