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Origin and meaning of the name Bogdan

What is the origin of the name Bogdan?

Bogdan is a Slavic male given name, most commonly found among Eastern Orthodox Christians in countries such as Ukraine, Belarus, Romania, Moldova, Russia, and Bulgaria. The name Bogdan originated from the Old East Slavic language and is derived from two roots: "bog" meaning god and "-dan" which can mean gift or mercy. Therefore, the name Bogdan translates to something like "given by God" or "God's gift." The use of the name Bogdan can be traced back to ancient Eastern Slavic tribes, with notable individuals bearing this name in medieval and modern times, such as Bogdan II, Grand Duke of Moscow (1327–1340), Bogdan Khmelnitsky (c. 1595–1657), a prominent Ukrainian military leader and political figure, and Bogdan Kiciński (born 1951), a Polish politician.

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Learn more about the origin of the name Bogdan

The meaning, etymology, and origin of the name Bogdan

Bogdan is a Slavic masculine given name, particularly common among Eastern Orthodox Christians in Eastern Europe. It derives from the Old East Slavic Bogatyj, which means "God-given" or "belonging to God." The name has variations like Bogdanovich and Bogdanov in various Slavic languages. The name has been popular in regions such as Ukraine, Russia, Bulgaria, Serbia, Romania, Croatia, and Moldova for centuries. In the Middle Ages, it was a common name among the ruling class due to its religious connotations, symbolizing divine guidance or blessing. Today, Bogdan remains a widely used name in many Eastern European countries, reflecting the region's historical and cultural ties.

Character traits associated with the name Bogdan

Bogdan is often perceived as a determined and resilient individual. He is known for his strong will and ability to focus on long-term goals. Bogdans are typically independent thinkers, demonstrating intelligence and creativity in problem-solving. They value their personal freedom and autonomy, but also understand the importance of cooperation when necessary. Loyalty towards friends and family is important to Bogdan, who can be protective and caring when it comes to loved ones. He may sometimes come across as aloof or intense due to his analytical nature and focus on tasks at hand. Overall, Bogdan embodies a blend of independence, intelligence, and loyalty, making him a respected and admired figure in many social circles.

Popularity of the name Bogdan

Bogdan is a Slavic masculine given name derived from the Old East Slavic name Bogatiy, meaning "the wealthy" or "blessed by God." The name has its roots in various Eastern European countries, including Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, and Romania. In recent years, the popularity of the name Bogdan varies across these regions. In Russia, it is relatively common and ranks among the top 500 most popular male names. In Ukraine, it holds a higher rank and is considered one of the top 100 names for boys. In Belarus and Romania, the name is less frequently used compared to its Russian and Ukrainian counterparts but still appears in the list of top 1000 names for boys. In other parts of the world, such as North America, Bogdan is not commonly found due to a smaller Eastern European population. Overall, Bogdan remains a well-known and popular name across Eastern Europe while maintaining a more limited presence in other regions.

Famous people with the name Bogdan

Bogdan has been the first name for several notable individuals across various fields and regions. In Russia, Bogdan Kiselevich is a renowned pianist known for his interpretations of Bach's Goldberg Variations. In Romania, Bogdan Jovanovici Stefanescu, also known as Caragiale, was an influential playwright and one of the greatest Romanian dramatists in modern history. In the technology sector, Bogdan Rosu is the co-founder and former CEO of Bitdefender, a leading cybersecurity software company. Additionally, Bogdan Starosta, a Polish-born Canadian writer, has authored numerous works that explore his experiences as an immigrant. Lastly, Bogdan Mitić, a Serbian professional basketball player, has played for various teams in Europe and the NBA, earning recognition for his skills on the court. These individuals exemplify the versatility and accomplishments associated with the name Bogdan.

Variations of the name Bogdan

Bogdan is a Slavic masculine given name, particularly common among Eastern Europeans, most notably in Bulgaria, Moldova, Romania, Russia, and Ukraine. It derives from the Old East Slavic name Vyacheslav, composed of the elements 'vyachus' (wisdom) and 'slava' (glory), meaning "wise glory." Variations of Bogdan include:

1. Bogdanov (Bogdan son) - a patronymic surname originating from Bogdan.
2. Bogdanich, Bogdaniuk, Bogdanovich - other possible surnames derived from Bogdan.
3. Bogdanoff, Bogdanow, Bogdanoff, Bogdanau, Bohdan - variations in different languages and dialects.
4. Bogański (Polish for "of Bogdan") is a Polish surname originating from the given name Bogdan.
5. Bogdanović, Bogdanovič (Serbian Cyrillic: Богдановић, Богданович) are Serbo-Croatian versions of Bogdan.
6. Bogdanowicz, Bogdanowitch - variations in Polish and other Slavic languages with a more anglicized spelling.
7. Bohdan, Bohdán (Ukrainian Cyrillic: Богдан), Багданас (Lithuanian) - alternative spellings and phonetic variants of Bogdan.

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 29 July 2025

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