Bulgarian names and surnames for women. Bulgarian male and female names and surnames and their meaning

Bulgaria is a country with an interesting history and culture. It impresses with its beauty, hospitality, delicious cuisine and wonderful nature. There is a lot of sun, sea, kindness and good mood. And there are a lot of names in Bulgaria. Perhaps, in no other country in the world there is such a variety of them, and all of them are surprisingly beautiful in sound and rare. Belotsvet, Bazhan, Rusan, Desislav, Radoslav, Stanimir, Krasimir. Where else can you meet people with such interesting names. From the same root, the Bulgarians managed to come up with a dozen names. For example, with the root -rad -: Radan, Radana, Radko, Radail, Radislav, Radostin, Radon, Radoy. And it should be noted that all these are not variants of the same thing, that is, not an abbreviation. Each of them can be seen in the passport of a citizen of Bulgaria. One can only guess how difficult it is for parents in Bulgaria to decide what to name their daughter or son. After all, they have to choose from more than 2,000 male nicknames, and the number of female ones even exceeds 3,000.

A bit of history

The most ancient are Slavic. These include, for example, Boyan, Radislav, Dragomir, as well as Vladimir, familiar to Russians. They have diminutive forms that are used not only in everyday life, but also in documentation. Even in the passport of a Bulgarian citizen you can find the names of Boyko, Rado and Drago. But Vladimir in Bulgaria is neither Vova nor Volodya. The diminutive form of this nickname here is Vlado.

As a result of the settlement of the Slavs in the Balkans, Thracian, Latin and Turkic names began to appear in Bulgarian culture. And after the baptism of Rus', children here began to be called Greek and Jewish names. Despite the fact that Bulgaria was under Turkish rule for a long time, Muslim names are practically not common here. In recent decades, however, as in other countries, there are more and more names of foreign origin here. It is not uncommon to meet little Diana, Nicole or Gabriela on the streets of the country.

• The name of a person in Bulgaria is more important than his last name. Some documents don't even mention it;
• Bulgarians practically do not use patronymics in everyday life, although officially every inhabitant of the country has one;
• more than 50,000 men in Bulgaria are called Angel;
• Petya, Vanya, Borya and Gena in Bulgaria are worn by women, and boys here are called Lyudmil and Marin;
• Bulgarians have a lot of "flower" nicknames. If for Russians it is Rose and Lily, then in Bulgaria you can meet Tsvetana, Jasmine, Camellia, Rouge, as well as men Tsvetan, Tsvetko and Rosen;
• Zapryanka and the male counterpart Zapryan are symbolic nicknames among the Bulgarians. They are called boys and girls, if there are too many children in the family, and the parents want to, as it were, lock the door, stop;
• the use of the forms Lenka, Verka, Lyubka does not carry a shade of neglect in Bulgaria. In our country it is more like nicknames, but here respected people are also called that;
• Bulgarians love to cut. Anastasia - Ani, Elena - Elya, Magdalena - Magicians, Nikolo - Niki, Violeta - Vili:, Maria - Mimi;
• Newborns in Bulgaria are usually named after their grandparents. Few parents change this tradition. Some name children by the first letter of their father's or mother's nicknames;
• Until the second half of the 20th century, Bulgarians did not have surnames. This function was performed by the patronymic. For example, the son of Peter and the grandson of Kolya were called Ivan Petrov Kolov;
• among Bulgarians, patronymic is formed by adding the suffix -ov. If the Russians call their son Ivan, for example, Pyotr Ivanovich, then in Bulgaria they will call him Pyotr Ivanov;
• Maria and Mariyka are different names for the Bulgarians;
• from the original male nicknames, one can distinguish the Apostle, the Warrior and the Lord.

Common names

Most often, boys in Bulgaria are called George. More than 170 thousand men are called that, and this is 5% of the total population. This is evidenced by the data of the National Institute of Statistics. More than 3% of the residents are called Marys. This is the most common name in Bulgaria for newborn girls. The second most popular male nickname is Ivan. It is quite a bit behind George. A little more than 130 thousand male population is called Dimitar. Thus, it is the third most popular name. The top ten also includes Nikolay, Petyr, Christo, Jordan and Aleksandyr.

As for women, the second most popular after Maria is Ivanka, followed by Elena, Yordanka, Penka, Mariyka, Rositsa. In the last five years, most often girls are called Alexandra and Victoria, as well as Nicole, Gabriela and Simone, borrowed from the West. However, the Bulgarians honor their culture, and therefore the original Slavic names do not lose their popularity here.

The centuries-old traditions of any country are largely reflected in the names given by parents to children at birth. For example, many Bulgarian names have a special meaning and show certain features of the child. In addition, they may contain a wish for success, health or wealth for a person. Some of them have Slavic roots, others are Muslim. As in other countries, children in our time are called international names.

Origin and traditions

The most common names in Bulgaria are those of Slavic origin. They became most popular when the Orthodox faith was strengthened in these territories. Except them, names of other origins also became widespread:

• Turkish
• Greek
• latin;
• Jewish.

Around the middle of the 20th century, Western European and American names began to become popular, often children began to be named after famous performers, actors, or heroes of films and books.

However, compared to many other countries, many, especially Bulgarian, male names have been preserved unchanged. This is because the tradition of naming children after their ancestors is still alive in Bulgaria, and often a child could be named after a grandmother or grandfather, regardless of their gender. Names in the country are also unique in that many of them have both male and female forms. Among them:

• Zhivka-Zhivko;
• Kalin-Kalina;
• Todor-Todorka;
• Spaska.

Often, names are chosen according to the church calendar. Then the child is called by the name of the saint on whose day he was born. And the name can mean one or another property. This is explained by the belief of the Bulgarians in the power of the word. In the names one can feel the influence of other cultures, in particular Turkish. Turkish origin have such names, How:

• Demir and Demira;
• Emine;
• Mustafa and other Muslim names.

In addition, there are a lot of gypsies in the country. For this reason, there are people here whose names are Gojo, Evsenia, Bakhtalo and not only. Some of them are really of gypsy origin, in other cases, parents named their children that way due to influence.

Features of female and male names

The country is unique in that people are named following centuries-old traditions, and there are also a large number of original traditional names. The variety of Bulgarian names for girls is amazing. Many of them have special meanings, such as this:

There are female traditional names of this country, which are considered male in Russia, and in short form. For example, Petya or Vanya. In Bulgaria, you can often meet girls whose names are Tsvetans, Ivanks, Tsvetkov, Yordanki, Zornitsy and not only.

Men's names also have their own characteristics. In particular, there are a large number of them that end in "glory" or "peace":

• Zlatoslav;
• Radimir;
• Lubomir;
• Zlatoslav.

No less popular are the more familiar names for Russians - Vladimir or Yaroslav. The original Bulgarian names can be called short forms, which are often considered official. For example, Tosho (from the full Todor), Gogo (George), as well as Zhivko, Zlatko and not only.

Like female, Bulgarian boy names have their own meaning. In addition, often by the name of the boy it was possible to determine what his family was doing.

For example, the children of peasant farmers were most often called Dimitar or Georgie. But Philippi most often appeared in the families of riders or horse breeders. This name translates as "loving horses." It is possible that the ancestors of the singer Kirkorov were engaged in horses.

Among other meanings of male names:

In addition, common male names in Bulgaria are Angel or Apostle. It is worth noting that there are the most men in the world who have “Angel” written in their passports in Bulgaria. For this reason, many call Bulgaria "the land of angels".

Modern tendencies

According to the statistics of the Bulgarian National Institute, the number of names in the country is more than 67 thousand names. Moreover, if there are 29 thousand male names, then there are much more female names - 38 thousand, respectively.

Boys are most often called Ivans and Georges. 38 percent of the male population is called that way. And the most common female name in the country is Maria, if we consider its form as Mariyka.

Other common names in the country include:

Today, one of the most popular names for newborn girls is Victoria, which can be called a trend towards globalization. But the boys are still mostly called Georges. And in recent years, girls have often been called double names in a foreign way, such as Anna Maria, Maria Margarita and others.

Surnames and patronymics

The concept of a surname as a family hereditary sign in Bulgaria appeared relatively recently compared to other European countries. Their history of formation began only at the end of the 19th century.

In spelling, they do not differ from traditional Russian surnames, but, unlike them, they have a “floating” stress that can change. Like Russians, many Bulgarian female or male surnames end in -ev (Botev or Tashev) or -ov (Todorov, Vazov). A smaller number were formed by suffixes -shki, -ski or -chka, reminiscent of Polish. Their origin is ancient, they are associated with cities or villages of human origin. For example, Lesicherski (a native of the village of Lesicharska) or Ohridski (from the city of Ohrid).

Many surnames of people in Bulgaria are derived from names - both directly Bulgarian and Christian in general. For example, Pavlov, Isaev, Ivanov and others, some do not differ in any way from Russians.

There are also special surnames that are also considered traditional Bulgarian, however, it may seem that they are of Muslim origin. These include the names Khadzhipopov, Khadzhigeorgiev and others with a similar prefix. The word "hajj" in the Muslim world is interpreted as a pilgrimage to Mecca. In Bulgaria, the owners of such surnames may not be hereditary Muslims, but their ancestors during the time of Turkish oppression were called that when they traveled to Jerusalem or visited other holy places, and not necessarily Muslim ones.

There are surnames that indicate nicknames or activities. For example, the surname Kovachev comes from the word "blacksmith" and is an analogue of the Russian surname Kuznetsov or the Ukrainian surname Kovalev (or Koval).

Currently, newborns in Bulgaria are given the choice of the surname of the father or mother, or they assign a new one after the name of his grandfather, or they combine the surnames of their parents. Previously, in most cases, after the wedding, women took the surname of their husbands, but now they mainly switch to a double one.

There are also Bulgarian patronymics. They differ from Russians in the absence of the characteristic ending “vich” or “vna” and are more reminiscent of surnames. For example, if a woman's name is Ivanka Stoyanova and her father's name is Todor, then her full name would be Ivanka Todorova Stoyanova. If a person has the surname Ivanov, and his father's name is Ivan, then the surname and patronymic will look the same in the letter, but differ in stress. In the patronymic it will be on the first syllable, and in the surname - on the second, respectively.

Unlike other Slavic countries, Bulgaria has preserved a large number of old Slavic names forgotten in Russia, which are distinguished by their euphony and have their own meaning. The traditions that continue to be honored in the country have largely contributed. Although, despite this, the fashion for international names is still growing. Whether they will be able to supplant traditional ones is still too early to say.

Attention, only TODAY!

In Bulgaria, there are many names that often carry a special meaning. By this, parents try to show the character traits of the child or give him some features. Often Bulgarian names are a kind of wish for a born person prosperity, success or health. Today we will try to consider not only their meanings, but also to understand which names are the most popular in this state, how they are formed and what Bulgarian traditions are observed when naming children.

Origin of Bulgarian names

The most common and popular Bulgarian names are of Slavic origin. They firmly entered into use after the adoption of Christianity as the main faith. Greek, Latin and Old Hebrew gained considerable popularity. Turkish rule in Bulgaria, oddly enough, had little effect on the diversity of names, since states rarely called their children in Muslim. For a long time, parents named their sons in honor of the Slavic princes Alexander and Vladimir.

Since the middle of the 20th century, names of Western European and American origin have gained popularity. Bulgarian names (female and male) during this period were enriched with new forms due to popular movie heroes, singers and actors.

Be that as it may, Bulgarian men and women are called in a special way, even if the names are formed from words often used in other countries. Agree, it is rare in any country in Europe, America or Asia that you can hear a girl called Miliana or Luchezara, and men Tsvetan or Yasen.

Traditions: how in Bulgaria they give a name

Bulgarian names, especially male ones, have been preserved unchanged due to the naming of descendants in honor of their grandfathers or great-grandfathers. There was no special system, which consists in the sequence of inheritance. An older child could be named like a grandmother or grandfather, regardless of what gender the baby was. Bulgarian names are unique in this regard: boys and girls are often called the same. An example of this is the male name Zhivko and the female Zhivka, Spaska and Spas, Kalin and Kalina.

In addition, the Bulgarian names of girls and boys are chosen in accordance with the church calendar. In this case, the children are named after the saints on whose day they were born. Also in Bulgaria they still believe in the power of the word as such, so often the names for young Bulgarians are the names of plants or the properties of a human character.

Female names in Bulgaria and their meaning

So, we have already learned in general terms what Bulgarian names are. Feminine and masculine, as mentioned above, are often consonant or have the same meaning. But there are those whose sound is unique not only for a particular country, but for the whole world. These include such names as Gisela ("beauty"), Smaragda ("jewel"), Salvina (healthy), Babylia ("God's gate") and so on.

Many female names in Bulgaria are given to girls as a talisman. For example, Blessed, according to the Bulgarians, should give the girl happiness, and Iskra - sincerity. A radiant girl is called if they want to give her strength, Demira - when a girl needs strength of mind. Several names for little Bulgarians originate in myths and legends. So, Veda means "mermaid" or "forest fairy", Xantha - "golden-haired", Luchesara - "heavenly star".

Male Bulgarian names

The meaning of Bulgarian is as diverse as that of girls. There is a whole list. At the same time, some of the names are able to endow the boy with certain qualities: Blagomir ("bringing good to the world"), Boyan ("strong-spirited fighter"), Branimir ("protecting the world"), Nikolaa ("victorious peoples"), Peter or Penko (" strong as a stone, rock").

Bulgarian names (male) are often associated with the character of a person or the main one in the family. For example, Georgie and Dimitar are the two most popular names for peasants working on the land. They translate as "farmer". The name Philip ("loving horses") was more often given to children in families of grooms, riders or horse breeders.

Love for children, the desire to endow them with beauty in appearance and character was also reflected in male names in Bulgaria. For example, Luben (love), Lyudmil (dear to people) and Tsvetan (flower) are still often found in this country. Also in Bulgaria, they believe that luck and respect in the future will be with those who were named Slavya Zvezdelin ("starry") or Yan ("worshiping God").

Popular boy and girl names in Bulgaria

Over the past decades, Bulgarian girls have become Ilia, Rositsa, Rada (Radka) and Mariyka. They are called about 20% of all newborn girls. Slightly less popular are Stoyanka, Vasilka, Stefka and Yordanka. Bulgarian names for boys, which have gained popularity in recent years, do not sound very exotic. Most often, boys are called Petr, Rumen, Todor and Ivan. Slightly less popular are Nikola, Atanas, Marin and Angel.

"Tiny" names

In addition to the official ones, in Bulgaria it is customary to use the so-called "tiny" names, which are an abbreviated version of the name given at birth. In relation to women, this tradition is rarely used, but male names are often abbreviated beyond recognition. An example of this is George: in Bulgaria, men with this name are often called Gosho, Gezha, Gogo or Zhoro. But Todor can be pronounced as Tosho, Totio or Toshko. In rare cases, a “tiny” name can become independent and official, after which it can be written into documents.

History of Bulgarian surnames.

In Bulgarian culture, the concept of a surname as a hereditary family naming has appeared quite recently. A person, in addition to his personal name, was named after his father, his nickname or grandfather, for example, Ivan Petrov, son of Peter Kolev, grandson of Kolyo Kirilov. Story formation Bulgarian surnames begins at the end of the 19th century and is fully completed only in the middle of the last century.

Forms of formation of Bulgarian surnames.

Bulgarian surnames are similar in spelling to Russian ones, only they have an unstable accent and can change it. IN dictionary of Bulgarian surnames the vast majority of them end in -ov, -ev (Iskrov, Tashev, Vazov, Botev). Very few surnames were formed with the help of suffixes -ski, -chki, -shki. The origin of such Bulgarian surnames more ancient, and interpretation associated with the names of villages and cities or the nicknames of the first owners - Kliment Ohridski (from Ohrid), Dimcho Lesicherski (from the village of Lesicharska), Noncho Plyaka (Noncho the Wise), Mara Papazulya (Mara Popadya). However, surnames with such endings are not typical for the Bulgarian language. Alphabetical list of Bulgarian surnames proves the absolute advantage of the endings -ov, -ev.

Meanings of Bulgarian surnames.

As a rule, Bulgarian hereditary names were formed from Christian and Bulgarian names - Ivanov, Pavlov, Davidov, Bogomilov, Isaev, Warriors. Meaning some Bulgarian surnames has, at first glance, a completely non-Christian meaning - Khadzhigeorgiev, Khadzhipopov. It seems that their roots must be sought in Islam, where "hajj" means a pilgrimage to Mecca. In Bulgaria, which for a long time was under the yoke of the Turkish yoke, this prefix was added to the surname of a person who visited Jerusalem or other Christian shrines. A small part of Bulgarian surnames retains the features of nicknames or indicates the occupation of a person - Sakadzhiev (water carrier), Mechkov (bear), Kovachev (blacksmith).

Now in Bulgaria, a child is given a surname from several options - father or mother, a new one after the name of one of the grandfathers, the surnames of the parents are combined. In the last century, women almost always took their husband's surname upon marriage. They now prefer to add their spouse's last name to their maiden name with a hyphen. Declension of Bulgarian surnames in Russian should not cause difficulties. Male and female (with the endings -ova, -eva) change in cases according to the laws of Russian grammar.

Thanks to top of bulgarian surnames you can see which of them are currently the most common and popular in Bulgaria.

**** HOLY TRINITY CHURCH - We believe that our joint desire and indifference will help restore the Holy Trinity Church and the ringing of its bells will become a symbol of faith, hope and love for all the descendants of Bulgarian settlers in Tavria. - Ukraine. The village of Radolovka, Primorsky district, Zaporozhye region. - Historical reference. - ...“Holy Trinity” church was built in 1907 at the expense of the founders of the village - Bulgarian settlers who refused to accept Islam from the Turks in Bulgaria and remained faithful to Orthodoxy. The construction of the church lasted about five years using local building materials. The church was one of the most beautiful examples of Bulgarian church architecture on the territory of the Bulgarian colonies in the Sea of ​​Azov (Tavria). After the October Revolution of 1917 and the end of the civil war in 1929, the church was closed by the communist activists of the village, the copper bells and the cross from the church were sent for melting down, and a folk theater was opened in the church building. With the help of Bulgarian political emigrants in 1930, the church was electrified and painted with plots from the collectivization of the village, as a result of which all the internal paintings of the temple of religious content were destroyed. In the building of the temple, in parallel with the folk theater, a rural library was opened. From September 17, 1943 to March 1944, there was a military field hospital in the church building, in the fall of 1943 the church building was bombed by the Nazis, as a result, the central dome and the bell tower were destroyed, some of the wounded soldiers of the Red Army who were in it at that time died. From 1944 to 2000, the church building was used as a granary and building materials warehouse. In 1977, taking into account the architectural value of the church building, the leadership of the Leningrad workshop for the restoration of architectural monuments proposed to the local collective farm to free the church from grain for its restoration, but this proposal was rejected. In 1994, a community of parishioners was formed in the village, which held several subbotniks to clean the church building from debris. Since 2000, the church has been on the balance sheet of the Gyunov village council. In the same year, with the support of Father Dmitry from the city of Primorsk, the church was examined by specialists who compiled design estimates for the restoration of the church. During the entire existence of the "Holy Trinity" temple, he, like his creators and their descendants, had to go through a lot: the greatness and prosperity of the Bulgarian colonies in Tavria, revolutionary oblivion and the fire of intolerance, the death and destruction of war, economic difficulties and instability of our time. ****