Slavic Names for Girls

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.

This simplified spelling is a bit too polyester, though this is also the authentic Slavic version of an Old Testament name that's being rediscovered.

This diminutive of Valeria has a strong and striking sound to match its meaning. It has also been used in Brazil in recent decades.

Tesla, the surname of Serbian inventor Nikola Tesla that has more recently been used as the brand name for an electric car, is gaining some use as a first name for girls. Exactly 100 girls were named Tesla in the U.S. last year. You might think of the name as a Tessa/Isla hybrid, though with Tesla the s is not silent. There was also a rock band named Tesla.

A rarely used Slavic name until the Czech-born ex-Mrs. Trump took it over the top. Daughter's name Ivanka adds a dollop of charm.

Zvezda, which means star in several Slavic languages, is a traditional established name in Eastern Europe and Russia. While names with celestial meanings have an intrinsic appeal, that initial Zv may be difficult for English speakers to wrap their tongues around.

In Slavic myth, this name belonged to the water priestess and protector of warriors.

Both a first and last name, Zorina has a pretty, ballerina-like quality.

This international variation was publicized by Olympic skater Ekaterina Gordeeva.

If it's possible for a name to be too musical, this one is.

Remember Zuzu, the adorable little girl you watch every Christmas in "It's a Wonderful Life"? Here's a direct path to that nickname, a lot more zesty than the more familiar Susannah.

Fanya might make an international and unusual short form for the classic Frances, or could stand as a full name on its own. Definitely classier than Tanya but with the same Eastern European flavor.

A Slavic variation of Helen that might make an unusual update of that classic name.

See ZOE.

The first bride on "Who Wants to Marry a Millionaire." -- not the classiest of names.

Like cousin Ludmila, a Russian name rarely heard in this country.

Lada is the Slavic goddess of youth, merriment, beauty and fertility, usually associated with spring. Her name is referenced in wedding and folk songs in Eastern Europe, but largely unknown in the West.

Feodora is an interesting choice for the intrepid name giver, especially with its dynamic nickname, Feo (pronounced FAY-oh).