<a href="https://nameberry.com/baby-names/185/Russian-Names">Russian names</a> for boys range from the familiar (Nikolai, Ivan, Vladimir), to the under-the-radar (Matvei, Leonid, Rodion), to the utterly unknown (Timofel, Innokenti, Yelisei).
 
Along with Nikolai and Ivan, other Russian boys’ names that have featured in the US Top 1000 in recent years include Valentin and Dimitri. Baby boy names popular in Russia include Mikhail — the Russian variation of Michael — Kirill, Maksim, Lev, Roman and Alexei.
 
All of these Russian boys’ names share a certain special power and energy — the Russian "strong man" image in baby name form, if you like. Whether you’re looking for a Russian boy name to honor your heritage, or you’re simply drawn to the strong sounds and striking looks of Russian baby names, you’re sure to find something to love in our long-list of Russian names for boys, below. The top names below rank among the current US Top 1000 Baby Names and are ordered by popularity. Unique names rank below the Top 1000 and are listed alphabetically.
 
A note on Russian usage: most boys' names ending in -sha, -ya and -ka, like Sasha (from Aleksandr), Kostya (from Konstantin) and Vovka (from Vladimir), are diminutive forms in Russian, and are not usually given as names in their own right.

Russian Names for Boys

A form of Alexander commonly used in Russia, Armenia, Estonia and Kazakhstan.

Aleksandr

Shura is a unisex Russian nickname for Aleksandr or Aleksandra, themselves forms of Alexander.  Less known in the English=speaking world than Sasha, it's also more assertive -- probably because of that "sure" sound.

Shura

An alternative to Sasha, another common Russian nickname for Aleksander.

Sanya

Aleksei is a masculine name of Russian origin, representing the Slavic form of Alexius or Alexis, ultimately derived from the Greek 'alexein' meaning 'to defend' or 'to help.' This powerful name has been borne by numerous Russian tsars, Orthodox saints, and notable figures throughout history. Common in Russia, Ukraine, Belarus and other Eastern European countries, Aleksei carries a strong cultural heritage while being recognized internationally. The spelling variations include Alexei, Alexey, and Aleksey, with pronunciation typically emphasizing the second syllable. The name conveys strength and protection while maintaining a classic, timeless quality. In Western countries, it's recognized as distinctively Slavic but still accessible.

Aleksei

Adas is a masculine name with diverse cultural roots. In Lithuanian, it functions as a diminutive of the biblical name Adam, meaning 'earth' or 'man.' It's also found in Polish communities with similar origins. In other contexts, particularly in Middle Eastern cultures, Adas can relate to the Arabic word for 'lentil.' The name carries a crisp, modern sound despite its traditional roots, with just two syllables that are easy to pronounce across multiple languages. While relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, Adas enjoys modest usage in Baltic nations and parts of Eastern Europe. Its short, distinctive nature makes it both memorable and accessible, offering a less common alternative to the more widely used Adam while maintaining the connection to this ancient name's rich heritage.

Adas

Nice, bouncy three-syllable rhythm, à la Jeremy and Barnaby. 

Arkadi

Tolya is a masculine name of Russian origin, primarily used as a diminutive or affectionate form of Anatoly (Анатолий). Anatoly itself derives from Greek roots meaning 'sunrise' or 'from the east.' As a diminutive, Tolya conveys warmth and familiarity in Russian culture, where such nickname forms play an important role in personal relationships. While very common in Russia and other Slavic countries, Tolya remains relatively rare in Western countries except among diaspora communities. The name has a gentle, approachable quality despite its foreign origin, making it accessible to non-Russian speakers. Tolya carries the cultural richness of Russian naming traditions while offering a shorter, more casual alternative to the formal Anatoly. The name suggests qualities of warmth, approachability, and connection to Eastern European heritage.

Tolya

A variation of Alex used in a number of languages, Alek has the cool, solid feel of Erik and Axel. It can also be a name of Greenlandic origin, meaning "harpoon line".

Alek

Naming your son Armen is like naming him Roman, or German -- it's the term that denotes a person of Armenian descent. Armen has been used as a first name for centuries and is an unusual yet approachable choice, especially if you want to honor your Armenian heritage.

Armen

A sweet and gentle-sounding Russian name with a sunny meaning, typically nicknamed Tolya in Russia. It can also be written as Anatoli or Anatoliy.