Slavic Names for Girls
- Aleena
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"soft, delicate"Description:
A twist on Alina or Alena, this name popped into the Top 500 for the first time in 2014. Also an Arabic name, meaning "soft, pliable, delicate".
- Ester
Origin:
Variation of EstherMeaning:
"star"Description:
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.
- Valeska
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"strong"Description:
This diminutive of Valeria has a strong and striking sound to match its meaning. It has also been used in Brazil in recent decades.
- Marcelina
- Tesla
Origin:
SlavicMeaning:
"from Thessaly"Description:
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.
- Zvezda
Origin:
Slavic, RussianMeaning:
"star"Description:
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.
- Ivana
Origin:
Feminine variation of IvanDescription:
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.
- Zorina
Origin:
SlavicMeaning:
"golden dawn"Description:
Both a first and last name, Zorina has a pretty, ballerina-like quality.
- Zarya
Origin:
Slavic mythology nameDescription:
In Slavic myth, this name belonged to the water priestess and protector of warriors.
- Lala
Origin:
SlavicMeaning:
"laurel"Description:
If it's possible for a name to be too musical, this one is.
- Ekaterina
Origin:
Russian; Macedonian; Bulgarian, variation of CatherineMeaning:
"pure"Description:
This international variation was publicized by Olympic skater Ekaterina Gordeeva.
- Zuzanna
Origin:
Slavic variation of SusannahMeaning:
"lily"Description:
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
Origin:
Slavic and Russian diminutive of FrancesMeaning:
"from France; free man"Description:
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.
- Elya
Origin:
Slavic form of HelenDescription:
A Slavic variation of Helen that might make an unusual update of that classic name.
- Zoia
Origin:
Slavic variation of ZoeDescription:
See ZOE.
- Radmila
Origin:
SlavicMeaning:
"industrious for the people"Description:
Like cousin Ludmila, a Russian name rarely heard in this country.
- Lada
Origin:
SlavicDescription:
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.
- Darva
Origin:
SlavicMeaning:
"honeybee"Description:
The first bride on "Who Wants to Marry a Millionaire." -- not the classiest of names.
- Feodora
Origin:
Ukrainian; Russian, from GreekMeaning:
"gift of God"Description:
Feodora is an interesting choice for the intrepid name-giver, especially with the dynamic nickname Feo.
- Luci