Bohdan – Name Meaning
Bohdan is a Slavic name derived from the Old Slavic word “bog”, meaning “God”. It is a popular name in Ukraine, Belarus, and Russia, and is also used in other Slavic countries such as Poland and Slovakia. The name Bohdan is often translated to mean “God-given” or “gift of God”.
History and Origin
The name Bohdan has been around since at least the 10th century. It was first recorded in the Primary Chronicle, a historical document written by Nestor, a monk from Kiev. In the document, it is mentioned that Prince Vladimir of Kiev gave his son the name Bohdan after he was baptized into Christianity.
The name has been popular throughout history in Eastern Europe. It was especially popular during the reign of King Bohdan Khmelnytsky (1595-1657), who led an uprising against Polish rule in Ukraine. The name has also been used by several prominent figures throughout history, including Bohdan Stupka (1937-2012), a Ukrainian actor and director; Bohdan Butkevych (1873-1941), a Ukrainian composer; and Bohdan Zynoviy Klymiv (1890-1938), a Ukrainian poet.
Popularity
Bohdan is still a popular name in Eastern Europe today. According to data from the United Nations Population Division, it is currently the 11th most popular male name in Ukraine and the 15th most popular male name in Belarus. It is also one of the top 100 names for boys in Russia.
Famous People Named Bohdan
There are many famous people who have borne the name Bohdan over the years. Some of these include:
- Bohdan Stupka (1937-2012) – Ukrainian actor and director
- Bohdan Butkevych (1873-1941) – Ukrainian composer
- Bohdan Zynoviy Klymiv (1890-1938) – Ukrainian poet
- Bohdan Khmelnytsky (1595-1657) – leader of an uprising against Polish rule in Ukraine
- Bohdan Horyn (born 1954) – Ukrainian politician
Conclusion
The name Bohdan has been around for centuries and continues to be popular today. Its meaning of “God-given” or “gift of God” makes it an appropriate choice for those looking for a meaningful Slavic name for their child.
