Pasha

Sweet and soft but outdoorsy too, Pasha could make an interesting alternative to Sasha. Typically used as a diminutive for Russian male names like Pavel, it has also been used for the feminine name Praskovya.

In Turkish, it may be linked to the word paşa meaning "well-behaved, good behaviour" or associated with the title of a high-ranking Ottoman military officer. The Charaxes jasius butterfly is better known as the two-tailed pasha, giving the name a nature connection too.

As a feminine name, it has appeared in the short story The Chorus Girl by Anton Chekov and in the 2009 film, Whip It, while a real-life bearer is Finnish-Russian model and influencer Praskovia "Pasha" Pozdniakova (also known as MissParaskeva).

Familiar yet rare in the US, Pasha offers an international flair with a cozy, approachable vibe. It could even work as a subtle honor for a family Paul, Paula, or Pauline.

Pronounced PAH-shah.

As of October 2026, Pasha ranked #18208 in US births in 2016 SSA, peaked at #2982 in 1974.