Have you ever been on a name hunt and found yourself scrolling past common choices, and seeking something with a dash more zest and history? Well, here's a gem for you, Illyrian names! Imagine a time long ago, in lands that now make up modern-day Albania, Montenegro, Croatia, and a sprinkle of Slovenia and Serbia. The Illyrian tribes called these places home, leaving behind not just a rich tapestry of culture but also some truly unique names.
These ancient Indo-Europeans lounged around the western Balkans, making history and soaking up diverse linguistic influences. But here's the kicker: the Illyrians are like that mysterious neighbor you always wish you knew more about. Their history is not as well-documented as the Romans or Greeks, but that makes them all the more fascinating. Still, researchers have done their homework, piecing together names from linguistic clues and historical snippets. So, if you're searching for a name that’s both lovely and storied for your newest family member, or maybe even penning an epic tale that needs characters as unique as their journey, buckle up! You're about to explore a list of popular Illyrian names that just might be the inspiration you've been looking for.
Helena (Greek origin): means ‘light’, and it's a magnificent name for a baby girl.
Gjoka (Albanian origin): another last name in Albania, reportedly used by 9,905 people or 1 in 294.
Skender (Albanian origin): means ‘the protector’, a name that reflects strength and bravery.
Gjoni (Albanian origin): means 'John' according to several sources. It's a common Albanian last name, derived from the given name Gjon.
Shpresa (Albanian origin): means ‘hope’. It is a name that reflects the joy and warmth a baby brings into your world.
Balla(Multiple origins): In the Albanian context, it is a nickname or metonymic occupational name from 'balla', which means 'half-soles' (in shoe repair). It is a common surname in the entire world and Albania.
Prifti(Albanian origin): means ‘priest’, and was a surname used by Orthodox Christians in Albania and Greece. It is a common surname, used by about 13,354 Albanian people.
Emilian (Slavic/Romanian/Latin origin): means ‘eager' or 'rival’, and is an ideal name for a baby boy.
Lule (Albanian origin): means ‘flower’, perfect for a little girl who is delicate and beautiful.
Erion (Albanian origin): means ‘the wind of the Ionian sea’, and is a name that depicts strength.
Orkide (Albanian/Turkish origin): means ‘orchid flower’, and is a unique name that reflects positivity and good energy.
Albana (Albanian origin): means 'white' or 'blonde', is one of the most authentic choices of Albanian names for a girl child.
Ylli (Albanian origin): means ‘star’, and it makes for a cute and unique Albanian baby name for a boy.
Flutura (Albanian origin): means ‘butterfly’, and is one of the cutest baby girl names.
Hëne (Albanian origin): means ‘moon’, a pretty name for a baby girl.
Gjon (Albanian origin): means ‘the lucky one’ or 'the blessed one'. This name is associated with the well-known Albanian writer, Gjon Buzuku.
Valon (Albanian origin): means ‘wave’. It may also have been derived from the name of the city of Valone in Albania.
Pleuratus was king of a region near the Adriatic coast in southern Illyria.
Drita (Albanian origin): derived from the Albanian word, 'drite', which means ‘light’. Give your daughter this name with the hope that she shines brightly in all aspects of her life.
Bardhore (Albanian origin): means ‘shining’. It's a perfect name for a baby boy with a bright and lively disposition.
Enis (Albanian/ Bosnian origin): means ‘one who is friendly’, and is a fitting name for a girl with a beautiful and forgiving soul. This name could also work for boys according to some sources.
Pinnes was the son of Agron, king of the Ardiaei in Illyria, and Triteuta, with Agron's first wife.
Afërdita(Albanian origin): means 'near to morning' or 'dawn' in English, and is a name that is quite rare.
Gentius was an Illyrian king of the Labeatan dynasty.
Vetone (Albanian origin): means ‘an ancient warrior’, is also a good option for naming a boy.
Dua (Albanian origin): means ‘love'; it's also the name of the famous singer, Dua Lipa.
Gezim (Albanian origin): means ‘joy’, and is a perfect name for a baby girl who brings love and joy into your life. Some sources report this name to be great for baby boys too, so it might be a unisex option.
Monunius was an Illyrian king who reigned over southern Illyria.
Besart (Albanian origin): means ‘golden oath’, and is a fantastic name for a boy. According to other sources, the name could also mean 'one who gives value to faith'.
Manjola (Albanian origin): means ‘magnolia tree’ in English. It is a melodic name for a baby girl for the joy and warmth they bring.
Zerina (Albanian/Arabic origin): means ‘golden one’, and it's an alluring name for a beautiful daughter in whom you have complete faith.
Fatmirë (Albanian origin): means ‘luck or fortune’, and is one of the cutest names for a girl from Albania.
Nora (Albanian/Anglo-Norman/Arabic/Irish origins): means ‘light’, and is a cute name for a beautiful baby girl.
Leka (Greek origin): means ‘protector and defender of the people’, and is an elegant and classy name for both girls and boys.
Gabriel (Hebrew origin): means ‘God’ is my strength' or 'God is a strong man'. It's a vintage name for men all over the world, including Albania.
Artë (Albanian origin): means 'golden', is one of the most beautiful Albanian baby names that depict the cultural and linguistic heritage of these people.
Adir (Hebrew origin): means ‘mighty’, and is considered one of the strongest male names. Although Hebrew names are not popular in Albania, some still fancy names with such origins.
Caka (Indian/Albanian origin): a common surname in Albania and other countries.
Rezart (Albanian origin): means ‘golden ray’, and is a name that represents warmth and hope.
Kaltrina (Albanian origin): means ‘blue girl’ in English, is a sophisticated and cool-sounding name.
Vetone (Albanian origin): means ‘ancient warrior’, and is a unique choice of name for your cute little daughter.
Sara (Hebrew origin): means ‘lady’ or 'princess', and is a fitting name for a beautiful girl.
Hoxha (Turkish origin): an Albanian surname, derived from the Persian word 'Khawaja' which translates to 'master' in English. Another variation of this name is Hoxhaj. It is among the most common Albanian names, reported to be used by approximately 54,367 people.
Murat (Turkish origin): means ‘wish' or 'desire’, and is a simple yet adorable name.
Grace (Latin origin): means ‘goodness and generosity’, and is popular all across Europe, including Albania.
Emina (Arabic origin): means ‘truthful’, a stylish name for baby girls from Kosovo. Kosovo is an area with a historical connection to the Illyrians.
Bukuria (Albanian origin): means 'beauty', is an elegant name for baby girls in the Balkan peninsula.
Bardhyll (Albanian origin): means ‘white star’. This name became popular due to the ancient Illyrian king, Bardhyll.
Abdyl (Albanian origin): means ‘servant’, and is associated with popular people like the Albanian politician Abdyl Kellezi.
Burim (Albanian origin): means ‘riverhead' or 'fountain’, and is the name of the famous Albanian photographer, Burim Myftiu.
Cleitus was an Illyrian king who was the son of King Bardylis and the father of King Bardylis II.
Gjini (Albanian origin): an Albanian surname that dates back to the Ottoman invasion of Albania, thought to be derived from the name Dukagjini. The surname Gjini is most widespread in Albania, according to some sources who report its use by about 6,600 people, or 1 in 442 Albanians.
Elvana (Albanian origin): means ‘angel from heaven’, and is a beautiful name for a girl if you want inspiration from Illyrian history.
Flamur (Albanian origin): means ‘flag’, and is a name that reflects patriotism among the Albanians.
Diellza (Slavic/Swiss origin): means ‘the sun’, and can also be an ideal name for a baby girl.
Fatmir (Albanian origin): means ‘a boy of great luck’. It is a blessed name that is commonly used to name Albanian baby boys.
Glaucias, an ancient ruler, governed the Taulantian kingdom during the second half of the fourth century BC. The Taulantii were an Illyrian people situated along the Adriatic coast of southern Illyria.
Edon (Albanian origin): means ‘love’, and is one of the most attractive baby names, and its pronunciation is also simple.
Elion (Albanian origin): means ‘lion’, and is a strong name for a baby boy.
Endrit (Albanian origin): means ‘to shine or have light’, and is a meaningful name for a baby boy.
Bato (Albanian origin): means ‘Illyrian warrior’, and is an ideal name for a brave and strong boy.
Pleurias was the king of the Autariatae, where the Illyrian people lived.
Rita (Spanish/Greek/Latin origin): means ‘pearl’, and is a name that was popular amongst Illyrians.
Valë (Albanian origin): means ‘sea wave’, a name that reflects bravery and determination.
Koçi (Albanian origin): ranks top among the most common surnames in the world and is also quite common in Albania. About 9,014 Albanians use this surname, according to different reports.
Muça (Greece/Albanian origin): a common surname in Albania, with about 12,531 occurrences based on collated data.
Marsela (Latin origin): means ‘born in March’ or 'child of March'. It's a perfect name for your baby girl if she was born in March.
Bekim (Albanian origin): means ‘blessed’ or 'blessing'. It's the perfect name for a baby boy who brings joy.
Elezi (Albanian origin): another common Albanian last name. Some sources say the name means 'warrior'. Many notable historical figures use the name, like Cen Elezi, an Albanian colonel, and nationalist.
Besa (Albanian origin): means 'oath', and is an elegant name for a baby girl.
Agron was an Illyrian ruler of the Ardiaean Kingdom in the third century BC.
Toka (Albanian origin): means ‘earth’, a perfect name for a baby girl who has a strong resolve.
Agron (Albanian origin): means 'fire' and 'brave', and is associated with the Illyrian King, Agron.
