This list features 22 Slavic boy names, running alphabetically from “Nayden” to “Novak.” Most carry meanings tied to victory, faith, or new beginnings, and many trace back to Orthodox saints or old royal lines. Parents use them to give a son a name with deep roots, whether they want something instantly recognizable, like “Nikita,” or something rarer, like “Nikanor.”

Slavic boy names are given names rooted in the Slavic languages of Eastern and Southern Europe, including Russian, Ukrainian, Serbian, Polish, and Bulgarian. Many honor Christian saints or reflect old virtues like courage and victory, while others come from nature or family tradition. Tennis star Novak Djokovic helped make one of these names a household word far beyond the region where it started.

Below you’ll find the table with Name, Country, Pronunciation, Meaning, and Description.

Name: the given name itself, shown in its standard spelling so you can see exactly how it looks in writing.

Country: the nation most closely associated with the name, helping you understand where it’s most commonly used today.

Pronunciation: a simple phonetic guide that shows you how to say each name correctly, even if you’ve never heard it before.

Meaning: the literal translation or origin of the name, giving you insight into what it represents or symbolizes.

Description: extra background on the name’s history, cultural weight, or notable namesakes, so you understand why it stands out.

Slavic boy names

NameCountryPronunciationMeaning
NaydenBulgariaNIGH-den“the found one”
NazarUkraineNAH-zar“vow” or “one who sees”
NazariyUkrainenah-ZAH-riy“dedicated to God”
NebojšaSerbianeh-BOY-shah“fearless”
NedelchoBulgarianeh-DEL-choh“born on Sunday”
NemanjaSerbianeh-MAHN-yah“without possessions”
NenadSerbiaNEH-nahd“hoped for” or “unexpected”
NestorRussiaNYES-tor“homecoming”
NikoSloveniaNEE-koh“victory of the people”
NikanorRussianee-KAH-nor“man of victory”
NikiforUkrainenee-KEE-for“bearer of victory”
NikitaRussianee-KEE-tah“unconquered”
NikodemPolandnee-KOH-dem“victory of the people”
NikodimRussianee-kah-DEEM“victory of the people”
NikolaSerbiaNEE-koh-lah“victory of the people”
NikolajCzech RepublicNEE-koh-lie“victory of the people”
NikolayBulgarianee-koh-LIGH“victory of the people”
NikolcheNorth Macedonianee-KOL-cheh“victory of the people” (diminutive)
NilRussiaNEEL“the Nile River”
NinoslavCroatianee-NOH-slahv“glory through the ninth” (old Slavic compound)
NorbertPolandNOR-behrt“bright hero of the north”
NovakSerbiaNOH-vahk“newcomer”

Descriptions

Nayden
A distinctive Bulgarian name traditionally given to a boy regarded as a blessing, often bestowed on adopted or long-awaited sons.
Nazar
A widely used Ukrainian and Russian name tied to Saint Nazarius, popular across Eastern Slavic countries for generations.
Nazariy
A traditional Orthodox Christian name honoring the early martyr Saint Nazarius, common in Ukraine and Russia.
Nebojša
A bold Serbian name meaning “he who fears nothing,” historically favored for its warrior connotations.
Nedelcho
A Bulgarian name rooted in “nedelya” (Sunday), traditionally given to boys born on that day of the week.
Nemanja
A revered Serbian royal name, borne by the founder of the medieval Nemanjić dynasty.
Nenad
A common Serbian and Croatian name reflecting a child who was eagerly anticipated by the family.
Nestor
Drawn from the wise elder of Greek legend, this name was adopted into Slavic use, most notably by the medieval chronicler Nestor.
Niko
A short, modern form of Nikolaj used as a standalone name across Slovenia and Croatia.
Nikanor
A rare, old-fashioned Russian Orthodox name of Greek origin signifying triumph.
Nikifor
An old-fashioned Ukrainian and Russian name meaning “victory bringer,” once common among clergy and villagers alike.
Nikita
A hugely popular Russian and Ukrainian male name meaning “unconquerable,” despite sounding feminine to English speakers.
Nikodem
The Polish form of Nicodemus, the biblical Pharisee who secretly followed Jesus, still used today as a classic given name.
Nikodim
The Russian Orthodox variant of Nicodemus, often chosen for its biblical and monastic weight.
Nikola
The South Slavic form of Nicholas, made famous worldwide by inventor Nikola Tesla.
Nikolaj
The Czech and Slovak spelling of Nicholas, a long-standing favorite with royal and saintly associations.
Nikolay
The Bulgarian and Russian spelling of Nicholas, one of the most enduring names across Slavic Europe.
Nikolche
A warm Macedonian diminutive of Nikola, frequently used as an affectionate standalone name.
Nil
An unusual Russian Orthodox monastic name referencing the Nile, historically borne by ascetic saints such as Nil Sorsky.
Ninoslav
A traditional Croatian compound name blending an archaic root with “slava,” meaning glory.
Norbert
Germanic in origin but fully naturalized in Poland and the Czech Republic, where it has long served as a common given name.
Novak
A Serbian name meaning “new” or “newborn,” brought to global fame by tennis champion Novak Djokovic.
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