plamen

Plamen is a masculine given name used primarily in Bulgaria and other Slavic-speaking parts of the Balkans. It is derived from the Slavic word plamen, meaning flame or fire, and the name carries connotations of warmth, energy, and vitality. The form Пламен in Bulgarian Cyrillic is common across generations, and the name has been in steady use since the 19th century and into modern times.

In Bulgarian culture, Plamen is considered a standard given name for boys and is found across various social and professional groups. The name appears in literature and media as a typical representative male name, and it is borne by people in fields such as sports, science, the arts, and public life.

Because it directly derives from a common noun, Plamen is straightforward to translate in many languages as "Flame" or "Fire," but as a personal name it functions primarily as a proper noun distinguishing individuals. The name has no separate meaning beyond its etymology, but it can be associated with qualities traditionally linked to fire, such as energy, passion, and leadership.