Latvian names are rooted in Baltic linguistic traditions and reflect values of nature, folklore, and ancestry. Names like Laima (goddess of fate) and Jānis (John) carry meanings tied to spirituality and cultural pride. These names highlight Latvia’s rich traditions and linguistic beauty.
| Name | Meaning | Origins | Gender | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adelyte | Adelyte: a unique, noble name with Germanic roots and history. | German, Latvian, Lithuanian | Girl | |
| Aivars | Aivars: Latvian name meaning "warrior," symbolizing strength and courage. | Latvian | Boy | |
| Alekssandrs | Alekssandrs: Latvian name meaning "defender of mankind," masculine, unique. | Latvian | Boy | |
| Anšis | Anšis: Latvian name meaning "God's gift," rare and unique. | Latvian | Boy | |
| Antonijs | Antonijs: Latvian name meaning "priceless," unique and culturally significant. | Latvian | Boy | |
| Antons | Antons, a Latvian variant of Anthony, means "priceless" or "valuable." | Latin, Latvian | Boy | |
| Armands | Armands: Latvian name meaning "soldier," distinctive and culturally significant. | Latvian | Boy | |
| Artūrš | Artūrš: Latvian name meaning "bear," symbolizing strength and resilience. | Latvian | Boy | |
| Arvīns | Arvīns: Latvian name meaning "eagle," symbolizing strength and leadership. | Latvian | Boy | |
| Atis | Atis: Latvian masculine name meaning "fir tree," unique and distinctive. | Latvian | Boy | |
| Aukusts | Aukusts: Latvian name meaning "venerable," unique, traditional, and male-associated. | Latvian | Boy | |
| Austra | Austra: Latvian name meaning "dawn," unique, elegant, and feminine. | Latvian | Girl | |
| Baiba | Baiba is a Latvian name meaning "little girl" or "baby." | Latvian | Girl | |
| Dagnija | Dagnija: rare Latvian name meaning "new day," elegant and feminine. | Latvian | Girl | |
| Dagnis | Dagnis: Latvian name meaning "fire," unique and culturally significant. | Latvian | Boy | |
| Dmitrijs | Dmitrijs: Latvian name meaning "devoted to Demeter," culturally significant. | Latvian | Boy | |
| Edgards | Edgards: Latvian name symbolizing wealth, strength, and cultural significance. | Latvian | Boy | |
| Edvards | Edvards: Latvian name meaning "wealthy guardian," traditionally masculine and unique. | Latvian | Boy | |
| Edvīnsone | Edvīnsone: rare Latvian name meaning "wealthy friend," primarily female. | Latvian | Girl | |
| Egils | Egils: Scandinavian masculine name meaning "edge of a sword." | Icelandic, Latvian, Old Norse, Scandinavian | Boy | |
| Egons | Egons: Latvian masculine name meaning "sword," rare and unique. | Latvian | Boy | |
| Ervīns | Ervīns: Latvian name meaning "resolute friend," unique and meaningful. | Latvian | Boy | |
| Evalds | Evalds: Rare Latvian name meaning "ruler," cherished for cultural significance. | Latvian | Boy | |
| Grigorijs | Grigorijs: Latvian name meaning "watchful," unique with cultural significance. | Latvian | Boy | |
| Gunta | Gunta: Latvian name meaning "warrior," rare but culturally significant. | Latvian | Girl | |
| Guntars | Guntars: Latvian name meaning "warrior," reflecting strength and courage. | Latvian | Boy | |
| Guntis | Guntis: Latvian name meaning "warrior," unique and culturally significant. | Latvian | Boy | |
| Helmuts | Helmuts: Latvian name meaning "protection," associated with masculine strength. | Latvian | Boy | |
| Ievita | Ievita: Latvian name meaning "life," unique and culturally significant. | Latvian | Girl | |
| Igors | Igors is a Latvian variant of the name Igor, meaning warrior. | Latvian, Russian | 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.