Bojidar

Bojidar is a masculine given name of Slavic origin, used primarily in Bulgaria and among Slavic-speaking communities in the Balkans. It is a variant form of the name Bozhidar (Bulgarian: Божидар), and in some contexts also transliterated as Bojidar or Bojidar. The most common etymology links the second element dar with gift; combined with Бог (God) in Bulgarian tradition, it is often understood as "God's gift." An alternative reading connects the element boj, meaning "battle" or "fight," with dar, yielding a reading like "battle gift" or "fighter's gift." The precise derivation can vary by language and tradition.

The name is historically established in Bulgarian naming practice and remains in use, particularly in Bulgaria and neighboring regions, with the spelling Bojidar often used in international contexts and transliterations. The name also appears in Macedonian and Serbian writing as Бојидар, sharing the same core meaning. As a male given name, Bojidar has been borne by individuals across fields such as sports, academia, and culture, reflecting common Slavic naming patterns that combine a martial or divine root with a positive attribute. The name-day or celebration, if observed, follows local customs and calendars.