200+ Eastern European Baby Boy Names (Strong, Charming & Totally Timeless)

Choosing a baby name can feel a little like scrolling through Netflix on a Friday night—so many great options, but which one will feel just right? Eastern Europe is a treasure trove of handsome, meaningful names that balance old-world charm with modern-day cool. Whether you have Slavic roots, a love of history, or you just want a name that feels strong and distinctive, this list is packed with 300+ ideas that might make your heart skip a beat.

I grew up hearing many of these names in lullabies, folk tales, and on soccer jerseys, so putting this together feels like sharing a box of family heirlooms. Ready to meet some future favorites? Let’s dive in!

Nature-Inspired Beauties

Eastern Europe’s landscapes—forests, rivers, mountains—have inspired generations of names that feel grounded and soulful.

1. Borislav (Bulgarian/Slavic) – “Battle glory.” A sturdy, woodsy name that feels like a warrior who also loves long hikes.
2. Danek (Polish/Czech) – “Morning star” or “God is my judge.” Sparkly and bright like dawn.
3. Goran (South Slavic) – “Highlander” or “mountain man.” Rugged and adventurous.
4. Jaromir (Czech/Slavic) – “Fierce spring.” Perfect for a little one who brings new life to your world.
5. Laszlo (Hungarian) – “Glorious ruler.” Regal yet approachable (and totally wearable outside Hungary).
6. Mirko (Croatian/Serbian) – “Peace.” Short, sweet, and serene.
7. Radomir (Slavic) – “Joyful peace.” A name that carries both strength and harmony.
8. Vladimir (Russian/Slavic) – “Of great power” or “ruler of the world.” Classic and commanding.
9. Oleg (Russian/Ukrainian) – “Holy” or “blessed.” Strong but simple.
10. Pavle (Serbian/Croatian) – “Humble.” A grounded, nature-loving choice.
11. Velko (Bulgarian) – “Great.” A big-hearted name for a little guy with a mighty future.
12. Marek (Polish/Slovak) – “Of Mars.” A cosmic nod to the Roman god of war.
13. Sava (Serbian/Bulgarian) – Linked to the Sava River, symbolizing flow and life.
14. Toma (Bulgarian/Serbian) – “Twin.” A classic biblical name with Slavic flair.
15. Yuriy (Ukrainian/Russian) – “Farmer.” Down-to-earth with a quiet strength.
16. Bogdan (Polish/Romanian/Slavic) – “Gift from God.” A warm, grateful pick.
17. Radek (Czech/Polish) – “Happy” or “carefree.” You can almost hear him laughing.
18. Ilia (Russian/Bulgarian) – “My God is Yahweh.” Gentle and lyrical.
19. Zoran (Croatian/Serbian) – “Dawn.” Bright and hopeful.
20. Stanimir (Slavic) – “To become peaceful.” For the calm soul in your life.
21. Albin (Polish/Slavic) – “White, fair.” Pure as freshly fallen snow.
22. Bojan (Serbian/Croatian) – “Battle.” Strong but musical.
23. Cedrik (Slavic twist) – “Kind and loved.” Gentle strength.
24. Dobrin (Bulgarian) – “Good one.” Kindness built right in.
25. Edelin (Slavic) – “Noble forest.” Whisper of pine trees.
26. Filaret (Greek/Slavic) – “Lover of virtue.” Philosophical vibes.
27. Gavrilo (South Slavic) – “God is my strength.” Angelic and bold.
28. Hrast (Croatian) – “Oak tree.” Sturdy and grounding.
29. Ignen (Bulgarian) – “Fire.” A spark of passion.
30. Jaroslav (Czech/Slavic) – “Spring glory.” Bursting with life.
31. Kazbek (Russian/Georgian) – From the famous Caucasus mountain.
32. Ljuban (Serbian) – “Beloved.” Nature of love itself.
33. Miljen (Croatian) – “Dear one.” Tender and sweet.
34. Norik (Slovak) – “North man.” Cool and crisp.
35. Ognian (Bulgarian) – “Fiery.” Perfect for a little firecracker.
36. Plamen (Bulgarian) – “Flame.” Glows with intensity.
37. Radivoj (Slavic) – “Happy warrior.” Joyful protector.
38. Sokol (Albanian/Slavic) – “Falcon.” Sharp and free.
39. Tihomil (Serbian) – “Quiet grace.” Calm and soothing.
40. Ulad (Belarusian) – “Rule, govern.” Steady as a mountain.
41. Veselin (Bulgarian) – “Cheerful.” Bright as a spring morning.
42. Witold (Polish) – “Ruling the forest.” A woodland king.
43. Zefir (Bulgarian) – “West wind.” Breezy and cool.
44. Zivko (Serbian) – “Life.” Vibrant and unstoppable.
45. Zlatan (Bosnian/Croatian) – “Golden.” Shines like the sun.

Old-School Cool

These names have been passed down for centuries, yet they feel surprisingly fresh—like vintage leather jackets or vinyl records.

1. Andrej (Slovak/Russian) – Eastern Europe’s take on Andrew, meaning “manly.”
2. Boguslav (Polish) – “God’s glory.” Old-world grandeur with a quirky nickname potential (Boggy!).
3. Csaba (Hungarian) – “Gift.” Strong consonants make it stand out.
4. Dragomir (Serbian/Bulgarian) – “Precious peace.” Fierce yet gentle.
5. Filip (Polish/Czech/Slovak) – “Lover of horses.” A classic with international appeal.
6. Grzegorz (Polish) – “Watchful.” Unique spelling, but charmingly familiar as Gregory.
7. Istvan (Hungarian) – “Crown.” The Hungarian form of Stephen—royal and radiant.
8. Jovan (Serbian/Macedonian) – “God is gracious.” Smooth and soulful.
9. Kazimir (Polish) – “Bringer of peace.” Vintage royalty vibes.
10. Lech (Polish) – Legendary founder of Poland. Patriotic and powerful.
11. Milos (Serbian/Czech) – “Dear” or “gracious.” Soft and romantic.
12. Nikola (Serbian/Bulgarian/Croatian) – “Victory of the people.” Think inventor Nikola Tesla.
13. Petar (Bulgarian/Serbian) – “Rock.” Classic biblical strength.
14. Radoslav (Slavic) – “Happy glory.” A name that beams positivity.
15. Simeon (Bulgarian/Russian) – “God has heard.” Old yet approachable.
16. Tadeusz (Polish) – “Gift of God.” Dramatic in the best way.
17. Vaclav (Czech) – “More glory.” Regal and noble.
18. Wojciech (Polish) – “Joyful warrior.” Fierce but friendly.
19. Zbigniew (Polish) – “To dispel anger.” Rare but unforgettable.
20. Stanislav (Slavic) – “Becoming glorious.” A strong family-name candidate.
21. Arkadij (Russian) – “Pastoral, rustic.” Poetic countryside charm.
22. Bogumil (Polish) – “Loved by God.” A vintage blessing.
23. Cedomir (Serbian) – “Child of peace.” Sweetly protective.
24. Dobromir (Slavic) – “Good peace.” Warm and wise.
25. Erazm (Polish) – “Beloved.” Old-world romance.
26. Fedor (Russian) – “Gift of God.” Distinguished and sharp.
27. Gennadi (Russian) – “Noble, generous.” Gentleman energy.
28. Hristofor (Bulgarian) – “Bearer of Christ.” Grand and steady.
29. Isak (Serbian/Bosnian) – “He will laugh.” Joyful and classic.
30. Jarek (Czech/Polish) – “Strong, fierce.” Zesty and fun.
31. Kazimierz (Polish) – “Proclaimer of peace.” Historic and regal.
32. Ljubomir (Croatian) – “Love and peace.” Romantic strength.
33. Mieczko (Polish) – Diminutive of Mieczyslaw, “sword glory.” Epic flair.
34. Nestor (Ukrainian/Russian) – “Homecoming.” Gentle wisdom.
35. Orestes (Ukrainian/Greek) – “Mountain dweller.” Timeless drama.
36. Pravoslav (Slavic) – “True glory.” Honorable and firm.
37. Rostislav (Czech/Slovak) – “Growth of glory.” Ambitious and proud.
38. Svetozar (Slavic) – “Holy light.” Radiant and hopeful.
39. Tikhon (Russian) – “Calm, quiet.” Old-soul charm.
40. Uroš (Serbian) – “Little lord.” Noble and cute.
41. Venceslav (Czech) – “Greater glory.” Regal and stately.
42. Waldemar (Polish) – “Famous ruler.” Dark, moody elegance.
43. Yefim (Russian) – “Pious.” Soft-spoken strength.
44. Zdislav (Polish) – “Here is glory.” Joyful gravitas.
45. Zoranek (Croatian) – “Little dawn.” Sweet and hopeful.

Modern & Trendy Vibes

Eastern European parents are also embracing fresh, globally appealing names. These feel sleek, stylish, and ready for a 21st-century playground.

1. Adrian (Romanian/Polish) – “Man of Adria.” Smooth and international.
2. Damian (Polish/Bulgarian) – “To tame” or “subdue.” Cool, slightly edgy.
3. Emil (Czech/Polish) – “Eager.” Retro-cute and effortlessly chic.
4. Igor (Russian/Ukrainian) – “Warrior of peace.” Bold and charismatic.
5. Luka (Slovenian/Croatian/Serbian) – “Bringer of light.” A European alternative to Luke.
6. Matej (Czech/Slovak) – “Gift of God.” Short, sweet, and strong.
7. Niko (Serbian/Croatian) – “Victory of the people.” Modern and breezy.
8. Oskar (Polish) – “God’s spear.” Literary and stylish.
9. Patrik (Slovak/Czech) – “Nobleman.” Familiar but with a twist.
10. Roman (Ukrainian/Polish) – “Of Rome.” Sophisticated world-traveler vibes.
11. Stefan (Bulgarian/Serbian) – “Crown.” Regal but relaxed.
12. Timur (Russian/Tatar) – “Iron.” Cool and commanding.
13. Viktor (Russian/Hungarian) – “Victor.” A winning name—literally.
14. Yan (Polish/Russian) – “God is gracious.” Minimal and modern.
15. Zian (Ukrainian) – “Grace of God.” Short and futuristic.
16. Marko (Croatian/Serbian) – “Warlike.” Strong and sporty.
17. Filippo (Romanian) – Stylish twist on Philip.
18. Leo (Hungarian/Slovak) – “Lion.” Always roaring with charm.
19. Maxim (Russian/Ukrainian) – “Greatest.” Effortless cool.
20. Denis (Serbian/Romanian) – “Follower of Dionysus.” A name with party-god energy.
21. Alek (Polish/Russian) – Chic, international short form of Aleksander.
22. Borislan (Slavic) – “Fighter for glory.” Modern twist on Boris.
23. Cristian (Romanian) – Smooth and global.
24. Darian (Romanian/Slovak) – “Possessor of goodness.” Sleek and soft.
25. Elian (Bulgarian) – “The Lord is my God.” Gentle but striking.
26. Filin (Russian) – “Eagle owl.” Night-sky cool.
27. Gregor (Slovak) – “Watchful.” European sophistication.
28. Henrik (Hungarian/Slovak) – “Home ruler.” Sharp and stylish.
29. Isidor (Bulgarian) – “Gift of Isis.” Ancient with a modern beat.
30. Jakov (Croatian/Serbian) – Eastern take on Jacob.
31. Kiril (Bulgarian/Macedonian) – “Lordly.” Crisp and current.
32. Leon (Polish/Slovak) – “Lion.” Bold minimalism.
33. Marian (Polish/Slovak) – Gender-neutral chic in some regions.
34. Nikolaj (Russian/Slavic) – “Victory of the people.” International flair.
35. Olivan (Slavic/modern) – Olive tree vibes—peaceful and sleek.
36. Petric (Serbian) – Playful twist on Peter.
37. Quirin (Slovak) – “Spear.” Cool and unique.
38. Rafal (Polish) – “God has healed.” Strong but airy.
39. Samuil (Bulgarian/Russian) – “Asked of God.” Smooth and warm.
40. Timotej (Slovak) – “Honoring God.” Cool Euro-Timothy.
41. Vian (Modern Slavic) – “Alive.” Short and upbeat.
42. Wiktor (Polish) – “Victor.” Sleek and triumphant.
43. Yanko (Bulgarian) – Lively, playful variant of Jan.
44. Zenon (Polish/Greek) – “Gift of Zeus.” Sci-fi cool.
45. Zianek (Ukrainian) – “Grace.” Light and breezy.

Unique Hidden Gems

If you want something rare but full of history, these names are for you. Perfect conversation starters at the playground!

1. Alojz (Slovak) – “Famous warrior.” Strong and mysterious.
2. Branimir (Croatian) – “Defender of peace.” A noble protector.
3. Ciprian (Romanian) – “From Cyprus.” Exotic yet grounded.
4. Dobroslav (Slavic) – “Good glory.” A name that beams kindness.
5. Evgeni (Bulgarian/Russian) – “Well-born.” Elegant and old-world.
6. Frantisek (Czech) – “Free man.” Old-school charm.
7. Gavrilo (Serbian) – “God is my strength.” Angelic and strong (think Gavrilo Princip of history).
8. Horvat (Croatian) – “Croat.” A patriotic surname-turned-name.
9. Ivor (Slavic/Scandinavian) – “Bow warrior.” Simple and striking.
10. Jarek (Polish) – “Fierce” or “strong.” Feisty and fun.
11. Kristof (Hungarian) – “Bearer of Christ.” Familiar yet fresh.
12. Lubomir (Slavic) – “Love and peace.” Soft-hearted and poetic.
13. Mieczyslaw (Polish) – “Sword of glory.” Epic medieval vibes.
14. Nandor (Hungarian) – “Bold.” Rare but captivating.
15. Orest (Ukrainian/Greek) – “Mountain dweller.” Strong and earthy.
16. Prvoslav (Serbian) – “First glory.” Perfect for a firstborn son.
17. Rastko (Serbian) – “Growth.” Symbolic of a thriving future.
18. Slavko (Croatian/Serbian) – “Glory.” Short, punchy, proud.
19. Teodor (Romanian/Bulgarian) – “Gift of God.” Classic with a soft touch.
20. Vojin (Serbian) – “Warrior.” Brave and bold.
21. Aurelian (Romanian) – “Golden.” Regal and luminous.
22. Bratimir (Slavic) – “Brother of peace.” Loyal and kind.
23. Cyril (Bulgarian) – “Lordly.” Ancient yet elegant.
24. Djordje (Serbian) – “Farmer.” Earthy and strong.
25. Ermin (Bosnian) – “Universal.” Gentle and rare.
26. Falko (Slavic/Germanic) – “Falcon.” Dashing and sharp.
27. Grischa (Russian) – Cute nickname for Grigory.
28. Hedeon (Ukrainian) – “Destroyer.” Dramatic flair.
29. Izydor (Polish) – “Gift of Isis.” Mystical and striking.
30. Jovian (Slavic/Latin) – “Majestic.” Celestial vibes.
31. Kornel (Hungarian/Slovak) – “Horn.” Strong and rare.
32. Ladislav (Czech/Slovak) – “Rule with glory.” Knightly charm.
33. Milovan (Serbian) – “Gracious, beloved.” Soft power.
34. Nikifor (Greek/Slavic) – “Victory bearer.” Quirky and cool.
35. Olgierd (Polish) – “Blessed spear.” Medieval magic.
36. Petron (Slavic) – “Stone.” Grounded and unique.
37. Radomil (Slavic) – “Happy favor.” Cheerful and bright.
38. Sladan (Serbian) – “Sweet one.” Adorable meaning!
39. Teofil (Polish) – “Friend of God.” Gentle and poetic.
40. Vilim (Croatian) – “Resolute protector.” Noble and rare.
41. Wieslaw (Polish) – “Great glory.” Big energy.
42. Yuriyko (Ukrainian) – Cute, playful Yuri variant.
43. Zbyszko (Polish) – “To dispel anger.” Legendary knight name.
44. Zelimir (Serbian) – “Desiring peace.” Soft but strong.
45. Zvonimir (Croatian) – “Sound of peace.” Musical and majestic.

A-to-Z Quick Picks

Need a fast scroll? Here’s a handy alphabet buffet of extra Eastern European boy names—each one handsome and history-rich.

1. A – Arsen, Anatoli, Aleksei, Aurel
2. B – Boris, Blaz, Bran, Bohdan
3. C – Cedomir, Clement, Ciril, Casian
4. D – Davor, Drazen, Dmitri, Dusan
5. E – Emiliano, Ervin, Evdokim, Eryk
6. F – Florin, Feodor, Fabian, Filipan
7. G – Gleb, Gregor, Gennadi, Gavro
8. H – Henrik, Hrvoje, Hristo, Havel
9. I – Ivan, Ilya, Izidor, Ignjat
10. J – Jakub, Jacek, Jurek, Jozef
11. K – Kiril, Kornel, Kosta, Krzysztof
12. L – Leonid, Ljubo, Ludovic, Lukasz
13. M – Milan, Miklos, Mateusz, Mykola
14. N – Nenad, Nikita, Norbert, Novak
15. O – Oleg, Ondrej, Otto, Ostap
16. P – Pavlo, Piotr, Predrag, Petru
17. R – Radovan, Ruslan, Rumen, Risto
18. S – Sacha, Sergei, Stanko, Svetoslav
19. T – Taras, Tihomir, Tomislav, Traian
20. U – Uros, Urban, Urs, Uladzimir
21. V – Valentin, Vanya, Vitomir, Vsevolod
22. W – Wiktor, Wladyslaw, Wojtek, Wenceslas
23. Y – Yaroslav, Yurko, Yevgen, Yordan
24. Z – Zoltan, Zvonko, Zlatko, Zenon

Final Thoughts: Naming with Heart

Choosing a name isn’t just about how it sounds—it’s about the stories you want to pass on. Eastern European boy names carry centuries of courage, faith, humor, and love. From the forest-inspired Goran to the royal Istvan, these names have a way of feeling both powerful and personal.

So whether you’re honoring family roots, embracing a bold new style, or just falling in love with a name that sings to your soul, trust your heart. After all, the best name is the one that feels like home the moment you say it out loud.

Here’s to finding the name that makes your little one’s story truly unforgettable.