Stoyan

Stoyan is a masculine given name of Bulgarian origin. It is used in Bulgaria and by Bulgarian communities in the Balkans and abroad. The name is derived from the Old Bulgarian verb stoya or stoyati, meaning to stand or to endure, and it is commonly interpreted as “the one who stands” or “steadfast.”

In South Slavic languages, variants of the name appear as Stojan in Serbian and Macedonian, and forms such as Stoian are found in related linguistic areas. The name can also function as the basis for patronymic surnames in Bulgarian, with Stoyanov for men and Stoyanova for women, meaning “son of Stoyan” or “descendant of Stoyan.”

Stoyan enjoyed particular popularity in the 19th and 20th centuries and remains in use today. Diminutives or affectionate forms found in some families include Stoyo, Stoyko, and Stoyacho. The name is not tied to a specific occupation or field and is used across diverse social backgrounds.

See also

Stojan (variant in Serbian and Macedonian)

Stoyanov (patronymic surname)