By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 26 pages
of 26
Russian, Serbian, Croatian, Estonian
"light"
A pretty international form of Helena used in many Slavic languages, also sometimes spelled Yelena.
Russian, diminutive of Mikhail
This was a 100 percent boys' name till the willowy Mischa Barton of TV's "The OC" made it unisex, a la Sascha.
Russian and Armenian variation of Eve, Hebrew
"life"
A Top 10 name in Moscow. In Russian, the emphasis is put on the first syllable.
Russian variation of Timothy
"honoring God"
A form of Timothy that is popular in its native Russia.
Czech; Latvian; Polish; Bulgarian; Lithuanian, from Greek
"peace"
This form of Irene feels fresher and gives the classic name a chic, international flair. It's most commonly used in Eastern Europe.
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…
Russian form of Zenobia, Greek
"force of Zeus"
Zenovia makes Zenobia even more unusual. This mythology-adjacent name is worth a look.
Russian, variation of Leonidas "lion"
"lion"
This form got noticed as the first name of long-reigning Russian president Brezhnev; other bearers include playwright and short-story writer Andreyev, Leonid the Magnificent,a Russian performance…
Czech
"white"
Since this is strictly a male name in Slavic cultures, better to stick with the "Bella" spelling here.
Russian; Bulgarian; Ukrainian
"lily"
Pronounced like Lillia, Liliya is the cognate of Lily in various Slavic languages.
Diminutive of Vladimir, Slavic
"great ruler, peaceful ruler, ruler of the world"
The most famous Vlad was nicknamed "the Impaler." Enough said.
Slavic and Russian
"hope"
Nadya and Nadia are Eastern European short forms -- for the more difficult Nadezhda -- now fully accepted on their own.
Ukrainian, Hawaiian
"torch, shining light; turmeric, yellow, ginger"
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…
Russian and Polish variation of Rosa
Adds some zest to Rosa.
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…
Russian
"star"
Popular Russian name, familiar here via author Svetlana Stalin, the dictator's daughter.
Spelling variation of Tatiana
Tatyana, an alternate spelling of the lovely Tatiana, definitely has its followers.
Greek
Possibly a variation of the ultra-popular Greek Zoe, Zoa was given to around 2 dozen baby girls each recent year.
Anastasiya is a feminine name of Greek origin meaning 'resurrection' or 'she who will rise again.' This Slavic variation of Anastasia is particularly popular in Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, and other…
Anastassia is a feminine variation of Anastasia, which comes from Greek origins meaning 'resurrection' or 'one who will be reborn.' This elegant name carries historic significance, having been used…
