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Russian Names

  1. Ivanna

    • Origin:

      Feminine of Ivan, which is itself a variation of John

    • Description:

      Ivanna / Ivana both come out of the name "John" by way of the Russian variant Ivan. Whereas Joanna feels dated, Ivanna feels cosmopolitan and fresh. Ivanka (of Trump fame) is a diminutive version of Ivanna.
  2. Ilias

    • Origin:

      Greek, from Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "Yahweh is God"

    • Description:

      The Greek form of Elijah.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.

  5. 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.
  6. Gala

    • Origin:

      Russian and Slavic feminine form of Galina

    • Description:

      Festive name of the wife of Salvador Dali. In Spanish, Gala comes from the Roman name Galla, a feminine form of Gallus meaning "rooster" or "a person from Gaul".
  7. Agata

    • Origin:

      Italian, Spanish, Swedish, Polish, Slovene, Russian, Croatian, Serbian variation of Agatha

    • Description:

      Agata is an Agatha form widely used throughout Europe. And the hard t may be more appealing to your ear than the th sound.
  8. Oksana

    • Origin:

      Russian from Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "praise to God"

    • Description:

      Ukrainian figure-skating champion Oksana Baiul made it known here.
  9. Katia

    • Origin:

      Russian diminutive of Ekaterina

    • Meaning:

      "pure"

    • Description:

      One of the warm and earthy Russian nickname names now coming into style. Denzel Washington is the father of a Katia.
  10. Tora

    • Origin:

      Norse

    • Meaning:

      "thunder"

    • Description:

      Tora is the female version of Tor or Thor, the name of the Norse god of thunder. Actress Jeanne Tripplehorn chose it for her daughter.
  11. Olena

    • Origin:

      Ukrainian, Hawaiian

    • Meaning:

      "torch, shining light; turmeric, yellow, ginger"

    • Description:

      This chic Ukrainian form of Helen is relatively unknown outside of its native country, but it definitely has international appeal. Olia or Olenka are the usual Ukrainian diminutives, but tomboyish Oli or Leni could work too.
  12. Seraphima

    • Description:

      Seraphima is a feminine name with celestial origins, derived from 'seraphim'—the highest order of angels in Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditions. The name literally connects to the Hebrew word 'seraph,' meaning 'to burn,' reflecting the fiery, radiant nature attributed to these heavenly beings. This elaborate form expands on the more common Serafina or Seraphina, adding an exotic, mystical quality. While rare in Western countries, variations of this name have historical usage in Eastern Orthodox countries, particularly Russia, where it appears as Serafima. The name carries powerful connotations of spiritual purity, divine protection, and ethereal beauty. Its uncommon nature appeals to parents seeking a name with profound religious significance and melodic elegance.
  13. Nika

    • Origin:

      Russian, diminutive of Veronika; Slovenian; Croatian, feminine form of Nicholas

    • Description:

      Enticing modern nickname name possibility.
  14. Dema

    • Description:

      Dema is a masculine name with diverse cultural origins. In Arabic, it means "lasting" or "eternal," while in Russian and Ukrainian, it functions as a diminutive of Demyan or Demian (derived from Damian, meaning "to tame" or "subdue"). The name also appears in Greek mythology where Dema was associated with the earth and agriculture. Despite its multicultural background, Dema remains relatively uncommon in Western countries. It offers a concise, strong-sounding option for parents seeking something distinctive yet accessible. The name's brevity gives it a modern feel, while its various cultural connections provide depth and meaning. Dema's simplicity allows it to travel well across language boundaries.

  15. 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.
  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. Danya

    • Origin:

      Russian variation of Daniel

    • Description:

      Appealing Daniel diminutive, similar to other Russian names like Vanya and Ilya.
  18. Rurik

    • Origin:

      Russian variation of Roderick, German

    • Meaning:

      "famous ruler"

    • Description:

      Russian form of Roderick given to a small number of American boys each year.
  19. Nikita

    • Origin:

      Russian cognate of Greek Aniketos

    • Meaning:

      "unconquered"

    • Description:

      Redolent of Khrushchev and la femme.
  20. Ksenia

    • Description:

      Ksenia is a feminine name with deep Slavic roots, particularly popular in Russia, Ukraine, and other Eastern European countries. Derived from the Greek word "xenos" meaning "stranger" or "hospitality," it carries connotations of welcoming and generosity. Traditionally spelled "Xenia" in Western countries, the Slavic spelling with 'K' maintains its authentic cultural connection. The name gained wider recognition through figures like Russian Saint Ksenia of Petersburg and various contemporary celebrities. With its exotic sound and relatively uncommon usage in English-speaking countries, Ksenia offers a distinctive choice that's still accessible in pronunciation. The name combines strength and femininity with its crisp 'k' sound and melodic ending.