Russian Names that Start With A
- Anastasia
Origin:
Greek, feminine variation of AnastasiosMeaning:
"resurrection"Description:
Anastasia is the feminine form on Anastasius, a Greek name derived from the word anastasis, meaning "resurrection." It was a common name among early Christians, who often gave it to daughters born around Christmas or Easter. There are handful of saints named Anastasia, including the patron saint of weavers.
- Anya
Origin:
Russian diminutive of AnnaMeaning:
"grace"Description:
Anya is a Russian variation of Anna, which came from the Hebrew name Hannah. Anya is the form found most frequently in Russia, Poland, and other East European countries, while Anja is the spelling usually preferred in Germany Norway, Denmark, Germany, Sweden, and The Netherlands. In the Hungarian language, Anya also means mother.
- Angelina
Origin:
Greek, Italian, Spanish, Russian diminutive of AngelaMeaning:
"angel"Description:
The gorgeous Angelina Jolie has promoted the star power of her name and changed Angelina's image from delicate to intense, from older Italian mama to stylish multi-cultural child. Kids might relate to the dancing mouse in the series of charming children's books, Angelina Ballerina, or to the Harry Potter character, Angelina Johnson Weasley, a member of Dumbledore's army.
- Angela
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"angel"Description:
Angela was a Top 10 name from 1965 to 1979, the fifth most popular name for three years, and staying in the double digits until the turn of the 21st century. Today, though, Angelina or Angelica would be more fashionable options.
- Annika
Origin:
Swedish diminutive of AnnaMeaning:
"grace"Description:
Annika is a surprise hit of recent years, inspired by golfer Sorenstam; for Trekkies, it was also the name of a 'Star Trek:Voyager' character. Some people's first memory of it might be as Pippi Longstocking's friend. A nice namesake for an ancestral Ann.
- Angelica
Origin:
Italian, Polish, Russian diminutive of AngelaMeaning:
"angel or angelic"Description:
Angelica is by far the choicest form of the angelic names -- more delicate than Angelina, more feminine than Angel, more modern than Angela. But though Angelica is so lacy and poetic, it lags behind the bolder Angelina (probably for obvious reasons).
- Alisa
Origin:
Variation of Alice, or HebrewMeaning:
"noble; great happiness"Description:
Alisa is variation of Alice with a touch of international flair. Used in Russia, Ukraine, Georgia, Estonia and Poland, it is also familiar in English speaking countries too. As a Hebrew name, Alisa has a bright, cheerful meaning, that adds another layer to the name.
- Alya
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"heavens, highborn, exalted"Description:
Alya is most familiar in the US in its much-more-complicated form Aaliyah, the spelling used by the later singer. The traditional name of the star system Theta Serpentis, Alya is also an established Muslim first name and a Turkish place-name. It may also be a Russian short form for Alexandra or any other Al- name.
- Anja
Origin:
Scandinavian; Finnish; Slovene; Croatian; Serbian, from RussianMeaning:
"grace"Description:
Anja is one of the most international of several versions of Ann/Anna now being imported, also including Anya and Annika.
- Arman
Origin:
Form of Herman or Armen, French, Armenian, Persian, Kazakh, TurkishMeaning:
"soldier; land of Armenia; wish, hope, purpose"Description:
One of those truly international names, with a similar feel to Roman, Arthur, and Artem, without the popularity, in the US at least. The name is in fact in the Top 50 in Armenia and Bosnia, while it also features in the UK Top 800.
- Alexei
Origin:
Russian, GreekMeaning:
"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.
- Agata
Origin:
Italian, Spanish, Swedish, Polish, Slovene, Russian, Croatian, Serbian variation of AgathaDescription:
Agata is an Agatha form widely used throughout Europe. And the hard t may be more appealing to your ear than the th sound.
- Anoushka
Origin:
Russian, diminutive of AnnMeaning:
"grace"Description:
A lively, affectionate Russian pet name that is never given as a full name in its homeland, but has found some popularity in upper-crusty British society. It's also a surprising cultural crossover name due to its resemblance to the Indian name Anushka. British-Indian musician and composer Anoushka Shankar, daughter of Ravi, is a famous bearer.
- Arina
Origin:
Variation of Irina, Russian from GreekMeaning:
"peace"Description:
This form of Irina supersedes the original in its native country.
- Anatoly
Origin:
Russian, from GreekMeaning:
"from the east, rising sun"Description:
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.
- Ania
Description:
Ania is a feminine name with Slavic origins, particularly popular in Poland and other Eastern European countries. It functions as a diminutive form of Anna, which ultimately derives from the Hebrew Hannah, meaning 'grace' or 'favor.' The name features a straightforward pronunciation (AHN-yah or AHN-ee-ah, depending on regional accents) that travels well across language boundaries despite its specific cultural roots. Ania has a delicate, feminine quality while maintaining simplicity and brevity. Though not widely used in English-speaking countries, it has gained some recognition with increased global cultural awareness. The name carries the warmth and timeless quality of its root name Anna while offering a fresh, slightly exotic alternative that's still easy to pronounce and spell.
- Agnia
Description:
Agnia is a feminine name with Slavic origins, particularly popular in Russia and Eastern European countries. The name derives from the Greek word 'hagnos' meaning 'pure' or 'chaste.' It is related to the more common Agnes but maintains its distinct Slavic character. Throughout history, Agnia has been associated with several Orthodox saints, giving it religious significance. While not widely used in Western countries, Agnia has maintained steady popularity in Russia and parts of Eastern Europe. The name carries connotations of purity, innocence and strength of character, making it an elegant yet meaningful choice for parents seeking a name with deep historical roots.
- Agnessa
Description:
Agnessa is a feminine name with Slavic and Greek roots, serving as a variant of Agnes. The original name Agnes derives from the Greek word 'hagnos,' meaning 'pure' or 'holy.' Agnessa emerged as a more ornate form popular in Eastern European countries, particularly Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus. The addition of the '-sa' suffix creates a softer, more melodious quality to the traditional Agnes. While relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, the name carries an elegant, vintage charm with connections to early Christian history. Saint Agnes, a martyr of the early 4th century, has helped maintain the name's legacy throughout the centuries, though Agnessa remains a distinctive choice that combines classical heritage with exotic appeal.
- Armen
Origin:
ArmenianMeaning:
"Armenian"Description:
Naming your son Armen is like naming him Roman, or German -- it's the term that denotes a person of Armenian descent. Armen has been used as a first name for centuries and is an unusual yet approachable choice, especially if you want to honor your Armenian heritage.
- Asya
Origin:
Turkish; Russian and Bulgarian diminutive of AnastasiaMeaning:
"Asia; resurrection"Description:
Asya has dual origins: it is both the Turkish word for Asia (the continent), and a short form of Anastasia in Russian and Bulgarian. Beyond that, it is a beautiful example of a "travelling light" name, in the style of Aria: short, elegant, and usable across different cultures.
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