Russian Names

Similar in sound to Sasha, Pasha is a Russian diminutive of the name Pavel, itself a form of Paul. Also used as a title for a high ranking officer in the (now historical) Ottoman military, and as the common name of a type of butterfly, it is a name well-suited for an Easter baby, due to its similarity to the word Pascha. 
 
Notable bearers of the name include dancer Pavel "Pasha" Kovalev, freerunner Pavel "Pasha" Petkuns, and singer and Eurovision representative, Pavel "Pasha" Parfeni. 
 
Rarely used in the US, Pasha makes a cozy choice with international flair.

Pasha

Alternative form of Basil that might suit the adventurous. 

Vasili

Nataliya is a feminine name with Slavic origins, primarily used in Russian, Ukrainian, and other Eastern European cultures. It is a variant of Natalia, derived from the Latin phrase 'natale domini,' meaning 'birth of the Lord,' traditionally associated with Christmas. The name carries connotations of renewal, birth, and celebration. Nataliya has remained consistently popular in Eastern European countries, though it is less common in Western nations. The name often conveys a sense of elegance and cultural heritage. Many parents choose this spelling variation for its unique yet recognizable quality, maintaining the beautiful meaning while giving it a distinctive Slavic flair.

Nataliya

A multicultural femininization of two similar but separate names, Nazara could make a spiritual choice that may appeal to fans of Azariah, Neriah, Nadira, and Zahra. 
 
From its Russian, Ukrainian, and Armenian origins, Nazara is a variation of Nazar, itself derived from the Latin Nazarius, meaning "from Nazareth". A Biblical place name, notable for being the town where Jesus lived, it would be pronounced as nu-ZAR-uh in Russian and the Ukrainian, and nah-ZAHR-uh in Armenian.
 
Alternatively, from its Arabic roots, Nazara in a feminine form of either the Arabic Nazr or the Urdu Nazar, meaning "to see, to look" and "to vow, to pledge". In Islamic tradition, nazr is an important concept, used to describe a commitment to carry out an act.

Nazara

The Greek, Russian and Belarusian form of Daniel.

Daniil

Not much to recommend this relative of Wilma; consider Willa or Willow instead. 

Vilma

Darina comes from the Slavic element "dar" which means gift; the name is found in Czech, Bulgarian, and Slovak cultures and translates easily for English speakers.  Darina may also be an Anglicization of the Irish Dairine, which means "fruitful."

Darina

Sergey is a masculine name of Slavic origin, particularly common in Russian, Ukrainian, and Belarusian cultures. It derives from the Latin name Sergius, which possibly meant 'servant' or originated from an ancient Roman family name. The name has been carried by numerous saints, including Saint Sergius of Radonezh, a revered figure in Russian Orthodox tradition. Sergey gained international recognition through notable figures like Sergey Brin, co-founder of Google, and various accomplished athletes, scientists, and artists. While maintaining its traditional popularity in Eastern European countries, it has become increasingly familiar worldwide. The name combines strength and sophistication with a distinctive Slavic character. Pronunciation varies slightly across cultures, typically as 'SEHR-gay' or 'ser-GAY', adding to its multicultural appeal.

Sergey

Madelina is the Madeline equivalent used in many European cultures. While it's a simple and melodic name, like its mother name it can lead to lots of spelling and pronunciation problems. The first syllable may be "may" or rhyme with dad; last two syllables pronounce lee-na, though of course some will inevitably say lye-na. Only a handful of girls received this name in the US last year, making it a distinctive and pretty classic, but don't choose it ignoring its very real down side.

Madelina

Yeremy is a masculine name that represents a variation of Jeremy, which derives from the Hebrew name Yirmeyahu (Jeremiah), meaning "appointed by God" or "God will uplift." This spelling variation appears to incorporate elements of how the name is pronounced in some Spanish or Eastern European contexts, where the initial "J" might be pronounced as a "Y" sound. Yeremy offers a distinctive alternative to the more common Jeremy while maintaining the same essential pronunciation. The name is relatively uncommon, giving it a distinctive quality while still being recognizable. Parents might choose this spelling to honor multicultural heritage or simply to provide their child with a more unique version of a classic biblical name.

Yeremy

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

Agata

Amaliya is a feminine name with Slavic origins, representing a variant spelling of Amalia or Amelia. These names derive from the Germanic word 'amal,' meaning 'work' or 'labor,' suggesting industriousness and diligence. The spelling Amaliya is particularly common in Russian, Ukrainian, and other Eastern European cultures. The name carries a graceful quality with its flowing syllables and melodic pronunciation. While not among the most popular names in Western countries, Amaliya has maintained consistent use throughout Eastern Europe and has gained some international recognition. The name's cross-cultural appeal lies in its familiar sound pattern while offering a distinctive spelling. Amaliya conveys both strength and elegance, making it attractive to parents seeking a name with traditional roots but a slightly unconventional presentation.

Amaliya

This common Russian name has a somewhat effete pencil-thin-moustached image here. 

Oleg

Old saints' and popes' name that went to France in the 1920s with the Russian Ballets Russes; in its Russian form, Sergei, it retains an artistic, almost effete air. 

Serge

A multicultural name with two quite different meanings, Afina is the Russian and Ukrainian form of Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom and war, and a Romanian name, derived from afin meaning "bilberry". It may also be associated with the Azerbaijan name for the city of Athens and to the French affiner meaning "purify, refine".

Afina

A sweet and gentle-sounding Russian name with a sunny meaning, typically nicknamed Tolya in Russia. It can also be written as Anatoli or Anatoliy.

Anatoly

Fedor is a strong masculine name with Slavic origins, particularly prominent in Russian culture as a variation of Feodor or Theodore. Derived from Greek elements meaning 'gift of God' (from 'theos' meaning 'god' and 'doron' meaning 'gift'), this name carries profound spiritual significance across numerous cultures. Fedor gained international recognition through notable bearers like Russian writer Fyodor Dostoevsky and MMA fighter Fedor Emelianenko. While remaining distinctly Slavic, the name's relatively straightforward pronunciation makes it accessible internationally. Fedor offers parents a name with substantial historical and cultural depth, combined with a strong, masculine sound. Its cross-cultural history and meaningful etymology make it appealing for families with Slavic heritage or those simply drawn to names with rich traditions and powerful, distinct character.

Fedor

Multicultural mini name with an intuitive pronunciation — it's a recipe for success, yet Lida remains under the radar.

Lida

This common variation of Tanya makes it less international and more ordinary. 

Tonya

Matvei is a masculine name of Russian origin, serving as the Russian form of Matthew, which derives from the Hebrew name Mattityahu, meaning 'gift of God.' This name has been used in Russia and other Slavic countries for centuries, particularly within Orthodox Christian communities. While traditionally uncommon outside Eastern Europe, Matvei has gained some international recognition in recent decades as global naming patterns have diversified. In Russia, it consistently ranks among moderately popular boys' names. Matvei offers a distinctive Slavic alternative to the more common Matthew, carrying the same meaningful etymology with a distinctive cultural character and pronunciation (mat-VYEY).

Matvei

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 8)