Russian Names
Across 26 pages
of 26
Valery
Russian form of Valerius, Roman
"strong, health"
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,…
Vasilik
Vasilik is a masculine name of Slavic origin, specifically derived from the Eastern European region. It is a diminutive form of the name Vasily or Vasilios, which stems from the Greek name Basileios,…
Vasyenka
Vasyenka is a diminutive form of the Russian name Vasily (Василий), which is the Russian equivalent of Basil. This affectionate nickname adds the endearing suffix '-enka' to the shortened form…
Viktor
Scandinavian, Russian, and Eastern European variation of Victor
The Viktor form of this classic name is widely used throughout Europe and is rising in the US as well.
Vitya
Vitya is a masculine Russian diminutive of Viktor, a name derived from the Latin 'victor' meaning 'conqueror' or 'winner'. In Russian culture, diminutives like Vitya express familiarity, affection,…
Vitaliy
Russian variation of Vitalis, Latin
"life"
Lively Russian choice born by several saints.
Vlad
Diminutive of Vladimir, Slavic
"great ruler, peaceful ruler, ruler of the world"
The most famous Vlad was nicknamed "the Impaler." Enough said.
Vladimir
Slavic
"great ruler, peaceful ruler, ruler of the world"
Vladimir is a cultured and deep-rooted Slavic name associated in this country with cultural figures including piano virtuoso Vladimir Horowitz and the author of Lolita , Vladimir Nabokov. The name…
Dimka
Dimka is a masculine name of Slavic origin, primarily used in Russia and Eastern European countries. It functions as a diminutive form of names containing the element 'Dim-' such as Dimitri, Dimo, or…
Volya
Volya is a unisex name of Slavic origin, though more commonly used for males in Russia and Eastern European countries. It derives from the Slavic word for 'freedom' or 'will,' carrying powerful…
Vyacheslav
Vyacheslav is a masculine Slavic name of Russian origin, derived from the Old Slavic elements "vyache" meaning "more" and "slav" meaning "glory" or "fame." Thus, the name translates to "more glory"…
Vovka
Vovka is a masculine name of Slavic origin, primarily used in Russian-speaking countries. It functions as a diminutive or affectionate form of Vladimir, a name meaning 'ruler of peace' or 'renowned…
Yakov
Russian variation of Jacob
"supplanter"
What a difference a couple of letters make: Old World version of most popular name never quite made it out of the shtetl.
Yasha
Russian
"supplanter"
A less-known member of the Sasha-Misha family, deriving from Yakov, the Russian form of Jacob.
Zavid
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
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
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…
Zhivago
Russian literary name
"life"
For lovers of Pasternak's great doctor, a lively middle name choice, one made by actress Nia Long.
Shura
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…
Annik
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.