Russian Names

A Russian and Bulgarian surname that may sound like a given name to English ears, Petrova means "descendant of Peter" (or of Petar or Pyotr: its Bulgarian and Russian forms) and would be unlikely (or at least very, very rarely) used as a first name in its native countries.
 
It was however used as a given name for one of the Fossil sisters in Noel Streatfield's popular novel, Ballet Shoes and as such, it may be considered a literary name.

Petrova

Sasha in all its forms -- which include Sacha and Sascha -- is rising in popularity for both boys and girls, especially with the Sasha spelling attached to one of the First Daughters. Sacha with this spelling is a Top 20 name for baby boys in France.


Sacha

Strong but melodic in sound, Valeriy is used in Russia, Belarus, and the Ukraine as a form of Valerius, a Roman name relating to health and strength. The name may also be transcribed as Valery, though the -iy form may distinguish it from being an alternative spelling for (feminine) Valerie in an English speaking context. 
 
Notable bearers have included sprinter Valeriy Borzov and figure skater Valeriy Angelopol.

Valeriy

Derived from a spirited Roman name, Valeriya is the bright, elegant  Ukrainian, Russian, and occasionally Belarusian, form of Valeria or Valerie. It's a popular choice in Russia, and a familiar one in Kazakhstan. 

Valeriya

Strong, confident, and energetic, Valya is a Russian and Bulgarian diminutive of Valentina and Valentin. Derived from the Latin valens, it is associated with strength and health, and Valentine's Day.

Valya

The middle name of footballer Lamine Yamal, this name is both a Spanish-influenced form of the Arabic Jamal, — in turn associating it with beauty — and a Russian name, appearing on the map as a large peninsula in Siberia. In this case, it means "end of the land" in the indigenous language of the Nenets.
 
The name is pronounced as yah-mal in Spanish and as yih-mal in Russian.

Yamal

Also appearing as Yuri and Yury this is a variation of the classic George, used predominantly in Russian and the Ukraine. Notable bearers include a 12th century prince of Kyiv Yuriy Dolgorukiy, the 15th century philosopher and astronemer Yuriy Drohobych, the cosmonaut (and first man to travel to space) Yuriy Gagarin, actor Yuriy Sardarov, and pop singer Yuriy Shatunov. 
 
Diminutives included Yura, Yurka, Yurik, Yurok, Yurchik, Yurochka, and Yuronka — Yura being the main one.

Yuriy

Ganya

If you love the French pronunciation of Jacqueline, you may also be drawn to its Slavic cousin, which shares the same thick Zh sound. Zhaklina's cool Z initial and feminine ending give Jacqueline a fresh and fashionable flair.

Zhaklina

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 name has a distinctive sound that sets it apart from more common names. Gashka remains quite rare in English-speaking countries, maintaining its unique quality. The name might appeal to parents seeking something truly distinctive for their daughter. With its unusual phonetic pattern and strong consonant sounds, Gashka creates a memorable impression. The name's rarity means that a child named Gashka is unlikely to share her name with classmates or colleagues, giving it a special quality for those who value uniqueness in naming choices.

Gashka

Gasha is a feminine name with diverse cultural roots. In Japanese culture, 'Gasha' (often spelled 'Gacha') relates to toy capsule vending machines, giving the name a playful, modern association. In some Eastern European and Caucasus regions, particularly Armenia, variations of Gasha have historical usage. The name may also have connections to certain African cultures. With its soft consonants and balanced vowel sounds, Gasha has a melodic quality that works well across language boundaries. Though relatively uncommon in Western countries, it appeals to parents seeking a short, distinctive name that's easy to pronounce internationally. The name's rarity gives it a special quality, while its simple structure ensures it remains accessible. Gasha projects a gentle strength and uniqueness without being overly complicated.

Gasha

Agasha is a feminine name with multicultural origins and meanings. In Japanese culture, it can be written with characters meaning "my" and "sand," though different kanji combinations create varied meanings. The name also appears in some African cultures, particularly in regions near Uganda and Rwanda. Additionally, Agasha bears resemblance to the Russian surname Agafonov or the Greek-derived Agatha, potentially creating cross-cultural connections. This uncommon name carries melodic qualities with its balanced syllable structure and open vowel sounds. While not appearing in most popular naming charts, Agasha offers parents a distinctive choice with international flair. The name's rarity grants it a special quality while remaining relatively straightforward to pronounce in multiple languages. Those drawn to Agasha might appreciate its exotic sound combined with its accessible pronunciation pattern.

Agasha

Agafia is a feminine name of Russian and Eastern European origin, particularly associated with Orthodox Christian traditions. It derives from the Greek name Agape, meaning 'love' or 'charity' - one of the core virtues in Christian theology. The name has historical significance in Russian culture, with several notable bearers including members of the Romanov family and religious figures. While uncommon in Western countries, Agafia maintains cultural significance in Russia, Romania, and other Slavic regions. The name carries an air of antiquity and mysticism, evoking images of Russian folklore and Orthodox traditions. Its distinctive sound sets it apart while connecting its bearer to rich historical and cultural traditions.

Agafia

Agnessa is a feminine name with Slavic and Greek roots, serving as a variant of Agnes. The original name Agnes derives from the Greek word 'hagnos,' meaning 'pure' or 'holy.' Agnessa emerged as a more ornate form popular in Eastern European countries, particularly Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus. The addition of the '-sa' suffix creates a softer, more melodious quality to the traditional Agnes. While relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, the name carries an elegant, vintage charm with connections to early Christian history. Saint Agnes, a martyr of the early 4th century, has helped maintain the name's legacy throughout the centuries, though Agnessa remains a distinctive choice that combines classical heritage with exotic appeal.

Agnessa

Agnia is a feminine name with Slavic origins, particularly popular in Russia and Eastern European countries. The name derives from the Greek word 'hagnos' meaning 'pure' or 'chaste.' It is related to the more common Agnes but maintains its distinct Slavic character. Throughout history, Agnia has been associated with several Orthodox saints, giving it religious significance. While not widely used in Western countries, Agnia has maintained steady popularity in Russia and parts of Eastern Europe. The name carries connotations of purity, innocence and strength of character, making it an elegant yet meaningful choice for parents seeking a name with deep historical roots.

Agnia

Lesya is a feminine name with Slavic origins, particularly popular in Ukraine where it serves as a diminutive form of Oleksandra (Ukrainian variant of Alexandra). The name gained prominence through Ukrainian writer and poet Lesya Ukrainka (pen name of Larysa Kosach), one of Ukraine's most celebrated literary figures. Lesya has a lyrical quality with its soft consonants and flowing vowel sounds. While maintaining its strong cultural ties to Eastern European heritage, particularly Ukrainian identity, the name travels well across language boundaries due to its relatively straightforward pronunciation. Though uncommon in English-speaking countries, Lesya offers an accessible yet distinctive option for parents seeking a name with Slavic roots and literary connections.

Lesya

Stasya is a feminine name of Slavic origin, primarily used in Russian, Ukrainian, and Polish cultures. It functions as a diminutive of Anastasia, which derives from the Greek word 'anastasis' meaning 'resurrection' or 'rebirth.' Stasya offers a friendly, accessible alternative to the more formal Anastasia while maintaining its elegant heritage. The name carries connotations of renewal and vitality embedded in its historical roots. Though less common in Western countries, Stasya has maintained steady usage in Eastern European communities. Its melodic sound and distinctive character make it attractive to parents seeking a name with Slavic roots that remains relatively easy to pronounce in English. The name blends traditional heritage with a modern, approachable feel.

Stasya

A Russian diminutive of Anastasiya, also spelled as Nastia, this form is notably borne by YouTuber Anastasia  Radzinskaya "Like Natsya". 

Nastya

Nastasya is a feminine name with Slavic origins, derived from the Russian form of Anastasia, which means 'resurrection' in Greek. This elegant variant maintains the mystical quality of its root name while offering a distinctly Eastern European flair. Nastasya gained some recognition in Western countries through Russian literature, particularly through Dostoevsky's character Nastasya Filippovna in 'The Idiot.' While less common than Anastasia in English-speaking countries, Nastasya appeals to parents seeking a name with both sophistication and cultural depth. The name carries an air of enigmatic beauty and strength, making it an intriguing choice for those drawn to names with rich historical and literary connections.

Nastasya

Nastasia is a feminine name of Russian origin, a variant of Anastasia which means 'resurrection' in Greek. It emerged as a shortened form while retaining the elegant, sophisticated sound of the original. Throughout history, Nastasia has been associated with Russian royalty and literature, appearing in works by Dostoevsky and other classic authors. Though less common than Anastasia in English-speaking countries, Nastasia offers a distinctive alternative with the same rich heritage. The name carries a mysterious, exotic quality that appeals to parents seeking something traditional yet uncommon. Popularity of Nastasia tends to be higher in Eastern European countries, while remaining a relatively rare choice in the United States and Western Europe.

Nastasia

Russian 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.

 generated from our complete database and ordered according to their current popularity on Nameberry. The Russian baby names here include familiar choices like Anastasia and Alexei, as well as little-known Russian gems like Zoya and Zinoviy.

 for girls include Alina, Kira, Mila, Nadia, and Nina. For boys, Russian baby 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.

: 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.

This list includes all the Russian girl names and Russian boy names on Nameberry, ordered by their current popularity among visitors to the site.

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 18)