Ljub

Ljub is a masculine given name of South Slavic origin. It is derived from the root ljub- meaning love or affection in several South Slavic languages, with cognates in related words such as ljubav (“love”) and other compound names. The etymology traces back to Proto-Slavic *ljubъ, reflecting a semantic connection to affection and goodwill.

In practice, Ljub most often appears as part of longer names or as a shortened form. Common related names include Ljubomir (often rendered as “lover of peace” or “lovely peace”), Ljubo (a diminutive), and feminine forms such as Ljubica and Ljubinka. As an independent name, Ljub is relatively rare in contemporary usage, but it remains recognizable in Serbian, Croatian, Bosnian, Montenegrin, and Slovenian naming traditions.

Ljub shares linguistic and cultural ties with similar roots in other Slavic languages, where derivatives of the same root appear in many names and terms related to love and affection. Outside of personal names, the root ljube- appears in poetic and archaic language across the region.

Notable bearers of the name Ljub are largely regional and historical, with the form appearing in various records across South Slavic communities. The name’s meaning—centered on love and affection—positions it within a broader family of names built from the same root, reflecting cultural values associated with warmth, friendship, and esteem.