Eastern European names often reflect the rich cultural and historical influences of the region. Many names are derived from Slavic, Baltic, or other local languages, and they can vary significantly between countries. Common elements include patronymics, where a child's name is based on the father's name, such as Ivanovich for "son of Ivan." Additionally, surnames may indicate geographic origins or occupations. For example, names like Kowalski in Poland suggest a connection to a profession, meaning "smith." The use of diminutives is also prevalent, creating affectionate or informal versions of names, such as Misha for Mikhail.