This list features 25 Slavic boy names, running alphabetically from “Zbigniew” to “Ziemomysł.” Every name here starts with the letter Z and comes from countries like Poland, the Czech Republic, Serbia, and Croatia. Parents use these names to give a son a strong connection to Slavic heritage, while genealogists and language enthusiasts often turn to lists like this one to trace family history or explore regional naming patterns.

Slavic boy names are given names rooted in the Slavic languages spoken across Central and Eastern Europe, and they often combine simple word roots to express qualities like glory, life, or fire. Many carry meanings tied to nature, virtue, or a hopeful wish for the child’s future. One notable example is Zvonimir, borne by Dmitar Zvonimir, a medieval King of Croatia whose name still echoes in the region today.

Below you’ll find the table with each name’s country, pronunciation, meaning, and description.

Name: the specific Slavic boy name featured in the entry, shown in its standard written form so you can see it clearly.

Country: the country or countries where you’re most likely to encounter this name in everyday use today.

Pronunciation: a simple phonetic guide that helps you say the name correctly, even if you’ve never seen it before.

Meaning: the literal or traditional sense behind the name, so you understand what it originally expressed.

Description: background on the name’s history, cultural context, or notable bearers, giving you a fuller picture of where it comes from.

Slavic boy names

NameCountryPronunciationMeaning
ZbigniewPolandzBEEG-nyeff“to dispel anger”
ZbyszekPolandZBI-shek“to dispel anger”
ZdeněkCzech RepublicZDEH-nyek“from the city of Sidon”
ZdenkoCroatia, SloveniaZDEN-koh“from the city of Sidon”
ZdravkoBulgaria, Serbia, CroatiaZDRAHF-koh“healthy”
ZdeslavCroatiaZDEH-slahv“here is glory”
ZoranSerbia, Croatia, MacedoniaZOH-rahn“dawn”
ZorislavCroatiazoh-REE-slahv“one who calls for glory”
ZlatanSerbia, Croatia, BosniaZLAH-tahn“golden”
ZlatkoCroatia, Serbia, BulgariaZLAHT-koh“golden”
ZvonimirCroatiaZVOH-nee-meer“sound of fame/peace”
ZvonkoCroatia, SerbiaZVON-koh“bell-like, resounding”
ZvoneSloveniaZVOH-neh“bell-like, resounding”
ŽarkoSerbia, CroatiaZHAR-koh“fiery, ardent”
ŽeljkoSerbia, CroatiaZHEL-yko“one who is wished for”
ŽeljanCroatiaZHEL-yahn“longed for, desired”
ŽivanSerbiaZHEE-vahn“alive, full of life”
ŽivkoSerbia, CroatiaZHEEV-koh“alive, lively”
ŽivojinSerbiazhee-VOH-yeen“one who lives”
ZvezdanSerbiazveh-ZDAHN“star”
ZavišaSerbiazah-VEE-shah“one who stands behind, protector”
ZbyněkCzech RepublicZBI-nyek“increase of glory”
ZbysławPolandZBI-swahf“to increase glory”
ZiemowitPolandzhe-MOH-vit“lord of the land”
ZiemomysłPolandzhe-moh-MISW“one who thinks of the land”

Descriptions

Zbigniew
A traditional Polish name blending “zbyć” (to rid of) and “gniew” (anger). Famous bearers include statesman Zbigniew Brzezinski, and it remains a well-known older-generation name in Poland.
Zbyszek
The everyday diminutive of Zbigniew, used affectionately in Poland much like “Ziggy” might be used elsewhere. It carries the same root meaning of casting off anger.
Zdeněk
A staple Czech name tracing back to the Latin “Sidonius,” referencing the ancient Phoenician city of Sidon. It has been common in Bohemia for centuries and remains popular today.
Zdenko
A South Slavic cousin of Zdeněk, sharing the same historical link to Sidon. It’s a familiar, friendly-sounding name across Croatia and Slovenia.
Zdravko
Built from the Slavic root “zdravo” meaning health or well-being, this name was often given as a hopeful wish for a robust life. It’s common across the Balkans.
Zdeslav
An old Croatian princely name combining “zde” (here) and “slava” (glory). It was borne by a ninth-century Duke of Croatia, giving it a strong historical pedigree.
Zoran
Derived from the Slavic word for dawn or sunrise, Zoran evokes new beginnings. It’s one of the most widely used male names across the former Yugoslav region.
Zorislav
A poetic compound of “zoriti” (to summon or call) and “slava” (glory). Though rarer today, it fits the pattern of grand, meaning-rich Slavic names.
Zlatan
From “zlato,” the Slavic word for gold, this name suggests something precious or radiant. It gained international recognition through footballer Zlatan Ibrahimović.
Zlatko
Another name rooted in “zlato” (gold), Zlatko has long been popular across the Balkans as a warm, positive name for a son.
Zvonimir
Combines “zvoniti” (to ring or resound) with “mir” (peace or fame), evoking a name whose renown resounds far. Dmitar Zvonimir was a celebrated medieval King of Croatia.
Zvonko
Related to “zvono” (bell), Zvonko suggests a clear, ringing presence. It has been a familiar, easygoing name across Croatia and Serbia for generations.
Zvone
A short, friendly Slovenian form related to Zvonimir and the word “zvon” (bell). It’s used both as a standalone name and a nickname.
Žarko
From “žar,” meaning ember or fire, Žarko describes someone passionate or fervent. It has been a steady favorite in Serbia and Croatia.
Željko
Rooted in “želja” (wish or desire), this name suggests a long-awaited or cherished child. It’s a common name across the former Yugoslavia.
Željan
A close relative of Željko, also built from “želja” (wish), carrying the sense of being deeply wanted or yearned for.
Živan
From “živ” (alive), Živan was traditionally given to express hope for a long, vigorous life, sometimes after the loss of an earlier child.
Živko
Another name built on “živ” (alive), Živko carries the same wish for vitality and endurance, and remains recognizable across the region.
Živojin
A fuller form built from “živ” (alive/living), historically notable as the name of Serbian general Živojin Mišić, a hero of the First World War.
Zvezdan
Derived from “zvezda,” the Slavic word for star, this name suggests brightness and guidance, evoking someone destined to shine.
Zaviša
An old Serbian noble name, immortalized in epic poetry through Zaviša Crnojević, celebrated as a brave and honorable knight.
Zbyněk
A traditional Czech name combining roots suggesting growth and fame. It has been in use since medieval Bohemia and still appears among older generations.
Zbysław
A historic Polish name meaning roughly “greater fame,” following the same pattern as Zbigniew but paired with “sława” (glory) instead of anger.
Ziemowit
A legendary name from Poland’s founding Piast dynasty, joining “ziemia” (land) with “wit” (lord or master). It reflects an early ruler’s tie to his territory.
Ziemomysł
Another legendary Piast-era Polish name, combining “ziemia” (land) with “myśl” (thought), suggesting a ruler devoted to the welfare of his homeland.
If you think there is a missing term, let us know using the contact form.