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Russian Names for Boys

  1. Maksim

    • Description:

      Maksim is a masculine name of Slavic origin, representing the Eastern European form of Maximus, derived from Latin meaning 'greatest' or 'largest.' Particularly popular in Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, and other Slavic countries, Maksim carries connotations of greatness, achievement, and leadership. The name has historic connections to several saints and notable figures throughout Eastern European history. In recent decades, Maksim has gained some international recognition as cultural boundaries blur, though it retains its strong Slavic identity. The spelling with a 'k' rather than an 'x' reflects the Cyrillic alphabet's representation of the sound, giving the name an authentic Eastern European character while remaining accessible to English speakers.
  2. Igor

    • Origin:

      Old Norse via Russian

    • Meaning:

      "warrior"

    • Description:

      Musical association with Igor Stravinsky, but also Dr. Frankenstein's right-hand man.
  3. Pavel

    • Origin:

      Russian variation of Paul

    • Meaning:

      "small"

    • Description:

      Pavel may be widespread in the former Soviet Union, but it has a somewhat impoverished image here.
  4. Sergei

    • Origin:

      Russian variation of Sergius

    • Description:

      Common Russian name of one of that country's most beloved saints, known for his kindness and gentility.
  5. Yuri

    • Origin:

      Russian variation of George

    • Description:

      Common Russian name familiarized here via cosmonaut Yury Gagarin and a character in Dr. Zhivago, but we don't see it ever gaining permanent resident status.
  6. Nikita

    • Origin:

      Russian cognate of Greek Aniketos

    • Meaning:

      "unconquered"

    • Description:

      A popular choice in Russia, Nikita is a sharp, zippy choice that became heavily associated with the Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev in the 50s and 60s. Derived from the Greek name Niketas meaning "victory", it is also used in Moldova, Latvia, Czechia, and Poland.
  7. Alek

    • Origin:

      Polish, Armenian, Serbian, and Russian form of Alex, Greek, Greenlandic

    • Meaning:

      "defending men; harpoon line"

    • Description:

      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".
  8. Kesha

    • Description:

      Kesha as a masculine name is an uncommon gender usage of what is typically a feminine name in Western countries. The name has multiple origins: it can be a variation of Keisha (African-American origin meaning 'favorite' or 'beloved'), a short form of Lakisha, or derived from the Russian diminutive of Innokenty. As a male name, it's particularly rare and may reflect cultural variations or family traditions. The name gained some recognition through the American singer Kesha (born Kesha Rose Sebert), though her usage is feminine. For males, the name carries a unique, gender-nonconforming quality that makes it distinctive. Pronunciation typically follows 'KEE-shah' or 'KAY-shah' patterns.
  9. Leonid

    • Origin:

      Russian, variation of Leonidas "lion"

    • Meaning:

      "lion"

    • Description:

      This form got noticed as the first name of long-reigning Russian president Brezhnev; other bearers include playwright and short-story writer Andreyev, Leonid the Magnificent,a Russian performance artist on America's Got Talent, and Leonid McGill, the protagonist of a Walter Mosley private eye series. All in all, though, Leonid is not the most likely to join the pride of lion-related names here.
  10. Vitaliy

    • Origin:

      Russian variation of Vitalis, Latin

    • Meaning:

      "life"

    • Description:

      Lively Russian choice born by several saints.
  11. Ilari

    • Origin:

      Finnish form of Hilarius, Roman, Latin

    • Meaning:

      "cheerful"

    • Description:

      Light and cheerful as its meaning but with plenty of substance, Ilari is the Finnish form of Hilarius and Hillary. Used as a masculine name in Finland, it is used, albeit quietly, as a unisex option elsewhere.
  12. Simeon

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "he [God] has heard"

    • Description:

      Could Simeon be the next Gideon? Parents seeking a less simple form of Simon might consider this biblical appellation that was chosen by Wynton Marsalis for his son. Simon is actually the Greek substitute for Simeon.
  13. Yasha

    • Origin:

      Russian

    • Meaning:

      "supplanter"

    • Description:

      A less-known member of the Sasha-Misha family, deriving from Yakov, the Russian form of Jacob.
  14. Dima

    • Description:

      Dima is a masculine name with Slavic and Arabic origins, representing two distinct naming traditions. In Slavic countries, particularly Russia and Ukraine, it functions as a diminutive of Dmitri or Dmitry, derived from the Greek name Demetrios, meaning 'devoted to Demeter' (the goddess of agriculture). In Arabic usage, Dima means 'persistent rain' and can be used for both genders, though more commonly for girls in this context. The name is pronounced DEE-ma in Slavic countries and DEE-ma or di-MA in Arabic regions. Dima's brevity, international recognition, and strong sound have contributed to its steady popularity, particularly in Eastern Europe and the Middle East.
  15. Serge

    • Origin:

      French variation of ancient Roman family name Sergius

    • Meaning:

      "servant"

    • Description:

      Old saints' and popes' name that went to France in the 1920s with the Russian Ballets Russes; in its Russian form, Sergei, it retains an artistic, almost effete air.
  16. Valery

    • Origin:

      Russian form of Valerius, Roman

    • Meaning:

      "strong, health"

    • Description:

      A spirited Russian name, derived from the Roman Valerius, this name is also transcribed as Valeriy. In an English speaking context, it has been used as a (feminine) alternative spelling to Valerie, however, the pronunciation and emphasis of the two names differ. Borne by Russian singer Valery Meladze and Russian composer, Valery Gergiev, it is also used for the titular character of Natasha Pulley's 2022 novel, The Half Life of Valery K.
  17. Vasya

    • Description:

      Vasya is a masculine name of Russian origin, functioning primarily as an affectionate diminutive of the name Vasily (Russian form of Basil, meaning 'royal' or 'kingly'). Common throughout Russia and other Slavic countries, Vasya maintains a warm, familiar quality that makes it popular as a nickname rather than a formal given name. In Russian culture, diminutives like Vasya play an important role in expressing closeness in relationships. The name carries cultural significance in Slavic literature and folk traditions, where characters named Vasya often represent the everyday Russian man. Though rarely used as a legal name in international contexts, Vasya's simple pronunciation and friendly sound have given it recognition beyond Slavic countries.

  18. Vasili

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "royal, kingly"

    • Description:

      Alternative form of Basil that might suit the adventurous.
  19. Kolya

    • Origin:

      Russian, diminutive of Nikolai

    • Description:

      Could be seen as an affectionate Old World take on Kole.
  20. Abrasha

    • Description:

      Abrasha is a masculine name of Russian and Yiddish origin, functioning as a diminutive form of Abraham. The name carries the same meaning as its root - "father of many" or "father of a multitude" - derived from Hebrew traditions. Primarily used in Eastern European Jewish communities, Abrasha represents the affectionate, familiar version of the more formal Abraham. The suffix "-sha" adds warmth and intimacy to the original name, following Slavic naming patterns. While uncommon in Western countries, the name maintains cultural significance in Russian-speaking and Jewish contexts. Abrasha balances historical gravitas with a gentle, approachable quality, making it a meaningful choice for families honoring Eastern European Jewish heritage or seeking a distinctive name with biblical roots.