From the Turkic name Bogoris. It is first found in written records referring to the Bulgarian Prince Boris who converted the country to Christianity.
He was proclaimed the first Bulgarian saint. Traces of his cult from that period can be found even in Ireland.
Two Bulgarian emperors were bearers of the name as well.
There are different interpretations of the name’s meaning, such as “wolf”, “snow leopard”, “short” and “godlike”.
The name became popular in the Slavic world due to the 11th century Russian prince Boris, who martyred with his brother.
Famous bearers of the name are Boris Becker, Boris Johnson, Boris Diaw, Boris Kodjoe, Boris Macgiver, Boris Spassky, Boris Pasternak, Boris Karloff, Boris Godunov, Boris Said.