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Russian Girl Names

  1. Anja

    • Origin:

      Scandinavian; Finnish; Slovene; Croatian; Serbian, from Russian

    • Meaning:

      "grace"

    • Description:

      Anja is one of the most international of several versions of Ann/Anna now being imported, also including Anya and Annika.
  2. Svetlana

    • Origin:

      Russian

    • Meaning:

      "star"

    • Description:

      Popular Russian name, familiar here via author Svetlana Stalin, the dictator's daughter.
  3. Ira

    • Origin:

      Hebrew, Russian, Greek, Finnish, Sanskrit, "watchful one; peace; protectress; earth

    • Description:

      Truly multi-cultural, Ira can be: a Russian short form of Irina, meaning "peace"; a gender-switch of the Hebrew male name Ira, meaning "watchful"; a modern Greek and Finnish form of Hera, meaning "hero" or "protectress"; a Sanskrit name meaning "earth" or "enjoyment"; and a Basque nature name meaning "fern", from the word iratzea.
  4. Yelena

    • Origin:

      Russian variation of Helen

    • Meaning:

      "bright, shining one"

    • Description:

      One of many international versions of this classic.
  5. 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.
  6. Rina

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Caterina or other names ending in -rina

    • Description:

      A pan-European short form often used as a name in its own right, Rina is sister to names like Mina and Lena, popular at the end of the 19th century and showing their pretty if slight faces again. In the Netherlands, Rina itself is sometimes shortened to Rineke, as Tina may become Tineke.
  7. Mischa

    • Origin:

      Russian, diminutive of Mikhail

    • Description:

      This was a 100 percent boys' name till the willowy Mischa Barton of TV's "The OC" made it unisex, a la Sascha.
  8. Savina

    • Origin:

      Italian variation of Sabina

    • Description:

      Saint Savina of Milan gave comfort to prisoners. Her name is a variation of the Latin Sabina, which refers to the Sabine people. Not completely unknown in the US, there were 25 baby girls named Savina last year, and fewer than 100 called Sabina. Savina and Sabina will inevitably be confused with Sabrina, which is much more popular.
  9. 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.

  10. 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.

  11. Zvezda

    • Origin:

      Slavic, Russian

    • Meaning:

      "star"

    • Description:

      Zvezda, which means star in several Slavic languages, is a traditional established name in Eastern Europe and Russia. While names with celestial meanings have an intrinsic appeal, that initial Zv may be difficult for English speakers to wrap their tongues around.
  12. Polina

    • Origin:

      Russian and Basque, feminine variation of Paul

    • Description:

      This version of the more familiar Paulina is occasionally used in the US, though some may see it as relating more to the word pole than to the classic Paul.
  13. Irena

    • Origin:

      Czech; Latvian; Polish; Bulgarian; Lithuanian, from Greek

    • Meaning:

      "peace"

    • Description:

      This form of Irene feels fresher and gives the classic name a chic, international flair. It's most commonly used in Eastern Europe.
  14. Nika

    • Origin:

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

    • Description:

      Enticing modern nickname name possibility.
  15. Tanya

    • Origin:

      Russian diminutive of Tatiana

    • Description:

      Long integrated into the U. S. name pool but still retaining some Slavic flavor, Tanya feels a bit tired; it's ready for replacement by cooler Russian choices like Sasha, Mischa, or parent name Tatiana.
  16. 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.
  17. Verina

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "true"

    • Description:

      More often spelled VERENA, this name is attached to a third century Swiss saint. But the "virtue" name VERITY, is more appealing and comes more directly to the point.
  18. Olesya

    • Description:

      Olesya is a feminine name of Slavic origin, particularly popular in Russia, Ukraine, and other Eastern European countries. It derives from the ancient Slavic name Aleks, meaning 'defender' or 'protector of humanity.' Olesya has a long history in Slavic countries but remains relatively uncommon in Western nations, giving it a distinctive yet authentic feel. The name carries a melodious quality with its flowing vowels and soft consonants. In Russia, the name gained popularity during the 20th century and continues to be used. Olesya offers an accessible entry point to Slavic naming traditions for international parents, as its pronunciation is relatively intuitive for English speakers while maintaining its cultural roots and distinctive character.
  19. 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.
  20. 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.