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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ilze | Ilze: Latvian name meaning "pledged to God," culturally significant and unique. | Latvian | Girl | |
| Ingūna | Ingūna: Latvian name meaning "fire," symbolizing strength and passion. | Latvian | Girl | |
| Jurisa | Jurisa is a unique, modern name with Latvian law associations. | Latvian | Unisex | |
| Kalvins | Kalvins: rare Latvian name meaning "bald," primarily for males. | Latvian | Boy | |
| Karlitis | Karlitis: Latvian name meaning "son of Karl," derived from German. | German, Latvian | Boy | |
| Klodvīga | Klodvīga: rare Latvian name meaning "famous warrior" for girls. | Latvian | Girl | |
| Klodvīgs | Klodvīgs: rare Latvian name meaning "famous warrior," rich heritage. | Latvian | Boy | |
| Kristaps | Kristaps: Latvian name meaning "follower of Christ," moderately popular. | Latvian | Boy | |
| Lorencs | Lorencs: Latvian name meaning "from Laurentum," symbolizing strength and resilience. | Latvian | Boy | |
| Lūcija | Lūcija: Latvian name meaning "light," elegant, and culturally rich choice. | Latvian | Girl | |
| Ludvigs | Ludvigs: Latvian name meaning "famous warrior," rare but distinctive. | Latvian | Boy | |
| Mairis | Mairis: Latvian name meaning "brave," gaining popularity for boys. | Latvian | Boy | |
| Matiss | Matiss: Latvian name meaning "gift of God," unique and meaningful. | Latvian | Boy | |
| Modris | Modris: Latvian name meaning "youthful," symbolizing wisdom and intelligence. | Latvian | Boy | |
| Niklavs | Niklavs: Latvian name meaning "victory of the people," unique and cultural. | Latvian | Boy | |
| Nikolajs | Nikolajs: Latvian name meaning "victory of the people," masculine significance. | Latvian | Boy | |
| Pavels | Pavels: Latvian name meaning "small," unique with cultural significance. | Latvian | Boy | |
| Raimonds | Raimonds: Latvian variant of Raymond, meaning "wise protector" in Germanic. | Latvian | Boy | |
| Raimunds | Raimunds: Latvian name meaning "wise protector," unique and historically rich. | Latvian | Boy | |
| Ritvars | Ritvars: Latvian name meaning "brave" or "strong," with ancient roots. | Latvian | Boy | |
| Robertas | Robertas: Lithuanian masculine name meaning "bright fame" or "famous brilliance." | English, Germanic, Latvian, Lithuanian, Polish | Boy | |
| Sanita | Sanita: Latvian name meaning "health," elegant, and culturally significant. | Latvian | Girl | |
| Sarlote | Sarlote: Latvian name meaning "free woman," unique and elegant choice. | Latvian | Girl | |
| Sigismunds | Sigismunds: Latvian name meaning "victorious protector," historically significant yet uncommon. | Latvian | Boy | |
| Skaidrite | Skaidrite: Latvian name meaning "clear," rare, and culturally significant. | Latvian | Girl | |
| Stanislavs | Stanislavs: Latvian name meaning "glory," traditionally masculine and unique. | Latvian | Boy | |
| Tavars | Tavars is a unique, uncommon name with unclear origins and meanings. | Latvian | Unisex | |
| Ugis | Ugis: Latvian name meaning "fire," symbolizing strength and passion. | Latvian | Boy | |
| Vasilys | Vasilys: Greek name meaning "royal," with historical significance across cultures. | Latvian | Boy | |
| Zanete | Zanete is a unique Latvian name meaning "graceful" or "elegant." | Latvian | Girl |
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.