138 Bulgarian Baby Names with Meaning

Choosing a baby name is one of the most significant decisions for parents, as names carry meaning, history, and identity. Bulgarian baby names are particularly fascinating due to their rich cultural heritage and profound meanings. This article explores the beauty and depth of Bulgarian names, offering a comprehensive guide for parents seeking a unique and meaningful name for their child.

Bulgarian names have a storied past, influenced by the country’s diverse history. The origins of Bulgarian names can be traced back to ancient Thracian, Slavic, and Greek cultures. Over the centuries, these influences merged, creating a unique blend of names that reflect Bulgaria’s rich heritage. During the medieval period, names of saints and biblical figures became popular, a trend that continues today.

Tips for Choosing a Bulgarian Name

When choosing a Bulgarian name, consider the following factors:

• Pronunciation: Ensure the name is easy to pronounce in your native language to avoid confusion.
• Meaning: Research the meaning and cultural significance to ensure it aligns with your values.
• Family Traditions: Consider names that honor family heritage or traditions.
• International Fit: Ensure the name works well in both Bulgarian and international contexts to avoid potential issues in pronunciation or meaning.

Popular Bulgarian Baby Names

Here are some of the most popular Bulgarian names for boys and girls, along with their meanings and origins:

Popular Bulgarian Baby Boy Names

1. Alexander (Александър) – Defender of the people; Greek origin.
2. Boris (Борис) – Fighter, warrior; Slavic origin.
3. Dimitri (Димитър) – Earth-lover, follower of Demeter; Greek origin.
4. Ivan (Иван) – God is gracious; Hebrew origin.
5. Nikolai (Николай) – Victory of the people; Greek origin.
6. Radoslav (Радослав) – Happy glory; Slavic origin.
7. Stefan (Стефан) – Crowned one, garland; Greek origin.
8. Vasil (Васил) – King, emperor; Greek origin.
9. Miroslav (Мирослав) – Peaceful glory; Slavic origin.
10. Georgi (Георги) – Farmer, earthworker; Greek origin.
11. Stoyan (Стоян) – To stay, to stand firm; Slavic origin.
12. Todor (Тодор) – Gift of God; Greek origin.
13. Kiril (Кирил) – Lordly, masterful; Greek origin.
14. Lyuben (Любен) – Loved one; Slavic origin.
15. Petar (Петър) – Rock, stone; Greek origin.
16. Hristo (Христо) – Follower of Christ; Greek origin.
17. Asen (Асен) – Derived from Asparuh, founder of Bulgaria; Bulgarian origin.
18. Bogdan (Богдан) – God-given; Slavic origin.
19. Velislav (Велислав) – Great glory; Slavic origin.
20. Yavor (Явор) – Maple tree; Slavic origin.

Popular Bulgarian Baby Girl Names

1. Aleksandra (Александра) – Defender of the people; Greek origin.
2. Boryana (Боряна) – Derived from Boris, meaning fighter or warrior; Slavic origin.
3. Desislava (Десислава) – Bringing glory; Slavic origin.
4. Elena (Елена) – Shining light, bright one; Greek origin.
5. Ivanka (Иванка) – God is gracious; Hebrew origin.
6. Kalina (Калина) – Viburnum tree, flower; Slavic origin.
7. Liliya (Лилия) – Lily flower; Latin origin.
8. Mila (Мила) – Gracious, dear; Slavic origin.
9. Nadezhda (Надежда) – Hope; Slavic origin.
10. Petya (Петя) – Rock, stone (female form of Peter); Greek origin.
11. Ralitsa (Ралица) – Delphinium flower; Slavic origin.
12. Snezhana (Снежана) – Snowy, snow-white; Slavic origin.
13. Tsvetana (Цветана) – Flower, blooming; Slavic origin.
14. Vasilena (Василена) – Queenly, regal (female form of Vasil); Greek origin.
15. Yana (Яна) – God is gracious; Hebrew origin.
16. Zornitsa (Зорница) – Morning star, dawn; Slavic origin.
17. Viktoria (Виктория) – Victory; Latin origin.
18. Dobrinka (Добринка) – Kind, good; Slavic origin.
19. Lyubomira (Любомира) – Peaceful love; Slavic origin.
20. Tsvetelina (Цветелина) – Flower, blooming; Slavic origin.

These names reflect the beautiful cultural heritage and linguistic influences of Bulgaria, with many names rooted in nature, virtues, and historical significance.

Unique Bulgarian Names

For parents looking for something less common, here are some unique Bulgarian names with their meanings and stories:

Unique Bulgarian Names for Boy

1. Angel (Ангел) – Messenger, angel; Greek origin.
2. Boyan (Боян) – Derived from boy, meaning rich; Slavic origin.
3. Dimitar (Димитър) – Earth-lover, follower of Demeter; Greek origin.
4. Emil (Емил) – Rival, eager; Latin origin.
5. Filip (Филип) – Lover of horses; Greek origin.
6. Gavril (Гаврил) – God is my strength; Hebrew origin.
7. Hristo (Христо) – Follower of Christ; Greek origin.
8. Ilian (Илиян) – Derived from Elijah, meaning my God is Yahweh; Hebrew origin.
9. Kristian (Кристиян) – Follower of Christ; Latin origin.
10. Lubomir (Любомир) – Love and peace; Slavic origin.
11. Marin (Марин) – Of the sea; Latin origin.
12. Nayden (Найден) – Found; Slavic origin.
13. Ognyan (Огнян) – Fiery; Slavic origin.
14. Plamen (Пламен) – Flame; Slavic origin.
15. Radko (Радко) – Happy; Slavic origin.
16. Simeon (Симеон) – God has heard; Hebrew origin.
17. Stanislav (Станислав) – Standing in glory; Slavic origin.
18. Tsvetan (Цветан) – Flower, bloom; Slavic origin.
19. Vanyo (Ваньо) – God is gracious; Hebrew origin.
20. Zdravko (Здравко) – Healthy, robust; Slavic origin.

These names are unique and carry significant meanings, reflecting the rich cultural and historical heritage of Bulgaria.

Unique Bulgarian Names for Girl

1. Aneliya (Анелия) – Gracious, merciful; Bulgarian origin.
2. Boriana (Боряна) – Fighter, warrior; Slavic origin.
3. Dobrina (Добрина) – Good, kind-hearted; Slavic origin.
4. Evgeniya (Евгения) – Well-born, noble; Greek origin.
5. Galina (Галина) – Calm, serene; Greek origin.
6. Iliyana (Илияна) – Bright, shining; Bulgarian origin.
7. Jivka (Живка) – Full of life, lively; Slavic origin.
8. Krasimira (Красимира) – Beautiful peace; Slavic origin.
9. Liliana (Лилиана) – Lily flower; Latin origin.
10. Margarita (Маргарита) – Pearl; Greek origin.
11. Neda (Неда) – Hope; Slavic origin.
12. Radostina (Радостина) – Joy, happiness; Slavic origin.
13. Svetlana (Светлана) – Light, bright; Slavic origin.
14. Tsveta (Цвета) – Flower; Slavic origin.
15. Valentina (Валентина) – Strong, healthy; Latin origin.
16. Yasenka (Ясенка) – Clear, bright; Slavic origin.
17. Zlatka (Златка) – Golden; Slavic origin.
18. Zhivka (Живка) – Full of life, lively; Slavic origin.
19. Ivona (Ивона) – Archer’s bow; Old French origin.
20. Violeta (Виолета) – Violet flower; Latin origin.

These names are distinctive and carry beautiful meanings, reflecting Bulgarian traditions and cultural influences.

Nature Inspired Bulgarian Names

Nature Inspired Bulgarian Names For Boy

1. Bozhidar (Божидар) – Gift of God; Slavic origin, symbolizing divine presence in nature.
2. Dragomir (Драгомир) – Precious peace; Slavic origin, implying the value of harmony.
3. Dimitar (Димитър) – Earth-lover; Greek origin, honoring the earth and its resources.
4. Kalin (Калин) – Viburnum tree; Slavic origin, a type of flowering shrub.
5. Luben (Любен) – Dear; Slavic origin, expressing affection like the sun’s warmth.
6. Ognian (Огнян) – Fiery; Slavic origin, reflecting the power and warmth of fire in nature.
7. Petar (Петър) – Rock; Greek origin, symbolizing solidity and endurance found in nature.
8. Radomir (Радомир) – Joy of peace; Slavic origin, implying harmony with nature.
9. Rosen (Росен) – Dew; Slavic origin, referring to morning dew.
10. Slavian (Славян) – Slavic; Slavic origin, denoting connection to Slavic heritage and nature.
11. Stoyan (Стоян) – To stand firm; Slavic origin, implying strength and stability like a tree.
12. Tihomir (Тихомир) – Peaceful world; Slavic origin, suggesting tranquility and harmony with nature.
13. Veselin (Веселин) – Merry; Slavic origin, suggesting happiness akin to natural beauty.
14. Yavor (Явор) – Maple tree; Slavic origin, a type of tree native to Bulgaria.
15. Zdravko (Здравко) – Healthy; Slavic origin, celebrating vitality and strength like nature’s resilience.
16. Zlatan (Златан) – Golden; Slavic origin, related to the color gold.
17. Zoran (Зоран) – Dawn; Slavic origin, signifying the beginning of a new day.
18. Zvezdan (Звездан) – Starry; Slavic origin, related to stars in the sky.

These names are unique and rooted in nature, reflecting both the beauty of Bulgaria’s landscapes and the cultural significance of natural elements.

Nature Inspired Bulgarian Names For Girl

1. Zdravka (Здравка) – Healthy, vigorous; Slavic origin, reflecting vitality found in nature.
2. Zvezda (Звезда) – Star; Slavic origin, symbolizing brightness and beauty.
3. Yana (Яна) – God is gracious; Hebrew origin, associated with new beginnings like a fresh spring.
4. Liliana (Лилиана) – Lily flower; Latin origin, representing purity and beauty of nature.
5. Tsveta (Цвета) – Flower; Slavic origin, celebrating the colors and vibrancy of blooms.
6. Raya (Рая) – Paradise; Slavic origin, evoking a peaceful and serene natural setting.
7. Violeta (Виолета) – Violet flower; Latin origin, signifying delicate beauty and grace.
8. Milena (Милена) – Gracious; Slavic origin, suggesting gentleness and kindness akin to nature.
9. Snezhana (Снежана) – Snowy, snow-white; Slavic origin, inspired by the purity of snow.
10. Tanya (Таня) – Fairy queen; Russian origin, often associated with natural beauty and grace.
11. Veselina (Веселина) – Joyful; Slavic origin, expressing happiness and cheerfulness like nature’s abundance.
12. Zarya (Заря) – Dawn; Slavic origin, symbolizing the beginning of a new day and new possibilities.
13. Radka (Радка) – Joyous; Slavic origin, reflecting happiness inspired by nature.
14. Dara (Дара) – Pearl of wisdom; Persian origin, symbolizing the preciousness found in nature.
15. Boriana (Боряна) – Fighter, warrior; Slavic origin, inspired by the strength and resilience of nature.
16. Kamelia (Камелия) – Camellia flower; Latin origin, representing beauty and grace in nature.
17. Zlatina (Златина) – Golden; Slavic origin, denoting brightness and warmth found in nature.
18. Mira (Мира) – Peace; Slavic origin, embodying tranquility and harmony with the natural world.
19. Rositsa (Росица) – Morning dew; Slavic origin, evoking freshness and purity.
20. Slavka (Славка) – Glory; Slavic origin, celebrating the splendor and majesty of nature.

These names capture the essence of Bulgarian nature and evoke images of its beauty and richness.

Bulgarian Baby Names inspired by Historical Figures

1. Asparuh (Аспарух) – Founder of the First Bulgarian Empire; Bulgarian origin, meaning “eagle.”
2. Krum (Крум) – Khan of Bulgaria known for his victories against the Byzantine Empire; Bulgarian origin, meaning “crooked” or “curved.”
3. Boris (Борис) – Prince Boris I of Bulgaria, who Christianized the country in the 9th century; Slavic origin, meaning “fighter” or “warrior.”
4. Simeon (Симеон) – Tsar Simeon I of Bulgaria, under whom Bulgaria reached its peak in the 10th century; Hebrew origin, meaning “God has heard.”
5. Kaloyan (Калоян) – Tsar Kaloyan of Bulgaria, who expanded the kingdom’s territories; Bulgarian origin, meaning “handsome” or “noble.”
6. Ivan (Иван) – Ivan Asen II, a prominent medieval Bulgarian ruler; Hebrew origin, meaning “God is gracious.”
7. Stefan (Стефан) – Stefan Stambolov, a key figure in Bulgaria’s liberation and subsequent political leader; Greek origin, meaning “crown.”
8. Petar (Петър) – Petar Beron, a prominent educator and linguist in 19th-century Bulgaria; Greek origin, meaning “rock” or “stone.”
9. Georgi (Георги) – Georgi Dimitrov, a Bulgarian communist leader and statesman; Greek origin, meaning “farmer” or “earthworker.”
10. Hristo (Христо) – Hristo Botev, a revolutionary poet and national hero of Bulgaria; Greek origin, meaning “follower of Christ.”
11. Vasil (Васил) – Vasil Levski, a revolutionary and national hero in Bulgaria’s struggle for independence; Greek origin, meaning “king” or “emperor.”
12. Aleksandar (Александър) – Aleksandar Stamboliyski, a Bulgarian politician and prime minister; Greek origin, meaning “defender of the people.”
13. Dimitar (Димитър) – Dimitar Peshev, a Bulgarian politician known for his efforts to save Bulgarian Jews during WWII; Greek origin, meaning “earth-lover.”
14. Todor (Тодор) – Todor Zhivkov, Bulgaria’s long-serving communist leader; Greek origin, meaning “gift of God.”
15. Lyuben (Любен) – Lyuben Karavelov, a prominent Bulgarian writer, and revolutionary; Slavic origin, meaning “loved one.”
16. Nikola (Никола) – Nikola Petkov, a Bulgarian politician and anti-fascist resistance leader during WWII; Greek origin, meaning “victory of the people.”
17. Panayot (Панайот) – Panayot Hitov, a Bulgarian revolutionary and national hero; Greek origin, meaning “all-holy” or “all-virtuous.”
18. Yordan (Йордан) – Yordan Yovkov, a renowned Bulgarian writer; Hebrew origin, meaning “descended from the Jordan River.”
19. Nikolay (Николай) – Nikolay Hrelkov, a prominent Bulgarian general and national hero; Greek origin, meaning “victory of the people.”
20. Stanko (Станко) – Stanko Todorov, a Bulgarian revolutionary and military leader; Slavic origin, meaning “stand firm” or “steadfast.”

These names honor significant figures in Bulgarian history and culture, reflecting their contributions and impact on the nation.

Final words

Choosing a baby name is a profound act that shapes identity and reflects cultural heritage. Bulgarian names, with their rich history and beautiful meanings, offer a unique and meaningful option for parents. We hope this guide has inspired you to explore the enchanting world of Bulgarian names and find the perfect name for your little one. Happy naming!