199 Lovely Bulgarian Girl Names

From, Rositsa and Elitsa, to Zornitsa, a myriad of options from the Black Sea coast.

Written by Praggya Joshi, MA, BEd Specialty: Child education & activitiesExperience: 2 years

Praggya Joshi holds a bachelor's degree in Education and a master's in Ancient Indian History from University of Delhi. She has a robust knowledge of literature, society, and ethics. Praggya has been a content writer since 2021, researching and writing on education, health and wellness, and travel.

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Last Updated on Nov 13, 2024

Illustration: MomJunction Design Team

Bulgaria, located in Southeast Europe, has deep historical roots steeped in ancient traditions. As a result, Bulgarian girl names or boy names often date back centuries, linking them to the country's historical figures, folklore, and even its picturesque landscapes. Religion has also played a vital role in shaping Bulgarian names (1). Christianity, particularly Eastern Orthodoxy, is deeply ingrained in Bulgarian culture. Because of this, many names have a religious significance, like Meglena, derived from the biblical Magdalene, or Iliya, the feminine form of Hebrew Elijah. Bulgarian baby names also showcase a distinct gender-specific naming convention integral to the culture. Male names commonly end with -ov, -ev, -ski, or -sky, while female names end with -ova, -eva, -ska, or -ina. This naming custom aids in identifying the gender of the name bearer (2). Traditionally, children were named after older relatives to honor and preserve their family legacy. However, this practice is no longer obligatory in modern times. Instead, other naming customs have emerged, such as naming a child after the parents' best man or maid of honor or the saint whose name day coincides with the child's birth. Bulgarian names have their roots in Slavic, Greek, Latin, or Hebrew cultures, often reflecting the Christian faith. The names might describe a person's appearance or character, convey a wish, or even trace back to pre-Christian conjuring rituals meant to ward off evil spirits. Additionally, some Bulgarian names can be traced back to Thracian origins. Since the Bulgarian National Revival and the Liberation of Bulgaria in 1878, the names of successful medieval Bulgarian rulers have gained popularity. Whether you are drawn to traditional, mythological, or modern names, Bulgarian baby names offer many choices, each reflecting the country's enduring spirit and heritage. Join us on this journey of discovering Bulgarian baby names as we celebrate the beauty of language, culture, and the love that goes into giving a child a name that will accompany them throughout their life.

Name	Gender	Meaning
Mila	Girl	Gracious; Dear; Soldier; Miracles
Valentina	Girl	Strong; Vigourous; Healthy
Vera	Girl	Faith; Summer; Valor; Foreign
Nina	Girl	Fire; Fish; Ancient city of Nineveh; Little girl; God is gracious; Strong
Nadia	Girl	Hope; Moist; Tender; Delicate
Rosa	Girl	Rose; Dew
Rayna	Girl	Queen; Happy; Willing; Clean; Pure
Milena	Girl	Gracious; Dear
Zora	Girl	Dawn; Aurora; Hornet; Strength
Violeta	Girl	Violet; The violet flower

Lilyana	Girl	From the flower name Lily; My God is an oath; Purity
Iliana	Girl	From Ilium or Troy; God is Yahweh
Zoya	Girl	Life; To breath; To live
Ivana	Girl	Yahweh is gracious
Katerina	Girl	Pure; Clean; Clear; Each of the two
Evelina	Girl	Life; Breathe; Hazelnut
Kristina	Girl	Christian; Follower of the Christ; Anointed
Petra	Girl	Rock; Stone
Asia	Girl	East; Yahweh is gracious; Resurrection; Defending men
Kalina	Girl	Flower; Viburnum tree

Mariela	Girl	Sea of bitterness; Rebellious; Wished for child
Yuliana	Girl	Downy bearded
Marin	Girl	Of the sea
Iva	Girl	God is gracious; Willow tree; Yew
Danae	Girl	Mother of Perseus
Malina	Girl	Soothing; Disciple of St. Columba; Raspberry; Small
Irina	Girl	Peace
Margarita	Girl	Pearl; Daisy
Yana	Unisex	God is gracious; Doer of good deeds
Ivanka	Girl	God is gracious

Raeya	Girl	Singer; Ray of sunshine; Queen; Happy; Friend; Perfume
Vania	Unisex	God is gracious
Illiana	Girl	Yahweh is my God
Ilyana	Girl	Sun ray; Kindness; Gentleness; My God is Yahweh
Aleksandra	Girl	Defender of mankind
Sofiya	Girl	Wisdom
Eleana	Girl	My God is Yahweh; God answered my prayer; Light
Mariya	Girl	Greatly loved; Sea of bitterness
Tanya	Girl	Fairy queen; Honorable
Simona	Girl	Hearing; Listening

Nadya	Girl	Hope; Moist; Tender; Delicate
Reigna	Girl	Queen; Happy; Strong counsel; Spiritual purity; Night
Galia	Girl	Wave; Wave from God; Calm
Kaleena	Girl	Each of the two; Pure; Viburnum tree
Irena	Girl	Peace
Asya	Girl	Resurrection; Defending men; Asia; East
Nataliya	Girl	Christmas day
Yulianna	Girl	Downy-bearded
Svetlana	Girl	Light; World
Anastasiya	Girl	Resurrection

Roza	Girl	Rose; Fame
Teya	Unisex	God's gift
Neeko	Unisex	Sound; Child; Rather; Radical; Sunday; Grace;
Zlata	Girl	Golden
Adelena	Girl	Noble; Of a noble kind
Ekaterina	Girl	Pure; Each of the two; Immaculate
Elka	Girl	God has purchased
Darina	Girl	Wonderful gift from God; Fruitful; To possess
Liliya	Girl	Lily; Purity
Siyana	Girl	Glow; Shine; Light; Silver

Anelia	Girl	Favor; Grace; Angel
Tatyana	Girl	Fairy queen
Neda	Girl	Sunday; Call; Proclaim
Nikolina	Girl	One who achieves victory for people
Yoana	Unisex	Yahweh is gracious
Stela	Girl	Star
Siahna	Girl	Glow; Gentle light; Radiance; Silver
Galina	Girl	Calm; Serenity
Ilina	Girl	My God is Yahweh
Nikol	Unisex	Victorious; People's victory

Milka	Girl	Gracious; Dear; Rival
Katina	Girl	Pure; Clear; Innocent; Flawless
Raaya	Girl	Royalty; Queen; Happy; Willing; Hero; Warrior; Period; Perfume; Friend
Janita	Girl	God's grace; Coming into life; Commenced
Marka	Girl	Mars; God of war; Male; Warlike; Pearl
Yasna	Unisex	Prayer; Worship; Supplication; White rose; Clearly; Obviously
Mihaela	Girl	Who is like God
Deni	Girl	Morning star; Venus
Diyana	Girl	Divine; Goddess-like; Generous; Benevolent
Francheska	Girl	Frenchman; Frenchwoman

Kristiana	Girl	Christian; A follower of Christ
Nadezhda	Girl	Hope
Rada	Girl	Happy; willing
Deliana	Girl	Business; Work; Of Delos
Galena	Girl	Calm; Peaceful; Healer
Iliya	Girl	My God is Yahweh
Evgenia	Girl	Well born
Emiliya	Girl	Rival; Eager
Katiya	Girl	Perfect; Pure; Clear
Hristina	Girl	A Christian

Mita	Girl	The dearest friend; Companion; Earth mother; Three rice paddies
Zarena	Girl	Golden; Female monarch
Aneta	Girl	God was gracious; God has shown favor; Grace
Jenia	Unisex	Noble; Well-born
Nica	Unisex	Victory of the people; True image; Advisor; Bringing victory
Viara	Girl	Faith; Truth
Ioana	Girl	Yahweh is gracious
Ivan	Girl	Yahweh is gracious
Ivet	Girl	Bulgarian form of Yvette, Archer
Deyana	Girl	Deed; Action; To do

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Bulgarian baby girl names are a beautiful reflection of the country's rich cultural heritage and traditions. Each name holds unique meanings and historical significance, whether of Slavic, Greek, Latin, or Hebrew origin. Bulgarian naming customs have evolved from honoring family legacies to celebrating saints' name days, embracing tradition and modernity. Embracing Bulgarian baby girl names is a way to honor the past and celebrate your identity and pride in your culture.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the Bulgarian name for Sofia?

The Bulgarian name for Sofia is София or Sofiya. It is also the name of Bulgaria's capital which lies near the middle of the Balkans region. Bulgarians stress 'o' while speaking this place's name. The feminine name Sofia is spoken by Bulgarians while stressing the letter' i.'

2. What is the Bulgarian version of Emily?

Emilia and Emiliya are the Bulgarian versions of the feminine name Emily. In German, English, Finnish, and Danish, Emilia is also used for Emily.

3. What is the Bulgarian version of Katherine?

Katerina or Ekaterina are the most common versions of Katherine in Bulgarian. It is also the Macedonian and Albanian versions of Katherine. Ekaterina is also a Russian transcription of Yekaterina.

4. How do Bulgarian baby girl names compare to other Slavic or Eastern European naming traditions?

The Bulgarian naming system is similar to Slavik and Eastern European. Bulgarian names are composed of a given name, which is followed by a patronymic or surname. It's usually omitted when you refer to someone. Lastly, there's a family name. Traditionally, the Bulgarian personal names are either of Slavic roots or Greek. Bulgarian names of Latin and Hebrew origin, such as Petar, Maria, Ivan, Teodora, and Geofi, reflect Christian faith.

5. What are some famous Bulgarian women who have influenced the popularity of certain baby girl names?

Some famous Bulgarian women who may have influenced the popularity of some girl names include Ivanka Khristova, a Bulgarian shot putter who received a gold medal at the 1976 Golden Olympics. Valya Balkanska is another famous folklore singer. Her song, 'Izlel e Delyu Haydutin,' became a part of the Voyager Space Odyssey in 1977. Yet another famous Bulgarian woman is Lily Ivanova, who has been the face of Bulgarian pop music for over five decades and has given more than 10,000 stage performances.

Infographic: Enchanting Bulgarian Baby Girl Names With Meanings

Embrace the fascinating world of Bulgarian baby girl names, where each name is a tribute to heritage and a beautiful choice for any little girl's future. Whether you prefer traditional or modern names, the rich cultural tapestry of Bulgaria ensures that every option is timeless. So, check out the infographic below and pick your favorite Bulgarian name for your daughter.

charming bulgarian names for your sweet little girl (infographic)

References

MomJunction's articles are written after analyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. Our references consist of resources established by authorities in their respective fields. You can learn more about the authenticity of the information we present in our editorial policy.

From Traditional to Official Religion: The Legal Status of the Official Religion: The Legal Status of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church after 2019.
https://digitalcommons.georgefox.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2188&context=ree
A Guide to Names and Naming Practices.
https://www.fbiic.gov/public/2008/nov/Naming_practice_guide_UK_2006.pdf

Look Up For Many More Names

Do you have a name in mind and want to know more about it? Or want to find names belonging to a particular origin, religion, or having a specific meaning? Use our search tool below to explore more baby names with different combinations.