Malev

The name Malev is derived from the Proto-Slavic root *malъ, meaning 'bad' or 'evil'. While names with negative connotations are less common in modern times, in some historical contexts, such names might have been given apotropaically, meaning to ward off evil spirits by giving a child a name that already embodies the negative quality. Alternatively, it could have originated as a nickname that eventually became a given name, perhaps for someone perceived as mischievous or unlucky.

Its usage is quite rare, and it does not have a widespread historical presence as a common given name in most Slavic cultures. It is more likely to be found as a surname or a very localized given name.