Find out how popular the first name Milenka has been for the last 16 years (from 2005 to 2020) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Milenka by gender

Based on the last 16 years of data, Milenka is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2020, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Milenka.

The history of the first name Milenka

The name Milenka is of Slavic origin, with roots traced back to several Central and Eastern European languages. It is a feminine form derived from the Proto-Slavic root "mil," meaning "dear" or "beloved." The name likely emerged during the early medieval period, around the 6th to 9th centuries CE, as Slavic cultures and languages began to spread across the region.

Variations of the name, such as Milena, Milka, and Mila, were commonly found in historical records and literature from various Slavic regions, including Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Serbia, Croatia, and Bulgaria. The name's popularity may have been influenced by its connection to the word "milos," which means "grace" or "mercy" in several Slavic languages.

One of the earliest recorded references to the name Milenka can be found in the 14th-century Czech literary work "The Chronicle of Dalimil," where it is mentioned as a character's name. In the 15th century, Milenka was also the name of a Polish noblewoman and courtier who served as a confidante to Queen Jadwiga of Poland.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Milenka. One of the most famous was Milenka Kirchnová (1929-2008), a Czech actress and singer who appeared in numerous films and television shows during the mid-20th century. Another was Milenka Skofíc (1931-2023), a Slovenian writer and translator known for her work in promoting Slovenian literature.

In the realm of literature, Milenka was the name of a character in the 19th-century novel "The Idiot" by Russian author Fyodor Dostoevsky. The name also appeared in the works of other notable Slavic authors, such as Bohumil Hrabal and Václav Havel, further solidifying its place in the cultural heritage of the region.

Additionally, Milenka Smajić (1890-1976) was a Serbian feminist and activist who played a significant role in the women's rights movement in the early 20th century. Milenka Vesović (1914-1993) was a renowned Serbian painter and sculptor, known for her contributions to the modern art scene in her home country.

While the name Milenka may not be as common in contemporary times, it remains a part of the rich cultural tapestry of the Slavic regions, carrying with it a sense of endearment and a connection to the linguistic and historical roots of the people who have embraced it over the centuries.

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 Milenka was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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