Russian baby names are attracting new attention in the Western World, thanks to the increased visibility of Russian culture and an influx of Russian models with stunning Russian names like Natalia, Irina and Daria. 

 Although we offer curated guides to <a href="https://nameberry.com/baby-names/543/russian-names-for-girls">Russian names for girls</a> and <a href="https://nameberry.com/baby-names/544/russian-names-for-boys">Russian names for boys</a>, what's here is our full list of Russian baby names, generated from our complete database. The Russian baby names here include familiar choices like Anastasia and Alexei, as well as little-known Russian gems like Zoya and Zinoviy.
 
Russian names in the US Top 1000 for girls include Alina, Kira, Mila, Nadia, and Nina. For boys, Russian names in the US Top 1000 include Ivan, Nikolai and Valentin. In Russia, popular names include Polina, Varvara and Ksenia for girls, and Mikhail, Lev and Artem for boys. 
 
A note on Russian usage: names ending in -sha, -ka and, in some cases, -ya are diminutive forms in Russian – which means they are generally used only as nicknames in Russia, rather than as formal names in their own right. Many would also make for cool and unexpected nickname ideas for more popular English names: think Katya for Katherine, or Misha for Michael.
 
Here is Nameberry’s full roster of Russian names. 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.

Russian Names

Mahda is a feminine name with Persian and Arabic origins. In Persian, it may relate to 'maah' meaning 'moon,' suggesting luminous beauty and celestial qualities. In Arabic contexts, it could be connected to words expressing guidance or being well-directed. The name features a pleasing simplicity with its two syllables and balanced sound. Mahda remains uncommon in Western countries, giving it an exotic appeal while still being relatively straightforward to pronounce. The name carries an elegant, tranquil quality and represents a distinctive choice that bridges Middle Eastern heritage with international accessibility. Its rarity offers the appeal of uniqueness while its melodic sound gives it a timeless quality.

Mahda

A spelling variant of Lydia used in parts of Southern & Eastern Europe.

Lidia

Zenya is a contemporary feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may be a variant of Xenia, which derives from Greek meaning "hospitality" or "foreign," or it could be related to the Russian diminutive Zhenya (from Eugenia/Evgenia). In Japanese contexts, Zenya could be an alternative romanization of various kanji combinations. The name has a modern, international appeal with its distinctive 'Z' beginning and melodic ending. While not widely common in any single culture, Zenya has gained modest recognition globally in recent decades as parents seek unique names with cross-cultural flexibility. Its exotic sound and relatively rare usage make it appealing to those wanting a distinctive name that's still relatively easy to pronounce in multiple languages. The name's freshness and contemporary feel have contributed to its gradual increase in popularity, particularly among parents seeking uncommon yet accessible names.

Zenya

Lidiya is a feminine name of Slavic origin, representing a variation of Lydia, which derives from the ancient Greek name Λυδία (Lydia), referring to a person from Lydia, a region in Asia Minor. This beautiful name carries historical significance, as Lydia appears in the New Testament as the first European convert to Christianity. The spelling 'Lidiya' is particularly common in Russian, Ukrainian, Bulgarian, and other Slavic languages, giving it a distinctive Eastern European character. The name has a melodic quality with its soft consonants and flowing vowels. While less common in Western countries, Lidiya has maintained consistent popularity in Eastern Europe, valued for its classical roots, religious connections, and elegant simplicity.

Lidiya

Lydie is a feminine name with French origins, representing the French form of Lydia. The name traces back to ancient times, derived from the historic region of Lydia in Asia Minor (modern Turkey). The name means 'from Lydia' and has connections to the ancient Greek culture. In France and French-speaking regions, Lydie has maintained steady usage, appreciated for its elegant simplicity and classical roots. The name has a delicate, refined quality while remaining straightforward to pronounce. While less common in English-speaking countries than the form Lydia, Lydie offers a subtle French twist that appeals to parents seeking names with European flair. The name carries associations with culture and refinement, reflecting its ancient heritage and continued use in sophisticated naming traditions.

Lydie

Maiya is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins. In Sanskrit, it relates to 'illusion' or 'magic,' while in Hebrew it can mean 'wished-for child.' It's also found in Japanese culture where it might be connected to the word for 'dance.' The name has gained modest popularity in recent decades as parents seek distinctive yet approachable alternatives to more common names like Maya or Maia. Maiya offers a fresh twist on these similar names while maintaining an easy pronunciation. Its cross-cultural presence gives it versatility and broad appeal. The name has a gentle, flowing quality with its soft consonants and vowel sounds, contributing to its increasingly favorable reception.

Maiya

Marinochka is a deeply affectionate Russian diminutive form of Marina, which derives from the Latin word 'marinus' meaning 'of the sea.' In Russian naming tradition, diminutives express tenderness and closeness, with the suffix '-ochka' indicating particular endearment. This elaborate form would typically be used by family members and close friends in intimate settings, not as a formal name. Marinochka carries the oceanic associations of its root name while adding a layer of warmth and familial love. While uncommon outside Russian-speaking communities, the name has a melodic, flowing quality that captures the musical nature of Slavic languages. Its distinctiveness in Western contexts makes it an unusual choice that nonetheless maintains connections to the more familiar Marina.

Marinochka

Marisha is a feminine name with Slavic origins, particularly popular in Russian and Eastern European cultures. It developed as a diminutive form of Maria (Mary), carrying the same Hebrew roots meaning 'bitter' or 'beloved.' The name has a warm, affectionate quality while maintaining an exotic feel in Western countries. Marisha gained some recognition in the United States during the late 20th century as cultural boundaries expanded and Eastern European names became more familiar. The name strikes a balance between being recognizable and distinctive, with its melodic three-syllable pronunciation. While never reaching mainstream popularity, Marisha appeals to parents seeking a name with international flair that remains accessible to English speakers, combining the familiarity of Maria with a fresh, softer sound.

Marisha

Zenechka is a feminine name of Slavic origin, primarily used in Russian and Ukrainian cultures. It functions as a diminutive or endearing form of names like Zenaida or Zenovia. The suffix '-echka' adds a sense of affection and warmth in Slavic naming traditions. The root 'Zen' may connect to the Greek name Zenovia, meaning 'life of Zeus'. Zenechka remains relatively rare outside Eastern European communities but offers a distinctive and melodic choice for parents seeking something unique. Its exotic sound and rhythmic quality make it appealing despite its unfamiliarity in Western naming traditions.

Zenechka

Ania is a feminine name with Slavic origins, particularly popular in Poland and other Eastern European countries. It functions as a diminutive form of Anna, which ultimately derives from the Hebrew Hannah, meaning 'grace' or 'favor.' The name features a straightforward pronunciation (AHN-yah or AHN-ee-ah, depending on regional accents) that travels well across language boundaries despite its specific cultural roots. Ania has a delicate, feminine quality while maintaining simplicity and brevity. Though not widely used in English-speaking countries, it has gained some recognition with increased global cultural awareness. The name carries the warmth and timeless quality of its root name Anna while offering a fresh, slightly exotic alternative that's still easy to pronounce and spell.

Ania

Names of Russian origin with meaning and popularity, for baby boys and baby girls, including top names in Russia and unique Russian baby names. (Page 14)