About the name Goran
Etymology & meaning
Goran is a South Slavic name from "gora" (forest, mountain) — "man of the forest". The feminine Goritsa is also the diminutive of the word itself. The name is shared by Bulgarians, Serbs and Macedonians.
History & patron saint
As a nature name Goran has no saint of his own — Bulgarian calendar practice takes him to the winter memory in early January, while some celebrants keep the summer day of Saint Panteleimon together with Gorazd and the related forest names.
Traditions & customs
The name day follows the common pattern — guests, a table and toasts. Wishes often play on the meaning: "strong as a forest, straight as a beech".
Popularity & notable bearers
Goran is commoner west of Bulgaria but has a stable Bulgarian presence, especially in the western regions; natural and masculine in sound, it has been reappearing among newborns in recent years.