Choosing a name for a child is always a delicate balance between family traditions and the desire for modernity. While some parents prefer proven classics, others seek inspiration in archaic forms or create their own unique combinations. Fresh data from the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine sheds light on which names became the favorites in the first half of 2026.
According to official statistics published by the department's press service, the most popular male and female names given to newborns in the country during the reporting period have been identified.
Rating Leaders: Who Became Artem and Who Became Sofia
The list of the most common names for boys was led by Artem, Alexander, Matvey, Maxim, and Timofey. The top ten also included Bohdan, David, Yaroslav, Roman, and Dmytro. These names demonstrate stable popularity, combining a sound familiar to the modern ear with historical roots.
Among girls, Sofia was the undisputed leader. Following closely behind are Zlata, Milana, Emilia, and Anna. Rounding out the top 10 are the names Anastasia, Polina, Maria, Solomiya, and Eva. As noted by the Ministry of Justice, these options are among the most common in most regions of Ukraine.
Geography of Names: Where People Are Named
Statistics allow us to trace regional preferences as well. The name Sofia proved to be universal: it is among the most popular from Vinnytsia and Volyn regions to Odesa and Kharkiv. The classics Artem and Alexander also show stability, leading in central, western, and eastern regions.
However, there are also more local trends. The names Zlata and Milana are especially often chosen by parents in the west and center of the country. At the same time, Matvey and Timofey demonstrate a surge in popularity specifically in the western regions.
Trend for Uniqueness
Alongside traditional and mass options, Ukraine maintains a stable trend towards choosing unique names. The Ministry of Justice noted that such a choice demonstrates parents' desire for individualization. Among the rarely used names recorded in the first half of 2026, there were various options going beyond the usual lists.
These data complement the general picture of demographic processes and cultural preferences of Ukrainian society, showing how parents' tastes are changing in the new decade.
