Iskra first name popularity, history and meaning

Find out how popular the first name Iskra has been for the last 7 years (from 2017 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Meaning of Iskra

A feminine name of Russian origin meaning "spark" or "little flame".

Popularity of Iskra by gender

Based on the last 7 years of data, Iskra is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 6 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Iskra.

Year Male Count Female Count
2023 0 6
2021 0 5
2020 0 5
2019 0 6
2017 0 6

The history of the first name Iskra

The name Iskra has its origins in several Slavic languages, primarily Russian, Bulgarian, and Serbian. It is derived from the Proto-Slavic word "iskra," which means "spark" or "sparkle." This name likely emerged in the early medieval period, around the 6th to 9th centuries AD, when Slavic cultures were developing their distinct identities and linguistic traditions.

Iskra was a popular name among Slavic communities, particularly in Eastern Europe and the Balkans. Its association with the concept of a "spark" or "sparkle" may have been seen as a positive and energetic symbolism, reflecting the vibrancy and resilience of the Slavic people.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Iskra can be found in the 14th-century Serbian epic poem "The Life of Despot Stefan Lazarević," where it is mentioned as the name of a female character. This suggests that the name had already gained cultural significance and usage by that time.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Iskra. One prominent figure was Iskra Mihaylova (1888-1965), a Bulgarian revolutionary and feminist activist who played a crucial role in the women's rights movement in Bulgaria during the early 20th century.

Another notable bearer of the name was Iskra Gribilova (1924-2010), a renowned Bulgarian actress and theater director. She was widely celebrated for her contributions to the Bulgarian theater and cinema, and received numerous accolades, including the prestigious Cyril and Methodius International Prize.

In Russia, Iskra Vasileva (1919-1992) was a distinguished Soviet volleyball player and coach. She led the Soviet women's national volleyball team to multiple Olympic and World Championship victories, cementing her legacy as one of the most successful coaches in the sport's history.

Iskra Radeva (1952-2005) was a prominent Bulgarian artist and sculptor, known for her captivating works that blended traditional Bulgarian motifs with contemporary artistic styles. Her sculptures can be found in various public spaces and museums across Bulgaria.

Iskra Georgieva (born 1970) is a contemporary Bulgarian author and playwright. Her literary works, which explore themes of identity, memory, and societal issues, have garnered critical acclaim and have been translated into multiple languages.

While the name Iskra has deep roots in Slavic cultures, it has also gained popularity in other parts of the world, particularly among communities with Slavic heritage or connections. Its unique meaning and historical significance have made it a enduring and cherished name across generations.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Iskra was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Iskra, please contact us.

Reference this page

We spend a lot of resources downloading, cleaning, merging, and formatting the data that is shown on the site.

If you found the data or information on this page useful in your research, please use the tool below to properly cite or reference Name Census as the source. We appreciate your support!

"Iskra first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com. Accessed on July 23, 2025. http://namecensus.com/first-names/iskra-meaning-and-history/.

"Iskra first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com, http://namecensus.com/first-names/iskra-meaning-and-history/. Accessed 23 July, 2025

Iskra first name popularity, history and meaning. NameCensus.com. Retrieved from http://namecensus.com/first-names/iskra-meaning-and-history/.

Search for a name

Search for a first or last name to learn more about its origin, meaning, and more.

Simple as that.