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Russian Names

  1. Anja

    • Origin:

      Scandinavian; Finnish; Slovene; Croatian; Serbian, from Russian

    • Meaning:

      "grace"

    • Description:

      Anja is one of the most international of several versions of Ann/Anna now being imported, also including Anya and Annika.
  2. Rolan

    • Description:

      Rolan is a masculine name with multiple possible origins, including as a variation of Roland, which comes from Germanic elements meaning 'fame' and 'land,' referring to someone famous throughout the land. It may also have Slavic roots in some contexts. This concise, strong-sounding name carries heroic associations through the legendary medieval knight Roland, featured prominently in French epic literature. While never reaching mainstream popularity in English-speaking countries, Rolan has maintained a consistent presence, appreciated for its straightforward pronunciation, masculine sound, and cross-cultural adaptability. The name projects qualities of bravery, strength, and adventure while offering a subtle alternative to the more common Roland variation.
  3. Svetlana

    • Origin:

      Russian

    • Meaning:

      "star"

    • Description:

      Popular Russian name, familiar here via author Svetlana Stalin, the dictator's daughter.
  4. Ira

    • Origin:

      Hebrew, Russian, Greek, Finnish, Sanskrit, "watchful one; peace; protectress; earth

    • Description:

      Truly multi-cultural, Ira can be: a Russian short form of Irina, meaning "peace"; a gender-switch of the Hebrew male name Ira, meaning "watchful"; a modern Greek and Finnish form of Hera, meaning "hero" or "protectress"; a Sanskrit name meaning "earth" or "enjoyment"; and a Basque nature name meaning "fern", from the word iratzea.
  5. Yelena

    • Origin:

      Russian variation of Helen

    • Meaning:

      "bright, shining one"

    • Description:

      One of many international versions of this classic.
  6. Fyodor

    • Origin:

      Russian variation of Theodore

    • Meaning:

      "God's gift"

    • Description:

      This variation of Theodore is familiar here mostly via the great Russian novelist Dostoyevsky. It was also the name of three early tsars of Russia.
  7. Vanya

    • Origin:

      Russian, diminutive of John

    • Description:

      This short form of Ivan just could join the other Russian nickname names coming into fashion, and it does have the Chekhov connection.
  8. Alexei

    • Origin:

      Russian, Greek

    • Meaning:

      "defending men"

    • Description:

      Alexei could well join the legion of Alex names popular in the US. There are countless opportunities to liven up Alexander, and Alexei (or Alexey) is one of the most straightforward and appealing.
  9. Dasha

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Dariya or Darya, Russian

    • Meaning:

      "possessing goodness"

    • Description:

      An energetic — dare we say dashing — Russian diminutive of Darya that hasn't caught on in the same way as Sasha has in the English speaking world.
  10. Rina

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Caterina or other names ending in -rina

    • Description:

      A pan-European short form often used as a name in its own right, Rina is sister to names like Mina and Lena, popular at the end of the 19th century and showing their pretty if slight faces again. In the Netherlands, Rina itself is sometimes shortened to Rineke, as Tina may become Tineke.
  11. Sascha

    • Origin:

      German variation of Sasha

    • Meaning:

      "defending warrior"

    • Description:

      In Europe, this name is mostly male, but here it's more fashionable for girls. It's a diminutive of Alexander.
  12. Ilias

    • Origin:

      Greek, from Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "Yahweh is God"

    • Description:

      The Greek form of Elijah.
  13. Mischa

    • Origin:

      Russian, diminutive of Mikhail

    • Description:

      This was a 100 percent boys' name till the willowy Mischa Barton of TV's "The OC" made it unisex, a la Sascha.
  14. Savina

    • Origin:

      Italian variation of Sabina

    • Description:

      Saint Savina of Milan gave comfort to prisoners. Her name is a variation of the Latin Sabina, which refers to the Sabine people. Not completely unknown in the US, there were 25 baby girls named Savina last year, and fewer than 100 called Sabina. Savina and Sabina will inevitably be confused with Sabrina, which is much more popular.
  15. Valka

    • Description:

      Valka is a feminine name with Slavic origins, primarily found in Russian, Czech, and other Eastern European cultures. It often functions as a diminutive of Valentina, which derives from the Latin Valentinus meaning "strong, healthy, vigorous." In some Slavic languages, Valka can also relate to the word for "warrior" or "battle." The name carries an air of strength and resilience while maintaining a feminine quality through its ending. Valka gained some recognition in Western cultures following the character Valka in the animated film "How to Train Your Dragon 2." Though uncommon in English-speaking countries, it offers an exotic alternative to more familiar names while remaining relatively straightforward to pronounce.

  16. Valya

    • Description:

      Valya is a feminine name of Slavic origin, commonly used as a diminutive of Valentina or Valeria in Russian, Ukrainian, and other Eastern European cultures. Derived from the Latin 'valens' meaning 'strong' or 'healthy,' Valya carries connotations of strength and vigor. This short form functions as both a nickname and standalone name, particularly in Slavic countries. Outside Eastern Europe, Valya remains relatively uncommon, giving it an exotic appeal while maintaining simple pronunciation. The name has a warm, approachable quality with its gentle ending sound. Notable bearers include Russian gymnast Valya Barsukova. The name's brevity and international usability make it appealing to parents seeking a name that works across cultural boundaries while maintaining distinctive Slavic roots.

  17. Yelisei

    • Description:

      Yelisei is a masculine name of Russian origin, derived from the biblical name Elisha, which means 'God is my salvation' or 'God is help' in Hebrew. In Russian tradition, it's spelled Елисей (Yelisey), with Yelisei being a transliteration variant. The name carries deep historical and religious significance, being connected to the prophet Elisha in the Old Testament. While common in Russia and other Slavic countries, Yelisei remains rare in English-speaking regions, giving it an exotic quality outside its cultural origins. The name's four syllables create a melodic, flowing sound. Yelisei combines spiritual heritage with a distinctive sound that feels both traditional in its Slavic context and refreshingly unusual elsewhere.
  18. Zvezda

    • Origin:

      Slavic, Russian

    • Meaning:

      "star"

    • Description:

      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 be difficult for English speakers to wrap their tongues around.
  19. Polina

    • Origin:

      Russian and Basque, feminine variation of Paul

    • Description:

      This version of the more familiar Paulina is occasionally used in the US, though some may see it as relating more to the word pole than to the classic Paul.
  20. Konstantin

    • Origin:

      Slavic; Estonian; Finnish; Hungarian; German, from Latin

    • Meaning:

      "steadfast"

    • Description:

      This sleek form of Constantine is traditional in many European countries, and most popular in German-speaking nations and Russia.