Eastern European Names

Tanya with a G.

This common Russian name has a somewhat effete pencil-thin-moustached image here.

Philippine would be taken as an ethnic identification rather than a name in the U.S. Better try Philippa, though if you don't mind eternally correcting people, Philippine can make an interesting alternative. Pippa can be a short form of Philippine as well as Philippa.

One of the few Czech names that seems accessible here.

Unlike Pamela and Melanie, Mela feels fresh and unusual.

Hungarian form of Ambrose

For such a short, simple name, Pela has many possible derivations and meanings. It's most commonly cited as a short form of Penelope, but can also be a nickname for Pelagia, a name related to the sea.

In Eastern Europe, more fashionable these days than Vladimir.

Could be used to honor a Joel.

This very popular Armenian name represents a grandson of Noah, considered the father of the Armenian nation.

Makes Jane anything but plain.

Attractive attenuated form of the popular Christopher, well used throughout Europe, appearing as Christophe in France and Christoph in Germany.