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Serbia is a country in the Balkan region of Europe and is known for its rich heritage. If you are looking for an unusual foreign name for your baby, check out these Serbian baby names. Serbian names are gaining popularity due to their modern pronunciations and deep meanings. These names are influenced by the country’s traditions and represent the nation’s diversity. A few common Serbian names also include common English names, mostly in their native form, and some are influenced by the names of the neighboring countries. Serbia has many baby names to offer you. Check out a few of them below.
Key Pointers
- Serbian names are deeply influenced by the country’s rich heritage, tradition, and diversity.
- Many Serbian names have unique pronunciations and deep meanings; for example, Miloje means ‘gracious,’ and Vlado means ‘born to rule.’
- Some Serbian names have historical or biblical references, such as David, Andrej (from Andrew), and Matija (from Matthias).
- These names are not only rooted in the Serbian language; some, like Spiridon, Malina, and Aleksandra, have Greek origins.
Culture And Conventions Of Serbian Names
In Serbian culture, children are typically named by parents or godparents, highlighting the importance of family and guardianship. Like other Slavic nations, Serbia also prefers Slavic names for their children, with their first name appearing before their surname in public records.
While Slavic names may be the norm, Serbians also prefer non-Slavic Christian names with Hebrew or Biblical origins, such as Mihailo, Nikola, and Ana. Names from ancient languages like Greek, Latin, and Germanic are also common. Furthermore, Serbian naming culture includes the fascinating concept of protective or apotropaic names, with unique examples like Vuk, Prodan, and Nenad.
30 Serbian Baby Names
Serbian baby names are representative of the country’s values and traditions. If you are of Serbian descent or you wish to honor the ancestors of your spouse, choosing a Serbian name for your child is a respectful gesture. Read on to learn more about some of the best Serbian names.
Serbian Boy Names With Meanings
Serbian baby boy names are unique twists on classic names like Andrej and Matija or are uniquely Serbian in character, like Bogdan and Zivko. No matter your preferences, you’ll find something you like for your son among the following names.
1. Aleksandar
Aleksandar is a Slavic name used in Serbia and Bulgaria, and it is a regional variation of the name Alexander. It means ‘defender of mankind.’ The name is associated with Aleksandar Patric and Aleksandar Mitrovic, both Serbian football players.
2. Andrej
Andrej is a form of the name Andrew. It is one of the most appealing Serbian boy names. The ending ‘Drej’ adds to its overall sophistication, as the name is pronounced as AN-dray. Andrej means ‘manly and strong.’
3. Bogdan
The name Bogdan, pronounced BOG-dan in Serbian, will surely make your kid stand out of the crowd. It comes from the Slavic word bogu, which means ‘God,’ and dan, which means ‘given.’ Therefore, the name means ‘given by God.’ Among contemporaries, Bogdan Bogdanovic is a Serbian professional basketball player who plays in the NBA and represents his country on the Serbian national team.
4. Branko
Branko is a South Slavic name used in Serbia, Croatia, Macedonia, and Slovenia, and it contains the element borna, meaning ‘protection’ or ‘glorious defender.’ This unique name was used as a title in ancient Slavic societies. Branko is also used as a diminutive for names like Branislav and Branimir.
5. David
David is a universal name. It is as popular in Serbia as it is in the United Kingdom, United States, and Russia. The name David comes from a Hebrew baby name, which means ‘beloved.’ David was among the greatest kings of Israel (2). And who can forget his legendary victory over the giant Goliath?
6. Davor
Davor is a unique Slavic name that is believed to have originated from a phrase expressing joy or sorrow. It is also considered to be the name of an old Slavic war god. Some also believe the name originates from the term davoriti, which means ‘to give.’
7. Matija
Matija is the Serbian form of the name Matthias, which means ‘gift of God.’ In the Bible, Matthias was the Apostle who replaced Judas, the traitor (3). The Serbian pronunciation of the name is Ma-ti-ha.
8. Miloje
Miloje, pronounced MEE-loh-yeh, is a Serbian name derived from the Slavic element ‘milu’, which means ‘gracious’ or ‘dear.’ It is a diminutive of the name Milojica. Miloje Milojevic was a famous Serbian piano composer and musicologist (4). This is one of our favorite Serbian boy names.
9. Miroslav
German footballer Miroslav Klose is the most popular name-bearer for the Serbian name Miroslav. The name originates from the Slavic elements miru, which means ‘peace,’ and slava, which means ‘glory.’ It can be pronounced in different ways, MI-ro-slaf in Czech, MEE-raw-slow in Slovak, and myi-ru-SLAF in Russian. Miroslav was also the name of the 10th-century king of Croatia. So it will make a perfect name for your little prince.
10. Neven
Neven is a unique Serbian name meaning ‘marigold’ and is the masculine form of the name Nevena. Neven is also a multicultural name, signifying ‘little saint’ or ‘holy’ in Scottish and ‘little bone’ in Irish.
11. Radomir
Radomir has Slavic roots and is derived from the words radu, meaning ‘happy’ or ‘willing,’ and miru, meaning ‘peace’ or ‘world.’ This name is also associated with a town in Bulgaria and is also the name of a former Serbian defense minister.
12. Radovan
Radovan is another great name you can consider for your baby. It comes from the Slavic element radovati, which means ‘rejoice,’ ‘to gladden,’ or ‘to make happy.’ Hence, the name Radovan means ‘the joyful one’ and is pronounced RA-daw-van or RA-do-van. Among famous people, Radovan Richta was a famous Czech philosopher and sociologist who first proposed the term “scientific-technological revolution” (5).
13. Spiridon
Spiridon is the Serbian form of the Greek name Spyridon. Many Serbian parents like this name. It means ‘basket’ in Greek and ‘spirit’ in Latin. Saint Spyridon, the Bishop of Tremithus in the 4th century, is an important figure in Orthodox Christianity (6).
14. Vlado
If you are looking for a fresh and trendy name for your son, then Vlado should be your choice. Vlado is a short form of the Serbian name Vladimir. It has a musical vibe to it. The name means ‘born to rule’ or ‘famous ruler.’
15. Zivko
Boy names starting with the letter ‘Z’ sound glamorous, don’t you think? We like the kind of ring or zing a ‘Z’ sound has. Zivko sounds perfect. It is a South Slavic word that means ‘living’ or ‘alive.’ Pronounced ZIHV-koh, it surely represents your zest for life.
Did you know?Serbian Girl Names With Meanings
Serbian baby girl names are quite versatile, ranging from longer names like Aleksandra and Katarina to short and cute names such as Anja and Jana. Depending on the level of complexity you like, you can find some of the best names for your daughter on this list.
16. Aleksandra
Aleksandra is the Serbian variant of the ever-popular name Alexandra. It is the feminine form of Alexander or, in the Serbian sense, Aleksandar. It is a classic name, so you can safely consider it for your baby without thinking that it will sound old-fashioned. This elegant name has a chic aura despite its popularity. If you want a shorter version, then you can go for Aleksa or Sandra. The name is also shared by Russian chess player Aleksandra Goryachinka, who holds the title of Grandmaster.
17. Anja
Pronounced AN-ya in Serbian, Anja is one of the most alluring variations of the name Ann/Anna. It means ‘grace.’ The name Anja is common in several European countries, not just Serbia.
18. Biljana
A feminine South Slavic name, Biljana comes from the elements bily, meaning ‘white’ or ‘fair,’ and jana, which relates it to ‘medicinal herbs.’ Biljana is pronounced BEEL-yah-na, and it is also the name of a settlement in Slovenia, close to Italy.
19. Dajana
The name Dajana may seem unfamiliar to English speakers, but it comes from a familiar name. Dajana is the Serbian variant of the Latin-origin English name Diana, meaning ‘divine’ or ‘goddesslike.’ When pronounced, it sounds like its English counterpart DA-ya-na.
20. Draga
Draga is the feminine form of the Slavic name Drago, but unfortunately, it has nothing to do with dragons. However, it has quite an endearing meaning. Draga comes from the Slavic word dorgu, which means ‘precious,’ ‘beloved,’ or ‘dear,’ a name that conveys affection and warmth.
21. Hana
Hana is a variation of the name Hannah. We feel Hana is striking and different. Hana means many things to many people. This name means ‘favor’ or ‘to be gracious.’ Some consider Hana as the short form of Johanna.
22. Jana
Jana is a feminine version of the name Jan, which is derived from Johanna, meaning ‘God is gracious.’ It is also another Serbian variant of Ann, meaning ‘grace.’ This cross-cultural name is famous not just in Serbia, but also in Holland, Ireland, and Scandinavia. You have to pronounce Jana as Yah-nah or Jan-ah.
23. Katarina
Katarina is the Serbian version of Katherine. It sounds extremely pleasing to the ears. If Katarina is too ordinary for you, then you can consider the unusual Bulgarian form, Ekaterina. The name is pronounced ka-ta-REE-na and means ‘pure.’
Trivia24. Malina
Malina is a sweet-sounding name for your little sweetheart. It means ‘raspberries,’ referring to the fruit. The name is also a feminization of Malcolm or a variation of the Greek name Melina. Malina, pronounced ma-LEE-na, is popular in Serbia.
25. Maja
Maja is undoubtedly an intriguing Serbian name for your angel. You have to pronounce it as MA-ya. The name relates to Goya’s painting The Naked Maja (7). The meaning of Maja is ‘the good mother,’ as it originates from the Greek mythological name Maia. Maja is also the Serbian form of Maria or Mary, meaning ‘beloved’ and ‘wished-for child.’
26. Milena
Milena sounds a lot like Malina but has a different meaning. The meaning of Milena is ‘love, warmth, grace.’ The name has a continental appeal to it. Did you know that Milena is the short form of the famous actor Mila Kunis? Mila will make a lovely nickname for this name.
Did you know?27. Petra
Petra is an impressive Serbian name with a Slavic feel to it. It is a feminine form of the name Peter. This is one of the best Serbian girl names that relates to the ancient city of Jordan. Supermodel and international disaster relief activist Petra Nemcova and Czech tennis star Petra Kvitova are some famous bearers of the name. Petra means ‘stone.’
28. Stanislava
The feminine version of the name Stanislav, Stanislava contains the Slavic elements stati, meaning ‘stand’ or ‘become,’ and slava, meaning ‘glory.’ Besides Serbians, the name is commonly used by Croatians, Bulgarians, Slovenes, Russians, Ukrainians, and Czechs. Stanislava Pesic was a well-known Serbian actress.
29. Stojanka
Stojanka is a Serbian feminine name of Bulgarian origin. It comes from the Bulgarian name Stoyan, with the element stoya, meaning ‘to stand’ or ‘to stay.’ The name is pronounced as STOH-yan-ka.
30. Teodora
Teodora is an attractive Serbian name. And it has an equally attractive nickname. We feel Teodora has more phonic appeal than its English form Theodora. The nicknames you can consider for Teodora include Dory, Dora, and Teo. Teodora means ‘gift of God,’ and it is pronounced as teh-aw-DAW-ra or teh-o-DO-ra.
Discover More Names
When you have to choose a name for your baby, a few hundreds of names may not be just enough. Keep digging our mine of baby names until you find that one precious gem.
Illustration: Top 20 Popular Serbian Baby Names For Boys And Girls
Image: Stable Diffusion/MomJunction Design Team
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What traditional elements influence Serbian baby names?
The traditional factors that impact Serbian baby names are Serbia’s history, religion, society, and geography. Various names in Serbia also have Slavic roots and are inspired by nature, wildlife, and occupations. Some other Serbian names have Greek, Latin, or Turkish origins.
2. How have Serbian baby names evolved over time?
As societal trends, cultural beliefs, and historical events changed over time, so did Serbian baby names. Media, traveling, and international marriages have also significantly changed naming traditions over time.
3. How are Serbian baby names different from other Slavic cultures?
Serbian baby names have a lot in common with those from other Slavic nations like Russia, Poland, and Ukraine. However, using both Slavic and non-Slavic aspects, the focus on regional and religious variations, and the unique pronunciation and spelling practices can make Serbian names different from other Slavic cultures.
4. What are some unique Serbian names for boys and girls?
Some of the most distinctive Serbian baby names for boys are Biserko (‘pearly’), Jorgovan (‘lilac’), and Zeka (‘bunny’). For girls, some unusual and rare names are Duga (‘rainbow’), Pobeda (‘victory’), and Lutka (‘doll’).
Nowadays, parents are fascinated with names that have deep meanings and unique pronunciations. When deciding how to choose a baby name, many parents also emphasize that their children’s names should be influenced by a place’s rich culture and tradition. If this is the case, you would appreciate the list of Serbian baby names given above. These names are unfamiliar and have their origin in Serbia or the neighboring nations. Explore the list and go through the meanings of the names. Choose the one that suits your preference and goes well with your baby’s personality.
Infographic: Serbian Baby Names For Boys And Girls
The Serbian heritage and culture are rich and hold deep meanings. Thus, if you are in search of names that are unusual yet meaningful, we have the right list for you. The following infographic has a few names inspired by Serbian culture. Do give them a read and make your choice accordingly. Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
References
- A guide to names and naming practices.
https://www.fbiic.gov/public/2008/nov/Naming_practice_guide_UK_2006.pdf - The Story of King David in the Bible.
https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/520477/jewish/The-Story-of-King-David-in-the-Bible.htm - Matthias.
https://classic.net.bible.org/dictionary.php?word=Matthias - Musicians and Artists: Milojević and Degas.
https://interlude.hk/musicians-and-artists-milojevic-and-degas-kameje-cameos/ - Radovan Richta.
https://monoskop.org/Radovan_Richta - Saint Spyridon the Wonderworker, Bishop of Tremithus.
https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2022/12/12/103526-saint-spyridon-the-wonderworker-bishop-of-tremithus - The Naked Maja.
https://www.museodelprado.es/en/the-collection/art-work/the-naked-maja/65953b93-323e-48fe-98cb-9d4b15852b18
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