Russian Girl Names
- Ivanna
Origin:
Feminine of Ivan, which is itself a variation of JohnDescription:
Ivanna / Ivana both come out of the name "John" by way of the Russian variant Ivan. Whereas Joanna feels dated, Ivanna feels cosmopolitan and fresh. Ivanka (of Trump fame) is a diminutive version of Ivanna.
- Zariyah
Origin:
Arabic, Hebrew, RussianMeaning:
"scattering wind; God has helped; sunrise, dawn"Description:
Zariyah has several possible origins: the Arabic Zahrah which means "flower" or Zariya "scattering wind"; the Hebrew name Azariah, meaning "God has helped"; or the Russian word Zaria which means "sunrise, dawn."
- Maiya
Description:
Maiya is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins. In Sanskrit, it relates to 'illusion' or 'magic,' while in Hebrew it can mean 'wished-for child.' It's also found in Japanese culture where it might be connected to the word for 'dance.' The name has gained modest popularity in recent decades as parents seek distinctive yet approachable alternatives to more common names like Maya or Maia. Maiya offers a fresh twist on these similar names while maintaining an easy pronunciation. Its cross-cultural presence gives it versatility and broad appeal. The name has a gentle, flowing quality with its soft consonants and vowel sounds, contributing to its increasingly favorable reception.
- Yeva
Origin:
Russian and Armenian variation of Eve, HebrewMeaning:
"life"Description:
A Top 10 name in Moscow. In Russian, the emphasis is put on the first syllable.
- Irisa
Description:
Irisa is a delicate feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may be a variant of Iris, the Greek name meaning 'rainbow' and associated with the goddess who served as a messenger between gods and humans. Another possibility is that it's derived from the Slavic name Irisha, a diminutive of Irina meaning 'peace.' Some may also see it as a creative variation of Irish or Irisha, giving it a connection to Ireland. Irisa has a modern, melodic quality with its soft sounds and rhythmic syllables. While not among the most common names, its uniqueness and gentle sound make it appealing to parents seeking something distinctive yet accessible. The name carries connotations of natural beauty, tranquility, and colorful vibrancy.
- Tassia
Origin:
Diminutive of Anastasia, GreekMeaning:
"resurrection"Description:
Tassia is an obscure short form used mostly in Russia and Eastern Europe, where the name Anastasia as in the executed Russian princess is common. Rarely found in the English-speaking world, Tassia could make a distinctive and attractive nickname for this elegant royal name and can easily stand on its own.
- Lydie
Description:
Lydie is a feminine name with French origins, representing the French form of Lydia. The name traces back to ancient times, derived from the historic region of Lydia in Asia Minor (modern Turkey). The name means 'from Lydia' and has connections to the ancient Greek culture. In France and French-speaking regions, Lydie has maintained steady usage, appreciated for its elegant simplicity and classical roots. The name has a delicate, refined quality while remaining straightforward to pronounce. While less common in English-speaking countries than the form Lydia, Lydie offers a subtle French twist that appeals to parents seeking names with European flair. The name carries associations with culture and refinement, reflecting its ancient heritage and continued use in sophisticated naming traditions.
- Gala
Origin:
Russian and Slavic feminine form of GalinaDescription:
Festive name of the wife of Salvador Dali. In Spanish, Gala comes from the Roman name Galla, a feminine form of Gallus meaning "rooster" or "a person from Gaul".
- Liliya
Origin:
Russian; Bulgarian; UkrainianMeaning:
"lily"Description:
Pronounced like Lillia, Liliya is the cognate of Lily in various Slavic languages.
- Bela
Origin:
CzechMeaning:
"white"Description:
Since this is strictly a male name in Slavic cultures, better to stick with the "Bella" spelling here.
- Seraphima
Description:
Seraphima is a feminine name with celestial origins, derived from 'seraphim'—the highest order of angels in Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditions. The name literally connects to the Hebrew word 'seraph,' meaning 'to burn,' reflecting the fiery, radiant nature attributed to these heavenly beings. This elaborate form expands on the more common Serafina or Seraphina, adding an exotic, mystical quality. While rare in Western countries, variations of this name have historical usage in Eastern Orthodox countries, particularly Russia, where it appears as Serafima. The name carries powerful connotations of spiritual purity, divine protection, and ethereal beauty. Its uncommon nature appeals to parents seeking a name with profound religious significance and melodic elegance.
- Viera
Origin:
Slovak; Russian variation of VeraMeaning:
"truth"Description:
With the rise of both international names and those that start with the letter V, this sharp alternative to Vera may become more familiar in the English-speaking world.
- Madelina
Origin:
Latinate form of MadelineDescription:
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.
- Lidia
Origin:
Portuguese, Spanish, Polish, Romanian, from GreekMeaning:
"woman from Lydia"Description:
A spelling variant of Lydia used in parts of Southern & Eastern Europe.
- 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.
- Sascha
Origin:
German variation of SashaMeaning:
"defending warrior"Description:
Largely male throughout Europe, this name--spelled with or without the c, is an energetic choice that has really taken off for girls here; it's been used for the daughters of Steven Spielberg, Jerry Seinfeld, and Vanessa Williams. The Barack Obamas use Sasha as the nickname for their younger daughter, whose proper name is Natasha. Sasha Alexander, on the TV show Rizzoli & Isles, was born Suzana.
- Arina
Origin:
Variation of Irina, Russian from GreekMeaning:
"peace"Description:
This form of Irina supersedes the original in its native country.
- Lyuka
Description:
Lyuka is a delicate feminine name with possible Slavic or Japanese influences. In Slavic contexts, it may be related to names like Luka or Luca, ultimately derived from Latin roots meaning "light" or "illumination." When considered from a Japanese perspective, it could be a variant romanization of a name using characters with meanings such as "dragon" (ryu) combined with additional elements. The name has a melodic, flowing quality with its alternating consonants and vowels. Lyuka remains quite rare globally, making it an uncommon choice that offers distinctiveness while maintaining an accessible pronunciation. Its cross-cultural potential gives it versatility, appealing to parents seeking a name that sounds feminine and graceful across language boundaries.
- Zenovia
Origin:
Russian form of Zenobia, GreekMeaning:
"force of Zeus"Description:
Zenovia makes Zenobia even more unusual. This mythology-adjacent name is worth a look.
- Olena
Origin:
Ukrainian, HawaiianMeaning:
"torch, shining light; turmeric, yellow, ginger"Description:
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 Oli or Leni could work too.