This Slavic classic name might begin to make its mark with American parents, what with the growing popularity of the short form Mila. Borne by a tenth century saint who had been a princess from Bohemia, Ludmila is widely used in Russia, Ukraine and Bulgaria.

There have been many champion athletes bearing the name, some using the alternate spelling Lyudmila.

This is a name with lots of energizing nicknames, including Lila, Lida, Lula, Luda--and Mila.

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