Eastern European Names
Eastern European names originate from Russia, Ukraine, Poland, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Romania, Hungary, Croatia, and many other surrounding countries.
Eastern European girl names include Zsazsa, Danika, Amalia, and Edvina. Eastern European boy names include Savin, Cyrek, Rouben, and Antal.
Browse all of our Eastern European baby names here, ordered by their current popularity on Nameberry.
RELATED:
- Amalia
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"work"Description:
Amalia is a widely cross-cultural name, heard from Italy to Romania, Germany to Scandinavia. The current heir to the Dutch throne is Princess Catharina-Amalia of Orange. It can be pronounced ah-MAH-lee-a or ah-mah-LEE-a.
- Daniela
Origin:
Feminine form of Daniel used in various languagesMeaning:
"God is my judge"Description:
Used across Europe, South America, and the US, Daniela is a popular feminine form of the Hebrew name Daniel. It has ranked in the US Top 300 since the early 90s and it's currently on trend in Spain, Portugal, Chile, Mexico, and Lativia.
- Emelia
Origin:
Variation of Emilia or Amelia, Latin, Germanic, "rival;workDescription:
Emelia takes elements from soundalike sisters Emilia and Amelia, which actually derive from different roots and have different meanings.
- Sari
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"noble"Description:
Sari is a cute spin on Sarah, though some may hear it as "sorry," and it is also an item of clothing worn in India. These days many people will also confuse Sari with Suri, the lovely and unsual name of Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes' much-publicized young daughter.
- Danika
Origin:
Eastern EuropeanMeaning:
"morning star"Description:
Spelling variation of Danica with a modern update.
- Zsazsa
Origin:
Hungarian, , diminutive of ErzsebetMeaning:
"God is my oath"Description:
Zsa Zsa is a zippy Hungarian nickname name, sometimes used independently, linked for decades with the Hungarian-born actress Zsa Zsa Gabor--who was born Sari.
- Sasa
Origin:
CherokeeMeaning:
"goose"
- Edvin
Description:
Edvin is a masculine name of Scandinavian and Slavic origin, representing a variant of Edwin. Derived from Old English elements 'ead' meaning 'wealth, fortune' and 'wine' meaning 'friend,' Edvin translates to 'rich friend' or 'wealthy friend.' Particularly popular in Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and parts of Eastern Europe, Edvin offers a modern-sounding alternative to Edwin while maintaining its historical roots. The name carries connotations of prosperity, loyalty, and friendship. Edvin has experienced periodic surges in popularity across Northern Europe and remains a steady choice in Scandinavian countries. Its concise form and smooth pronunciation make it appealing internationally, while its subtle difference from the more common Edwin gives it a distinctive quality that many parents appreciate.
- Edvina
Description:
Edvina is a feminine name that serves as a variant of Edwina, which itself is the feminine form of Edwin. The name has Old English origins, combining the elements 'ead' meaning wealth or fortune and 'wine' meaning friend. This creates a beautiful meaning of 'wealthy friend' or 'prosperous friend.' The 'v' spelling gives the traditional name a slightly Slavic or Nordic flavor, potentially reflecting cross-cultural influences. Edvina projects an air of vintage elegance and sophistication that has never been extremely common but maintains a timeless quality. The name carries associations with nobility and dignity, having been used in aristocratic circles historically. While Edwina peaked in popularity in the early 20th century, Edvina remains a distinctive choice that balances traditional roots with a unique character.
- Savin
Description:
Savin is a masculine name with diverse origins. In Slavic traditions, it derives from the Latin 'Sabinus,' meaning 'Sabine' (relating to an ancient Italian tribe). The name also has roots in Russian Orthodox tradition, associated with Saint Savin. Additionally, it relates to the savin juniper plant, giving it nature-inspired connections. The name has moderate usage in Eastern European countries like Russia, Serbia, and Bulgaria but remains uncommon in Western nations. Savin possesses a contemporary sound despite its ancient origins, appealing to parents seeking distinctive names with historical depth. Its short, strong phonetics and relatively straightforward pronunciation make it accessible across different languages and cultures.
- Jozefa
Description:
Jozefa is a feminine name with Slavic origins, representing the female form of Joseph. The name Joseph comes from Hebrew, meaning 'God will add' or 'God increases.' This variant spelling with 'z' instead of 's' and the feminine ending '-a' is particularly common in Polish, Czech, and other Eastern European languages. Jozefa carries the dignified history of the biblical Joseph while offering a distinctly feminine form with Slavic character. The name remains relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries but maintains cultural significance in Eastern Europe. For families with Slavic heritage, Jozefa offers a way to honor cultural roots while providing a strong, meaningful name. Its pronunciation (yo-ZEF-ah) adds a melodic quality that distinguishes it from other Joseph derivatives.
- Nichole
Description:
Nichole is a feminine name, a variant spelling of Nicole, which itself is the French feminine form of Nicholas. The name derives from Greek elements 'nike' meaning 'victory' and 'laos' meaning 'people,' thus conveying 'victory of the people.' This variation with an 'h' became particularly popular in the United States during the 1970s and 1980s, offering a slightly more distinctive spelling than the more traditional Nicole. The name has a soft, feminine sound while maintaining a certain strength in its meaning. Though its peak popularity has passed, Nichole remains recognizable without being overly common. The name's classic roots provide substance, while its familiar sound ensures easy pronunciation and recognition across various cultures.
- Bernarda
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"brave as a bear"Description:
Too close in sound to the so-far-out-it-will-always-be-out Bernard.
- Emilka
Description:
Emilka is a feminine name of Slavic origin, primarily used in Poland, Czech Republic, and other Eastern European countries. It functions as an affectionate diminutive of Emilia or Emily, adding the characteristic Slavic suffix '-ka' which conveys endearment. The root name Emil/Emilia derives from the Latin 'aemulus,' meaning 'rival' or 'eager.' Emilka carries a sweet, youthful quality while remaining suitable for adulthood. Though relatively uncommon outside Slavic-speaking regions, it has gained some international recognition as global naming patterns diversify. The name balances a familiar classic root with a distinctive cultural twist, appealing to parents seeking names with European heritage or those looking for a softer, more diminutive alternative to Emily or Emilia while maintaining their elegant essence.
- Anzhel
Description:
Anzhel is a masculine name primarily found in Eastern European cultures, particularly in Russian and Bulgarian communities. It represents a variation of Angel (Ангел), which derives from the Greek 'angelos' meaning 'messenger.' The distinctive spelling with 'zh' reflects the Cyrillic character 'ж' that produces a sound similar to the 's' in 'measure.' While Angel and its variants have religious connotations in many cultures, referring to heavenly messengers, in Slavic regions Anzhel functions primarily as a given name without strong religious associations. The name remains relatively uncommon in Western countries but has traditional usage in Eastern Europe, offering a distinctive choice that bridges multiple cultural traditions.
- Gretl
Description:
Gretl is a diminutive form of Margaret, used primarily in German-speaking regions, particularly Austria and Bavaria. The name derives from the Greek 'margarites' meaning 'pearl,' with Gretl emerging as an affectionate, familiar version. Most famously associated with the younger sister in the Von Trapp family (portrayed in 'The Sound of Music'), Gretl carries folkloric charm and Alpine cultural associations. The name has a warm, endearing quality with its compact form and distinctive ending. While uncommon outside German-speaking countries, Gretl offers an appealing alternative to the more widely used Gretel or Greta. The name evokes a sense of European heritage and traditional charm, making it attractive to parents seeking a name with cultural specificity and historical character.
- Jolanka
Description:
Jolanka is a feminine name with Eastern European origins, particularly Hungarian. It likely developed as a diminutive or variation of Yolanda, which derives from the medieval French 'Violante,' meaning 'violet flower.' The Hungarian influence gives Jolanka its distinctive sound and structure. While uncommon in English-speaking countries, it has historical usage in Hungary and surrounding regions. The name carries a delicate yet exotic quality, blending floral associations with Eastern European charm. Jolanka offers a unique alternative for parents seeking a name with international roots that remains pronounceable in English. Its rarity makes it distinctive, while its connection to the more familiar Yolanda provides some contextual grounding.
- Rouben
Description:
Rouben is a masculine name primarily used in Armenian culture, though it also appears in French and other European contexts. It's a variant of Reuben, which comes from the Hebrew name רְאוּבֵן (Re'uven), meaning 'behold, a son.' In the Bible, Reuben was the eldest son of Jacob and Leah. The Armenian version Rouben has been used for centuries within Armenian communities worldwide. The name carries historical significance in Armenian culture, with notable bearers including writers, artists, and political figures. While not extremely common globally, Rouben remains a traditional choice in Armenian families and communities, representing cultural heritage while being relatively easy to pronounce across different languages.
- Cyrek
Description:
Cyrek is a masculine name with Slavic roots, particularly found in Polish naming traditions. It likely relates to names like Cyril (derived from Greek Kyrillos, meaning "lordly" or "masterful") but with a distinctively Polish spelling and pronunciation. The name carries an air of strength and heritage, with its crisp consonants and compact structure. Cyrek is very uncommon in English-speaking countries but may have more recognition in Eastern European communities. The unique combination of letters gives this name a strong, distinctive quality while maintaining pronounceability. Parents might choose Cyrek for its connection to Slavic heritage, its contemporary sound, or as an uncommon alternative to the more familiar Cyril. Its rarity makes it a standout choice while still having legitimate historical naming roots.
- Cyryl
Description:
Cyryl is a masculine name with Polish and Slavic origins. It is a variant of Cyril, which derives from the Greek name Kyrillos, meaning "lordly" or "masterful." In Eastern European countries, particularly Poland, Cyryl has maintained its cultural significance. The name honors Saint Cyril, who along with his brother Methodius, created the Cyrillic alphabet and spread Christianity among Slavic peoples. While not extremely common internationally, Cyryl remains a distinctive choice that combines historical gravitas with a melodic sound. In Poland, it is appreciated for its traditional roots while still feeling contemporary.