Sorbian Given Names: Slavic Names from Lusatia

Origin and Linguistic Classification of Sorbian Names

The Sorbs are a recognized national minority in Germany. Their traditional settlement area, Lusatia, spans parts of Saxony (Upper Sorbian) and Brandenburg (Lower Sorbian). The Sorbian language belongs to the West Slavic branch and is closely related to Polish and Czech.

Given names in this region reflect this linguistic affiliation. Many Sorbian names are regional variations of Christian, biblical, or Ancient Greek names that were adapted to Slavic pronunciation and orthography. A second major group consists of inherently Slavic names formed from traditional root words such as "měr" (peace) or "lub" (dear, loved).

Sorbian Given Names and Their Derivations

Here you will find a selection of Sorbian given names. This list distinguishes between documented linguistic roots, widespread interpretations, and names whose origins have not been definitively resolved.

Sorbian Names for Girls

Bora
As a Turkish name, Bora means "storm" or "squall"; as an Albanian name, "snow"; and as a Korean name, "purple" or "violet." These identically spelled names have distinct linguistic origins. From these origins, no evidence can be derived for categorizing it as a Sorbian girl's name; a possible Slavic short form would need to be substantiated separately.

Hanka
Documented as a Sorbian diminutive of Anna. The Hebrew linguistic root means "the favored one" or "the graceful one." In Lusatia, the name is frequently bestowed as an independent given name.

Jěwa
Traces back to the name Eva and is the Upper Sorbian form. The Hebrew root means "the life-giving one" or "the living one."

Lenka
Documented as a Sorbian and broadly Slavic diminutive of Magdalena or Helena. Depending on the name of origin, the meaning varies, ranging from "woman from Magdala" to "the radiant one."

Lubina
Traces back to the Slavic root "lub." The documented linguistic root means "dear," "beloved," or "love."

Madlena
Documented as a Sorbian form of Magdalena. The name refers to the place of origin Magdala on the Sea of Galilee.

Měrka
Documented as a Sorbian short form of names containing the root "měr," such as Měrosława. This Slavic root means "peace."

Mila
In Slavic naming history, Mila is a short form of names containing the element milŭ, meaning "dear" or "precious." In Nordic naming practices, other short forms exist, such as via Milla to Camilla or Emilia. The Slavic meaning does not automatically apply to those forms.

Radomila
A classic Slavic and Sorbian name composed of two roots: "rad," meaning "glad" or "willing," and "mil," meaning "dear" or "precious."

Wita
The name is widely interpreted as a Sorbian short form of Viktoria. Another widespread interpretation traces its origin to the Slavic root "vit" (welcome). Because both naming histories exist, they should be explained separately.

Zala
The older etymological meaning of this name is not definitively resolved. In Sorbian, it is frequently used as a short form of Rosalia, but a single sweeping meaning would be too imprecise here. Its traditional use within the Sorbian linguistic area is well established.

Sorbian Names for Boys

Beno
Documented as a Sorbian short form of Benedikt. The Latin linguistic root means "the blessed one."

Jurij
Documented as the Upper Sorbian form of Georg. The Ancient Greek linguistic root means "the earth-worker" or "the farmer."

Juro
This is the Lower Sorbian variant of Georg. Here, too, it is based on the Ancient Greek meaning "the earth-worker."

Kito
Documented as the Lower Sorbian form of Christian or Christophorus. The Ancient Greek root of Christophorus means "Christ-bearer."

Kresćan
This is the Upper Sorbian form of Christian. The name traces back to the Latin "christianus," meaning "the Christian" or "follower of Christ."

Mato
Documented as the Lower Sorbian form of Matthäus or Matthias. The Hebrew linguistic root means "gift of the Lord."

Měrćin
This is the Sorbian form of Martin. The Latin linguistic root means "dedicated to Mars (the god of war)."

Milan
The Slavic name Milan belongs to the element milŭ, meaning "dear" or "gracious." Independent of this, Hindi milan, from Sanskrit milana, means "meeting" or "encounter." This etymological history is distinct from the Slavic one. A deliberate reference to the city of Milan represents yet another naming motive.

Radoměr
A traditional name composed of two Slavic roots: "rad," meaning "glad" or "willing," and "měr," meaning "peace."

Stanij
The name is widely interpreted as a short form of Stanislaw. The frequently cited translation "the glorious one" is an interpretation derived from the roots "stan" (to become, stand) and "slaw" (fame, glory).

Tomaš
Documented as the Sorbian form of Thomas. The Aramaic linguistic root means "the twin."

Wito
The masculine counterpart to Wita. Here, too, the name is widely translated with the Slavic "vit" (welcome) or as a short form of Witold. Both interpretations are possible.

Sorbian Special Characters in Everyday German Life

Some Sorbian names contain diacritics (special characters) that do not appear in standard German. These include letters such as č, š, ě, or ł. If you choose a name with these characters, you should consider the following practical aspects:

• Civil registry office (Standesamt): Because the Sorbs are a recognized minority, the Sorbian language is protected in Germany. German civil registry offices generally accept these special characters when issuing birth certificates.
• Pronunciation: The characters provide clear pronunciation cues. An "š" is pronounced like the English "sh" (Tomaš = Tomash), a "č" like "ch" in "chair," and an "ě" resembles an "ye" sound (Jěwa = Yiewa).
• IT systems and daily routines: Many computer systems used by banks, airlines, or online shops do not support these characters. In practice, "Měrćin" on an airline ticket often becomes "Mercin," and "Tomaš" turns into "Tomas."

When selecting a name, you have two options: you can either choose the traditional Sorbian spelling and accept that the name will often be simplified in digital everyday life, or opt directly for a Germanized spelling without special characters, provided that makes linguistic sense for the respective name.

How to Choose Your Favorites

If names from the Slavic or Sorbian language area appeal to you, begin by collecting all the variants you would consider. Say the names aloud together with your last name to hear how the combination works in daily life.

In the HeyName app, you can independently rate names as "Favorite," "Maybe," or "Not for us." When you link your devices via an invite, the names both of you have marked as a favorite appear as mutual matches. This allows you to see immediately which Sorbian names you agree on, so you can discuss this shortlist together.

Editorial update: September 22, 2026

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