By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 26 pages
of 26
Russian
"supplanter"
A less-known member of the Sasha-Misha family, deriving from Yakov, the Russian form of Jacob.
Russian, meaning unknown
This Old Russian name is mentioned in several genealogical sources, but few modern name books. Pronounced either to rhyme with David, or as zah-VEED, it can be a highly unusual alternative.
Zinov is a masculine name likely derived from the Slavic name Zinovy or Zinoviy (Зиновий), which comes from the Greek name Zenobios, meaning "life of Zeus." The name has roots in Eastern European…
Zinoviy is a masculine name of Russian and Ukrainian origin, derived from the Greek name Zenobios, which combines 'Zeus' (the supreme Greek god) and 'bios' (life). The name can be interpreted as…
Russian literary name
"life"
For lovers of Pasternak's great doctor, a lively middle name choice, one made by actress Nia Long.
Russian, diminutive of Alexandra
"defending men"
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…
Russian diminutive of Annika or Ann
"grace"
Annik is a pleasing combination of unusual and familiar. As first Ann and now Anna become overused, you might want to explore its wilder variations such as this Eastern European short form.
Russian form of Eugenia
"well born"
In an English-speaking country, stick with Eugenia.
Variation of Natasha
"born on Christmas Day"
Tori Amos added a little extra something to the already pretty elaborate Natasha for her daughter's name.
Russian surname
The unlikely name of the hero of Jhumpa Lahiri's The Namesake , named for an author his father revered.
Russian from Greek
"song of the hero"
Well used in Russia, this is a distinctive and undiscovered choice here. Rodion Romanovich Raskolnikov is the fictional protagonist of Crime and Punishment by Feodor Dostoyevsky.
Dimitre is a masculine name of Slavic origin, specifically a Bulgarian variation of Dimitri or Dmitry. It derives from the Greek name Demetrios, which comes from Demeter, the goddess of agriculture…
Yefrem is a masculine name of Russian origin, derived from the Hebrew name Ephraim, which means 'fruitful' or 'fertile.' In the Bible, Ephraim was the second son of Joseph and the founder of one of…
Simunek is a masculine name of Czech and Slovak origin, functioning primarily as a surname in those cultures. It's a diminutive form of 'Šimůnek', which itself derives from 'Šimon' (Simon),…
Russian variation of Simon, Hebrew
"the listener"
Russian variation of Simon.
Diminutive of Anastasia, Greek
"resurrection"
Tassia is an obscure short form used mostly in Russia and Eastern Europe, where the name Anastasia as in the executed Russian princess is common. Rarely found in the English-speaking world, Tassia…
Feminine variation of Arkady
"from Arcadia"
Arkadina was thrust into the limelight as one of the (many) middle names of Uma Thurman and Arpad Busson's little girl. The Slavic or Russian feminine form of Arkady, which is derived from the…
Hebrew
"clever"
Tanya with a G.
Slavic, Russian
"star"
Zvezda, which means star in several Slavic languages, is a traditional established name in Eastern Europe and Russia. While names with celestial meanings have an intrinsic appeal, that initial Zv may…
Gashka is an uncommon feminine name with roots that aren't widely documented in mainstream naming traditions. It may have origins in Eastern European or possibly Russian cultural backgrounds. The…
