Eastern European Names

More often spelled VERENA, this name is attached to a third century Swiss saint. But the "virtue" name VERITY, is more appealing and comes more directly to the point.

A pretty international form of Helena used in many Slavic languages, also sometimes spelled Yelena.

Unisex name in Israel, ideal for a Hanukkah baby.

The most famous Vlad was nicknamed "the Impaler." Enough said.

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.

Actress Hargitay made us notice this one, it makes a robust, energetic Slavic impression.

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.

This name of a supermodel from Ukraine is not one of those Eastern European choices that translate easily or attractively.

Saint Savina of Milan gave comfort to prisoners. Her name is a variation of the Latin Sabina, which refers to the Sabine people. Not completely unknown in the US, there were 25 baby girls named Savina last year, and fewer than 100 called Sabina. Savina and Sabina will inevitably be confused with Sabrina, which is much more popular.

This form of Irina supersedes the original in its native country.

Damek, which you might think of as Adam with a Slavic accent, considerably freshens up the original.

Commonly heard in its native country, and might get a boost here too, now that Alanis Morrissette has used it for her son Ever's middle name.

Cristina is one case where the streamlined version feels more alluring.

To most Americans, Jena would be a sleeker spelling of Jenna, pronounced JEHN-a. But it can also be pronounced JEEN-a or, as the Arabic Jena, more like JAY-na. Actress Jena Malone says it the first way, but however you pronounce it, it's a perfectly pleasant if somewhat confusing name.

Your little Pasha will rule the roost. In Russia, Pasha is traditionally given to a boy born on Good Friday.

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.

Pavel may be widespread in the former Soviet Union, but it has a somewhat impoverished image here.

Popular Russian name, familiar here via author Svetlana Stalin, the dictator's daughter.