Origin and meaning of the name Milana

The name Milana is of Slavic origin, particularly associated with Eastern European countries such as Croatia, Serbia, and Slovakia. It's a variant of the female given name Milan, which means "dear, loving, pleasant" in Slavic languages. The name gained popularity worldwide due to various celebrities and public figures named Milana or its variants (e.g., Mila Kunis, Monica Bellucci).

Learn more about the origin of the name Milana

The meaning, etymology, and origin of the name Milana

The name Milana is a feminine given name with origins in multiple languages and cultures, most notably Slavic and Italian. In Slavic-speaking countries like Croatia, Serbia, and Russia, the name Milana is a variation of the name Milena or Milica, which are derived from the Latin name 'Melia', meaning 'honey'. This name has been popularized by figures such as Milana Vukotic (a Croatian actress) and Milana Zhu (a Chinese-American actress). In Italian, Milana could be a diminutive of the name Amalia or a variant spelling of Milan, a city in Italy. Therefore, the name Milana carries meanings of sweetness, strength, and potential associations with the vibrant city of Milan.

Character traits associated with the name Milana

Milana is often characterized by intelligence, ambition, and strong-willed determination. She is known for her ability to think critically and strategize effectively, making her an excellent leader and problem solver. Her confidence and assertiveness allow her to navigate complex situations with ease. Milana possesses a deep sense of empathy, which guides her to be compassionate and understanding towards others. Additionally, she values creativity and innovation, constantly seeking new ways to express herself and explore the world around her. Milana's natural charm and charisma attract people from diverse backgrounds, making her an influential figure in various social circles. Her drive for self-improvement and passion for learning make her a lifelong student of life.

Popularity of the name Milana

The given name Milana, though not as common as some other female names, has gained modest popularity across various regions worldwide. It is recognized for its unique and exotic sound, which has contributed to its appeal among parents seeking unconventional yet beautiful names for their children. The name's Slavic origin, derived from the word 'milost' meaning 'love' or 'dear one', further enhances its charm. Although not universally popular, Milana can be found in various countries, reflecting a growing preference for names that embody warmth and affection. Its popularity is subject to geographical and cultural variations, with higher usage observed in Eastern European countries compared to Western regions. The name's distinctive quality, coupled with its meaningful origin, ensures it maintains an enduring presence on baby name lists around the globe.

Famous people with the name Milana

Milana is a name associated with several accomplished individuals across various fields. In cinema, Milana Vayntrub is recognized for her role as Geraldine in the AT&T television commercials and appearances on "Silicon Valley" and "Workaholics." On the world stage, Milana Kunačič, a Slovenian politician, served as the country's Minister of Labor, Family, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities. In sports, Milana Dzagnidze is a Georgian chess player who has represented her nation in numerous international tournaments and holds the title of Woman Grandmaster. Lastly, Milana Arađenović, also known as Milla Jovovich, is a globally acclaimed model, actress, and musician, best known for her roles in the "Resident Evil" film series. These are just some of the notable individuals bearing the name Milana.

Variations of the name Milana

The given name Milana has several variations across different languages and cultures. Here are some of them:

1. Milan - This is a unisex name with Slavic origins, derived from the Roman town of Mediolanum (Milan). It is more common as a male name but can also be given to girls in some regions.

2. Milana - A variant of Milana that follows traditional spelling rules for female names in several Slavic languages, such as Bulgarian and Russian.

3. Mylène - A French feminine variation, pronounced similar to 'Miley' but with a silent "e" at the end. It shares the same etymology as Milana.

4. Mila (Мила) or Milaana (Милаана) - These are the Russian and Serbian forms of Milana. In these languages, both the feminine and unisex versions exist.

5. Melania - This name has Latin origins and is also a variation of Milana, though it has a different meaning (honey or bee). It is more commonly associated with the former First Lady of the United States, Melania Trump.

6. Malena - A Spanish and Italian feminine form of Milana, which means 'little one'. This name can also be used in other Romance languages such as Portuguese and Romanian.

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the first name "milana"
• Global distribution of the first name on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

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 : 14 June 2025

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