Ukrainian Baby Names
Discover the Cultural Diversity of Ukraine through its Baby Names
If you're looking for a name that feels strong, meaningful, and steeped in culture, Ukrainian baby names might be the perfect place to start. Rooted in centuries of history, spirituality, and family values, Ukrainian names carry both poetic beauty and deep symbolism.
Whether you’re honoring your heritage or simply drawn to the elegance of Eastern European names, Ukrainian names offer an extraordinary variety, from traditional saints’ names to nature-inspired modern names. They are powerful and rich in meaning.
Ukraine is a country of resilience and spirit. And like the people of Ukraine, the names are bold, heartfelt, and unforgettable. Many names have Slavic roots, while others have Greek or Latin origins brought through Christianity. These names often reflect virtues, gifts from God, or natural beauty.
Ukrainian names usually come with a clear meaning and are often chosen based on the name day calendar, where each day of the year corresponds with a saint. It’s common in Ukraine to celebrate both your birthday and your name day (“imenyny”), making a name feel even more personal and sacred.
Most Common Baby Names in Ukraine 2026
Baby Girl
Baby Boy
1. Kateryna
2. Olena
3. Yuliya
4. Daryna
5. Natalka
6. Iryna
7. Sofiya
8. Viktoriya
9. Mariya
10. Halyna
1. Andriy
2. Danylo
3. Ivan
4. Maksym
5. Taras
6. Yuriy
7. Bohdan
8. Artem
9. Oleksandr
10. Pavlo
Modern Baby Name Trends in Ukraine
In a country shaped by centuries of tradition and now standing proudly in global conversation, baby naming in Ukraine is experiencing a quiet revolution. While classic names tied to saints, poets, and folklore remain deeply beloved, a new generation of Ukrainian parents is embracing names that reflect national pride, modern values, and international openness.
Cultural Pride and National Revival: Back to the Roots
Since Ukraine’s independence, and especially in recent years, there has been a strong revival of traditional Ukrainian names. Many parents are now choosing to reclaim native spellings, historic names, and names tied to Ukrainian identity, rejecting Soviet-influenced or Russified variants of the past.
For example:
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Mykola instead of Nikolai
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Oleksiy instead of Alexei
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Lesya (a nod to the poet Lesya Ukrainka) is gaining new love
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Lev is on the rise; it is short and strong, meaning “lion”
Choosing these names is often seen as a quiet act of resistance and a bold expression of pride in Ukraine’s language, history, and resilience.
Global Sound, Ukrainian Soul: A New Naming Balance
While many parents are reconnecting with traditional Ukrainian roots, others are opting for names that balance local heritage with global ease. These names tend to be short, phonetically simple, and easy to pronounce internationally, perfect for families envisioning their children as global citizens.
Examples of trendy modern names in this style:
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Girls: Mila, Eva, Daria, Alina
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Boys: Maxym, Leo, Illya, Mark
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Unisex: Sasha, Jeniya, Alyosha, Vaniya
These names are appealing for their lightness and flexibility, and for feeling both modern and meaningful. In urban areas like Kyiv, Lviv, and Odesa, this balance between international fluency and Ukrainian identity is especially popular
Name Days and Spiritual Meaning: Keeping Tradition Alive
Despite all the modern shifts, one tradition still holds strong: name days, or "imenyny". In Ukraine, many children are named after saints whose feast day falls near their birthday. This Orthodox (and sometimes Catholic) tradition keeps spiritual meaning at the heart of many names.
Classic names tied to religion and meaning include:
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Danylo ("God is my judge")
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Iryna ("peace")
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Bohdan ("given by God")
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Lyubov ("love")
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Vira (faith")
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Nadiya ("hope")
These names not only carry deep meaning but are often passed down through generations, a reminder that even in times of change, spiritual and family roots remain strong.
Short Forms of the Names
In Ukraine, it’s common for every formal name to have an affectionate or everyday short form, often used by family and friends. These short forms are filled with warmth and familiarity, and they add a charming personal touch to traditional names. Whether used at home, in school, or among close friends, these diminutives are a key part of Ukrainian naming culture. Below are some of the most popular names for girls and boys in Ukraine, along with the short forms you'll hear in everyday life.
Most Popular Ukrainian Baby Names and Their Short Forms
Baby Girl
1. Yaroslava - Yasya
2. Alina - Alya, Lina
3. Daryna - Dasha, Dara
4. Mariya - Masha
5. Anastasiya - Nastya
6. Kateryna - Katya
7. Viktoriya - Vika
8. Iryna - Ira
9. Oleksandra - Sasha
10. Tatiana - Tanya
Baby Boy
1. Dmytro - Dima
2. Danylo - Danya
3. Ivan - Vanya
4. Maksym - Maks
5. Yevhen - Zhenya
6. Borys - Borya
7. Bohdan - Bodya
8. Volodymyr - Vova
9. Vladyslav - Vlad
10. Mykhailo - Misha
Faith, Family, and Meaning: The Foundations of Baby Naming in Ukraine
Orthodox Traditions and Saints’ Names: A Spiritual Legacy
In Ukraine, names are more than just labels, they are blessings, prayers, and connections to generations past. With deep roots in Orthodox Christianity, Ukrainian baby naming traditions often reflect a desire for spiritual guidance, moral strength, and divine protection.
Many of the most beloved names in Ukraine are inspired by saints and biblical figures. Names such as Ivan (John), Maria, Danylo (Daniel), Iryna (Irene), and Mykhailo (Michael) carry centuries of spiritual significance and are frequently chosen to honor religious icons and offer protection over the child’s life.
A cherished Ukrainian tradition is to name a child after the saint whose feast day is closest to the baby’s birthday. Known as imenyny (name day), this custom creates a lifelong link between the child and their patron saint. The name day is celebrated annually, often with the same joy and importance as a birthday.
For example:
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A girl born around September 8 might be named Maria, in honor of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary.
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A boy born near November 21 might be named Mykhailo, after the Archangel Michael, protector of Kyiv and spiritual guardian of Ukraine.
Even in secular families or urban areas, Orthodox names remain strong. Whether for spiritual reasons, family continuity, or cultural pride, these names continue to unite modern identity with deep faith.
Honoring Family Through Names
Family is at the heart of Ukrainian culture, and naming a child is often a way of paying tribute to loved ones, especially grandparents. It is common for a child to be named after a grandparent or great-grandparent, maintaining the continuity of memory.
This tradition holds special weight when it comes to honoring those who have passed; naming a child after a deceased relative is considered a way to carry their soul and strength forward.
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A boy might be named Petro, like his grandfather.
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A girl might receive the name Olha or Kateryna, like her grandmother.
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In some families, the middle name or patronymic (e.g., Ivanovych, “son of Ivan”) serves to cement this generational link.
Naming is often a family decision; grandparents are consulted, and it’s not unusual for families to debate name choices until a consensus that honors both tradition and modern tastes is reached.
Compound Names and Middle Names: A Layered Identity
While compound first names are less common in Ukraine, names are often made fuller and more meaningful through patronymics and middle names. In formal settings, it’s traditional to refer to someone using first name + patronymic, showing respect and acknowledgment of the father’s name.
Examples:
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Danylo Ivanovych (Danylo, son of Ivan)
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Svitlana Petrovna (Svitlana, daughter of Petro)
This format is widely used in schools, official documents, and professional communication, adding a layer of identity and family continuity to the name.
Traditional Ukrainian Baby Names
Baby Girl
1. Nina
2. Tetiana
3. Svitlana
4. Larysa
5. Zinaida
6. Oksana
7. Luydmyla
8. Vasylyna
9. Hrystyna
10. Ulyana
1. Vasyl
2. Stepan
3. Hryhoriy
4. Volodymyr
5. Pavlo
6. Roman
7. Arkadiy
8. Ostap
9. Yevhen
10. Mykyta
Baby Boy
Regional Differences in Baby Names Across Ukraine
Ukraine is a country of deep cultural richness and strong regional identity. From the historic heartland of Kyiv to the Carpathian Mountains, the cosmopolitan streets of Odesa, and the rural villages of Poltava, each region brings its own flavor, values, and traditions to the naming of children.
These regional differences reflect Ukraine’s Orthodox Christian heritage, rural and urban contrasts, language diversity, and a growing sense of national revival and cultural pride.
Western Ukraine: Heritage, Patriotism, and Revival of Old Names
In Western Ukraine - particularly in regions like Lviv, Ivano-Frankivsk, and Ternopil - baby names are strongly influenced by Ukrainian nationalism, religious devotion, and a revival of traditional names. These areas have long been bastions of Ukrainian language and identity.
Many parents here choose names that are deeply rooted in history, Orthodox or Greek Catholic, and often tied to local saints, poets, or national figures.
Popular girl names: Kateryna, Solomiya, Vasylyna, Lesya
Popular boy names: Taras, Yaroslav, Bohdan, Mykhailo
Families in this region also show a strong preference for Ukrainian spellings (e.g., Oleksandr instead of Alexander), and often avoid Russianized versions. Naming here is an act of cultural preservation and pride.
Central Ukraine and Kyiv: Tradition Meets Modernity
In central Ukraine, especially in and around Kyiv, the capital, baby naming strikes a balance between religious tradition, family honor, and modern trends. Parents here often choose names that are classic but updated, mixing traditional roots with a more urban, international outlook.
Popular girl names: Alina, Daryna, Liliya, Mariya
Popular boy names: Danylo, Andriy, Artem, Pavlo
Kyiv is a melting pot, drawing families from across the country. Here, it’s common to see children named after grandparents, but with fresh modern variants or paired with short, sleek middle names to reflect a global generation.
Eastern Ukraine: Orthodox Tradition and Classic Favorites
In eastern cities like Kharkiv, Dnipro, and the surrounding regions, baby naming is still heavily influenced by Orthodox Christianity, with many families following the tradition of naming children after the saint whose feast day falls near birth.
Names here tend to be timeless, formal, and rooted in religious texts or local customs, often reflecting a mix of Ukrainian and pan-Slavic influences.
Popular girl names: Iryna, Olha, Tetyana, Nataliya
Popular boy names: Ivan, Stepan, Serhiy, Volodymyr
While Soviet-era names once dominated, many families are now returning to pre-Soviet, church-sanctioned names, especially those that appear on Orthodox calendars
Southern Ukraine and Odesa: Multi-Ethnic Influence and Global Sound
The South, especially the city of Odesa and coastal regions like Mykolaiv and Kherson, is known for its multicultural history and cosmopolitan charm. Here, baby names often reflect Greek, Jewish, Bulgarian, and Romanian influences, alongside Ukrainian and global trends.
Popular girl names: Eva, Elina, Zhanna, Inna
Popular boy names: Leonid, Mark, Roman, Timur
Odesa’s naming culture is particularly rich in literary and artistic flair. Parents here often choose names that are short, internationally pronounceable, or inspired by classical music, literature, and the arts. It’s a region where style meets substance in naming.
Northern Ukraine and Polesia: Simplicity and Spiritual Meaning
In northern regions such as Zhytomyr, Chernihiv, and Sumy, naming customs tend to be traditional, spiritual, and practical. These regions are more rural and conservative, with families placing high value on moral meaning, saintly protection, and family ties.
Names are often handed down through generations, and babies are commonly named after grandparents or based on Orthodox calendars.
Popular girl names: Nadiya, Hrystyna, Nina, Zinaida
Popular boy names: Vasyl, Hryhoriy, Petro, Yakiv
These names carry a sense of continuity, identity, and religious devotion, and reflect a quiet strength rooted in faith and community life.
Carpathian and Hutsul Regions: Folk Traditions and Nature-Inspired Names
In Ukraine’s southwest - the Carpathian Mountains and Hutsul regions - naming is closely tied to folk tradition, nature, and oral storytelling. While many names are traditional, you’ll also find rare, regional names with unique phonetics and poetic charm.
Parents may choose names that reflect the mountain landscape, seasonal events, or symbolic meanings tied to old legends and rural beliefs.
Popular girl names: Bohdana, Ulyana, Yaroslava, Kalyna
Popular boy names: Vasylko, Ostap, Dmytro, Nazar
These names are part of a living folklore, where every name tells a story and connects the child to their land, ancestors, and nature.
Ancient Ukrainian Baby Names
Baby Girl
1. Dobroslava
2. Lyubava
3. Milena
4. Predslava
5. Yevpraxia
6. Bozhena
7. Zvenyslava
8. Radoslava
9. Lada
10. Yaroslava
1. Stanislav
2. Vladyslav
3. Ihor
4. Semen
5. Preslav
6. Velimyr
7. Troyan
8. Dobrynia
9. Yurii
10. Boryslav
Baby Boy
Pre-Christian and Pagan Ukrainian Baby Names
Before the Christianization of Kyivan Rus' in 988 AD, Ukraine was home to ancient Slavic traditions, deities, and naming customs rooted in nature, mythology, warrior culture, and spiritual symbolism. These pre-Christian names are part of Ukraine’s ancestral heritage, once marginalized under religious and imperial pressure but now gradually being rediscovered and celebrated for their poetic meanings, cultural identity, and historic depth.
Today, these ancient names - also called pagan or native Slavic names - are making a quiet return, especially among parents who want names tied to the land, folklore, and national rebirth
The Origins: Naming in Early Slavic Traditions
In early Ukrainian (Rus' and pre-Rus') societies, names weren’t chosen at random. They were given to reflect a person’s character, destiny, or divine protection. Many names were compound words made from everyday Slavic roots: dobro (good), slava (glory), rad (joy), myr (peace), yar (spring/sun), etc.
These names were sacred in meaning and closely connected to nature, seasons, spiritual energy, and ancestral lineage, much like the land-centered naming traditions of Indigenous peoples elsewhere.
Examples of old Slavic baby names and their meanings:
For boys:
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Dobroslav ("Good glory")
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Yaromyr ("Spring peace" or "sunny peace")
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Milorad ("Gracious joy")
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Radymyr ("Joy of peace")
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Zoreslav ("Glory of the dawn")
For girls:
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Lyubava ("Beloved one")
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Radoslava ("Girl who brings joy and glory")
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Zvenyslava ("Ringing glory")
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Veselka ("Rainbow" used symbolically)
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Svitlana ("Light bringer", later adopted into Christian usage)
These names often reflected wishes or blessings for the child’s life - strength, peace, beauty, harmony, or connection to nature.
Cultural Revival and Identity
The revival of pre-Christian names is closely linked to Ukraine’s broader cultural awakening, especially in the face of colonization, Russification, and war. Many Ukrainians today are revisiting the names that existed before Orthodox conversion and using them as a form of cultural resilience and pride.
In literature, folk festivals, and online name communities, these ancient names are finding new life.
While they may still be rare in official birth records, they are being embraced more often by families who want to:
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Reconnect with ancestral roots
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Reject imposed names and language structures
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Honor Ukraine’s unique linguistic and cultural identity
A Quiet Return: Nature, Beauty, and Originality
Modern Ukrainian parents, especially artists, folklorists, and heritage-minded individuals, are increasingly turning to pre-Christian names for their musicality, natural imagery, and distinctiveness.
Names like Lada (goddess of beauty), Yaroslava, or Radymyr are not only historically meaningful but also stand out in a global sea of name trends.
While not always easy to pronounce outside of Ukraine, these names are beautifully lyrical, full of symbolism, and reflect a timeless connection to the land, language, and legacy of Ukraine.
Ukrainian Names That Are Hard To Pronounce
Name
1. Zvenyslava (Ringing Glory)
2. Sviatoslav (Holly Glory)
3. Yevheniya (Noble)
4. Viacheslav (Greater Glory)
5. Lyudmyla (Dear to People)
6. Zoreslava (Glory of the Stars)
7. Yaroslava (Fierce and Glorious)
8. Tykhomyr (Peaceful and Quiet)
9. Liubomyra (Love and Peace)
10. Rostyslav (Grows in Glory)
English Pronunciation
1. "Zveh-nee-SLAH-vah"
2. "Svya-to-SLAHV"
3. "Yev-HEH-nee-ya"
4. "Vya-cheh-SLAHV"
5. "Lyud-MEE-lah"
6. "Zoh-reh-SLAH-vah"
7. "Ya-ro-SLAH-vah"
8. "Tykh-o-MEER"
9. "Lyoo-bo-MEE-rah"
10. "Roh-sty-SLAHV"
Poetic and Literary Influence on Ukrainian Baby Names
In Ukraine, names don’t just live in history or religion, they live in poetry, storytelling, and national literature. Some of the most beloved and enduring Ukrainian names owe their popularity to the country's writers, poets, and cultural icons. Names like Lesya, Taras, and Olha are not just beautiful, they carry the weight of Ukraine’s cultural soul.
For example, Lesya is widely associated with Lesya Ukrainka, the groundbreaking 19th-century poet and feminist whose works symbolize strength, intellect, and patriotism. Taras immediately evokes Taras Shevchenko, Ukraine’s national poet and symbol of national identity. These names are more than tributes, they are declarations of heritage, resistance, and pride.
Other names like Solomiya (inspired by Solomiya Krushelnytska, the world-renowned opera singer) or Ostap (featured in folk tales and literature) show how Ukrainian art has helped shape name trends over time. Some parents even choose names directly from folk epics, ballads, or literary characters, imbuing their child's identity with lyrical and symbolic meaning.
In this way, naming a baby in Ukraine can feel like writing the first line of a poem - one that connects the child to the spirit of the nation and the power of its words.
Name Lists
Baby Meanings is your trusted guide in the world of baby names.
From popular names to unique names, the latest trends, meaningful names and much more, our curated name lists are designed to inspire and inform. Backed by smart tools and thoughtful insights, we explore the stories, meanings, and trends behind every name, so you can choose one that feels just right.
Baby Meanings helps you discover the perfect name to shape your child’s story from the very beginning.
Baby Girl Names
Congratulations, it’s a girl!
Whether you’re counting down the days until your little one arrives or about to have her in your arms, it’s time to choose a name as special as she is.
Explore our Baby Girl Names page for top names, unique picks, timeless classics, and bold new choices.
Search by origin, theme or style; and find the perfect name for your little girl today.
Top BabyMeanings Girl Names 2026
1. Olivia
2. Emma
3. Amelia
4. Charlotte
5.Mia
6. Sophia
7. Isabella
8. Evelyn
9. Ava
10. Camila
Baby Boy Names
Congratulations, it’s a boy!
As you get ready to welcome your little one, it’s time to find a name that’s strong, meaningful, and uniquely his.
Explore our Baby Boy Names page for popular names, unique names, timeless classics, and modern favorites.
Search by origin, theme or style, and discover the perfect name for your baby boy today.
Top BabyMeanings Boy Names 2026
1. Liam
2. Noah
3. Oliver
4. Theodore
5. James
6. Henry
7. Mateo
8. Elijah
9. Lucas
10. William
Baby Names by Origin
Discover Baby Names from Around the World
Looking for a name that reflects your heritage or cultural values?
Our Baby Names by Origin section features names from every corner of the globe, each rich with meaning, tradition, and history.
Explore name lists by country, language, or culture.
Top International BabyMeanings Name
Amelia
Liam
Valentina
Samuel
Mei
Helena
Miguel
Louis
Chloé
Dan
Baby Names by Theme
Find the Name That Tells a Story
From nature and mythology to literature, history, and pop culture, themed baby names are a fun and meaningful way to express what you love. Whether you’re dreaming of a flower-inspired name, a heroic legend, or a cosmic connection, our curated lists of Baby Names by Theme offer inspiration for every kind of story.
Discover unique and creative baby names.
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Top Meaningful BabyMeanings Names
Luna
Orion
Sakura
Levi
Aurora
Atlas
Lily
Rowan
Leo
Isla
From Epic Fails to Expert Tips:
Explore the fails of "Tragedieh" and the advices of "Name Nerds" on Reddit.
"my sister is wack and naming her baby after tv shows. help."
Be careful when honoring your favorite characters—what sounds clever in your head might not land the same in real life. In this r/Tragedeigh post, a concerned sibling shares their sister’s plan to name her baby after TV characters, sparking a wave of Reddit commentary.
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