Russian Names

Lera is a feminine given name with multiple origins. In Slavic countries, it functions as a diminutive of Valeria, meaning 'strength' or 'health.' In Greek contexts, it may relate to names derived from 'Leander,' meaning 'lion-man.' Lera has a simple, elegant sound with just two syllables, making it easily pronounceable across many languages. While never reaching widespread popularity in English-speaking countries, the name maintains a steady presence in Eastern European regions. Lera has a timeless quality that works well across generations. The name's brevity gives it a modern feel despite its classical roots, potentially appealing to parents seeking something simple yet distinctive.

Lera

Rashel is a feminine name that appears to be a variant spelling of Rachel, which has Hebrew origins meaning 'ewe' or 'female sheep.' This alternative spelling gives the traditional biblical name a more modern and distinctive appearance while maintaining its essential pronunciation and character. Rashel emerged as a spelling variation in recent decades as parents sought ways to personalize traditional names. While not as common as Rachel, it offers a familiar sound with a unique presentation. The name carries the rich biblical heritage of Rachel, a significant figure known for her beauty and as the wife of Jacob in the Old Testament. Rashel combines cultural depth with contemporary styling, appealing to parents who want a recognizable yet somewhat uncommon name.

Rashel

Grigor is the Armenian and Bulgarian form of Gregory, a name with Greek origins derived from 'gregorios,' meaning 'watchful' or 'vigilant.' Popular in Eastern European countries and among Armenian communities worldwide, Grigor carries the distinguished heritage of notable bearers including medieval Armenian philosophers, modern politicians, and athletes. The name maintains its traditional appeal while being less common in Western countries, where Gregory or Gregor are more prevalent variations. Grigor projects strength and intellectual vigilance, embodying both scholarly and leadership qualities throughout its long history.

Grigor

Karlin is a masculine name with multiple cultural origins. It can be seen as a variation of Karl or Charles, which means 'free man' or 'strong man' in Germanic languages. Alternatively, it may derive from the Irish surname Ó Cearbhalláin, anglicized as Carlin. The name has also been used in Slavic countries as a diminutive of Karel. Karlin blends strength with a modern feel through its crisp 'K' beginning and flowing ending. While not among the most common names, Karlin has maintained steady but limited usage, appealing to parents seeking something distinctive yet accessible with cross-cultural appeal.

Karlin

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

Rurik

The Russian and Bulgarian variant of Samuel.

Samuil

The middle name of footballer Lamine Yamal, this name is both a Spanish-influenced form of the Arabic Jamal, — in turn associating it with beauty — and a Russian name, appearing on the map as a large peninsula in Siberia. In this case, it means "end of the land" in the indigenous language of the Nenets.
 
The name is pronounced as yah-mal in Spanish and as yih-mal in Russian.

Yamal

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. 

Tora

An interesting and appealingly international spin on Barbara, with a lot of charm and energy. 

Varvara

A whimsical choice from the 1923 sci-fi novel Aelita by Aleksey Tolstoy, the name belongs to a Martian princess who lives on Mars in an advanced yet divided society. In the book (and its subsequent film), her name is said to mean "starlight seen for the last time".
 
While that may be the meaning in the fictional Martian language, Tolstoy may have been inspired by the Ancient Greek element aer meaning "wind, atmosphere, mist, space", along with names such as Elita ("noble, pious"), Aelia ("sun"), Elizaveta ("pledged to God"), or similar. 
 
The name briefly ranked in Latvia back in the 60s and has featured on characters in the 2006 animated series Code Lyoko and the 2014 video game Lifeless Planet. There's also a Russian literary award called the Aelita Prize for works of science fiction, while artist Aelita Andre is a real life bearer.
 
The name is said somewhere between ou-LEE-tuh and ie-LEE-tuh (like the sounds in out and lie).

Aelita

Damyan is a masculine name of Slavic origin, specifically popular in Bulgaria, Russia, and other Eastern European countries. It's a variant of Damian, which derives from the Greek name Damianos, meaning 'to tame' or 'subdue'. The name carries historical significance as it was borne by Saint Damian, a physician who, with his brother Cosmas, provided medical services without charge. Damyan combines strength with compassion in its cultural associations. While not among the most common names in Western countries, Damyan has maintained steady popularity in Slavic regions, appreciated for its traditional roots and distinctive yet accessible sound.

Damyan

New name in the pool of international names, added by lovely supermodel Alyona Osmanova.

Alyona

Demyan is a masculine Slavic name, particularly common in Russia and Ukraine. It derives from the Greek name Damian (Δαμιανός/Damianos), which means 'to tame' or 'subdue.' The name gained significance in Christian tradition through Saint Damian, who alongside his brother Cosmas, was known for healing the sick without payment. In Russian culture, Demyan appears in folklore and literature, including famous works by Pushkin. While maintaining steady popularity in Eastern European countries, the name remains relatively uncommon in Western nations. Demyan offers a distinctive alternative to the more familiar Damian while retaining its historical depth and cross-cultural appeal, with a strong, masculine sound and rich cultural heritage.

Demyan

Phonetic spelling brought to light by actor Efrem Zimbalist Jr. 

Efrem

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.

Fyodor

Commonly used in Russia, has an Old World Slavic feel.   The original Galen can be used for girls as well as boys.

Galina

Melana is a feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may be a variation of Melina, which has Greek roots meaning 'honey' or 'gentle,' or it could relate to Milana, with Slavic origins. Some may see it as a blend of the popular names Melanie and Ana/Anna. Melana has never been widely used but saw modest usage in the United States during the late 20th century. The name has a flowing, melodic quality with its soft consonants and alternating vowel sounds. It carries a subtle exotic flair while remaining relatively easy to pronounce in English-speaking countries. Melana offers the appeal of being recognizable without being common, giving its bearers a sense of individuality with a name that still feels accessible and feminine.

Melana

Unisex name in Israel, ideal for a Hanukkah baby.

Orel

Sergi is a masculine name primarily used in Catalan and Russian cultures, though with different origins in each. In Catalan regions, it derives from the Latin name Sergius, which possibly has Etruscan roots. In Slavic countries, it's a diminutive form of Sergei or Sergey, ultimately from the same Latin origin. The name gained prominence through several saints and historical figures, including Saint Sergius of Radonezh, a revered Russian Orthodox spiritual leader. In Catalonia and other Spanish regions, it remains moderately popular. The name carries connotations of service and dedication, with its Latin roots possibly connected to 'servire' (to serve). Sergi has a strong, distinctive sound while remaining relatively brief and easy to pronounce across languages.

Sergi

Shorter, more palatable form of Vladimir, best known as the surname of French director Roger. 

Vadim

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 9)