Discover and Shortlist Your Perfect Baby Names!
Introduction to Latvian Names
Latvian names are the names used by the people of Latvia, a small country in the Baltic region of Northern Europe. Latvian names are mostly of Slavic or Baltic origin, though some names are of Germanic, Scandinavian, and even Latin origin. Latvian names often have a meaning that is associated with nature, such as trees, flowers, or animals.
Popular Latvian Names
The most popular Latvian names are usually variations of traditional Latvian names. The most popular Latvian male names are Jānis, Kaspars, Māris, and Jēkabs. The most popular Latvian female names are Elizabete, Laura, Anna, and Līga.
Name Meanings
Latvian names often have meanings that are associated with nature. For example, Jānis is a popular male name that means “God is gracious”, Kaspars means “treasurer”, and Māris is derived from the word for “sea”. Female Latvian names often have meanings related to beauty, such as Elizabete, which means “pledged to God”, or Anna, which means “grace”.
Name Days
In Latvia, each day of the year is associated with a particular name. On that day, people with that name celebrate their name day. Name days are celebrated with special meals and gifts and are considered to be more important than birthdays.
Conclusion
Latvian names are mostly of Slavic or Baltic origin and often have meanings related to nature. Popular Latvian names are usually variations of traditional Latvian names, and each day of the year is associated with a particular name. Name days are celebrated with special meals and gifts and are considered to be more important than birthdays.
| Name | Full Meaning | Origins | Gender | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aivars | Aivars: Latvian name meaning "warrior," symbolizing strength and... | Latvian | Boy | |
| Alekssandrs | Alekssandrs: Latvian name meaning "defender of mankind," masculine,... | Latvian | Boy | |
| Anšis | Anšis: Latvian name meaning "God's gift," rare and... | Latvian | Boy | |
| Antonijs | Antonijs: Latvian name meaning "priceless," unique and culturally... | Latvian | Boy | |
| Armands | Armands: Latvian name meaning "soldier," distinctive and culturally... | Latvian | Boy | |
| Artūrš | Artūrš: Latvian name meaning "bear," symbolizing strength and... | Latvian | Boy | |
| Arvīns | Arvīns: Latvian name meaning "eagle," symbolizing strength and... | Latvian | Boy | |
| Atis | Atis: Latvian masculine name meaning "fir tree," unique... | Latvian | Boy | |
| Aukusts | Aukusts: Latvian name meaning "venerable," unique, traditional, and... | Latvian | Boy | |
| Austra | Austra: Latvian name meaning "dawn," unique, elegant, and... | Latvian | Girl | |
| Dagnija | Dagnija: rare Latvian name meaning "new day," elegant... | Latvian | Girl | |
| Dagnis | Dagnis: Latvian name meaning "fire," unique and culturally... | Latvian | Boy | |
| Dmitrijs | Dmitrijs: Latvian name meaning "devoted to Demeter," culturally... | Latvian | Boy | |
| Edgards | Edgards: Latvian name symbolizing wealth, strength, and cultural... | Latvian | Boy | |
| Edvards | Edvards: Latvian name meaning "wealthy guardian," traditionally masculine... | Latvian | Boy | |
| Edvīnsone | Edvīnsone: rare Latvian name meaning "wealthy friend," primarily... | Latvian | Girl | |
| Egons | Egons: Latvian masculine name meaning "sword," rare and... | Latvian | Boy | |
| Ervīns | Ervīns: Latvian name meaning "resolute friend," unique and... | Latvian | Boy | |
| Evalds | Evalds: Rare Latvian name meaning "ruler," cherished for... | Latvian | Boy | |
| Grigorijs | Grigorijs: Latvian name meaning "watchful," unique with cultural... | Latvian | Boy | |
| Gunta | Gunta: Latvian name meaning "warrior," rare but culturally... | Latvian | Girl | |
| Guntars | Guntars: Latvian name meaning "warrior," reflecting strength and... | Latvian | Boy | |
| Guntis | Guntis: Latvian name meaning "warrior," unique and culturally... | Latvian | Boy | |
| Helmuts | Helmuts: Latvian name meaning "protection," associated with masculine... | Latvian | Boy | |
| Ievita | Ievita: Latvian name meaning "life," unique and culturally... | Latvian | Girl | |
| Ilze | Ilze: Latvian name meaning "pledged to God," culturally... | Latvian | Girl | |
| Ingūna | Ingūna: Latvian name meaning "fire," symbolizing strength and... | Latvian | Girl | |
| Jurisa | Jurisa is a unique, modern name with Latvian... | Latvian | Unisex | |
| Kalvins | Kalvins: rare Latvian name meaning "bald," primarily for... | Latvian | Boy | |
| Karlitis | Karlitis: Latvian name meaning "son of Karl," derived... | German, Latvian | Boy |
The name 'Latvian' originates from the people of Latvia, a country in the Baltic region of Northern Europe. It is derived from the ancient "Latgalians", one of the four main tribes that formed the ethnic Latvian people. The term has evolved to represent the nation and its citizens.
The Latvian people were named after the Latgalians, one of the indigenous tribes of the area. The name was influenced by the historical and geographical context of the region. Over time, the collective term 'Latvians' came to represent all the ethnic groups within the modern nation-state of Latvia.
No, 'Latvian' is not related to the Latin language. Latvian is a Baltic language, part of the Indo-European language family, while Latin is an Italic language. The similarity in the names is coincidental and does not reflect a linguistic connection.
Yes, 'Latvian' and 'Lettish' refer to the same language and people, but 'Lettish' is an older term. 'Lettish' was used historically in English to refer to the Latvian language and people. However, 'Latvian' has become the standard term in modern usage.
The term 'Latvian' signifies both the language spoken by the Latvian people and the citizens of Latvia. It represents the national identity and cultural heritage of the country. The term is used to distinguish the people and language of Latvia from those of other nations.
There are various theories, but the most accepted one links the name 'Latvian' to the ancient Latgalians. Scholars have proposed different etymologies, some suggesting a connection to river names or geographical features. However, the consensus ties the name to the historical tribes of the region.
Yes, the name 'Latvian' has evolved over time as the region's political and cultural landscape changed. Historical documents show variations and different terms used to refer to the Latvian people. The modern term 'Latvian' has been standardized in recent centuries.
The name 'Latvian' holds historical significance as it reflects the country's journey to nationhood. It is tied to the Latvian people's cultural and linguistic identity. The name is a symbol of independence, especially significant after Latvia's declaration of independence from the Soviet Union in 1990.
Yes, the name 'Latvian' is used internationally to refer to the country of Latvia, its language, and its people. It is recognized globally and used in diplomatic, cultural, and sports contexts. The term is the standard English designation for anything pertaining to Latvia.
In their own language, Latvians refer to themselves as 'latvieši' and to their country as 'Latvija'. This self-designation is used in all aspects of daily life and official matters. The term 'latvieši' directly corresponds to 'Latvians' in English.
