Russian Names for Girls

Zoyechka is a feminine name of Russian origin, functioning as an affectionate diminutive form of Zoya. In Russian naming traditions, adding the suffix "-echka" creates a tender, endearing version of the base name, used among family and close friends. Zoya itself derives from the Greek name Zoe, meaning "life." This diminutive form carries all the meaning of its root while adding warmth and intimacy. Primarily found in Russian-speaking communities, Zoyechka represents the rich tradition of Russian hypocorisms (affectionate name forms). Outside of Russian culture, the name is quite rare, making it distinctive but potentially challenging for non-Russian speakers to pronounce correctly. The name combines exotic appeal with genuine cultural significance and a meaning connected to vitality and existence.

Zoyechka

Zoia

Zoyenka is a feminine name with Slavic influences, likely a diminutive or elaborate form based on Zoya. The root name Zoya has Greek origins meaning 'life.' The suffix '-enka' is commonly used in Russian, Ukrainian, and other Slavic languages to create affectionate diminutive forms. Zoyenka carries a lyrical, almost musical quality with its flowing syllables. While extremely rare in most Western countries, it offers an exotic yet accessible option for parents drawn to Eastern European naming traditions. The name conveys warmth and cultural richness while remaining relatively easy to pronounce. Its uniqueness ensures it would be distinctive, yet its connection to the more familiar Zoya provides some grounding.

Zoyenka

Shura is a unisex Russian nickname for Aleksandr or Aleksandra, themselves forms of Alexander.  Less known in the English-speaking world than Sasha, it's also more assertive — probably because of that "sure" sound.

Shura

Annik is a pleasing combination of unusual and familiar.  As first Ann and now Anna become overused, you might want to explore its wilder variations such as this Eastern European short form.

Annik

In an English-speaking country, stick with Eugenia.

Yevgeniya

Tori Amos added a little extra something to the already pretty elaborate Natasha for her daughter's name.

Natashya

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.

Tassia

Arkadina was thrust into the limelight as one of the (many) <a href="https://nameberry.com/list/673/middle-names">middle names</a> of Uma Thurman and Arpad Busson's little girl. The Slavic or Russian feminine form of Arkady, which is derived from the ancient Greek name Arkadios, is the equivalent of the English Arcadia -- a heavenly place. For most English speakers, the Arcadia form would be more compatible.

Arkadina

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.

Zvezda

With its distinctive '-inka' suffix, common in Slavic and Eastern European diminutives, Katinka carries a playful yet sophisticated quality. The name enjoyed some popularity in the Netherlands and Hungary throughout the 20th century but remains relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries. 

Its international character, combined with its melodic sound and friendly nickname potential, gives Katinka an exotic yet accessible appeal for parents seeking something distinctive with established roots. And it makes a distinctive spin for the honor name Katherine.

Katinka

If you love the French pronunciation of Jacqueline, you may also be drawn to its Slavic cousin, which shares the same thick Zh sound. Zhaklina's cool Z initial and feminine ending give Jacqueline a fresh and fashionable flair.

Zhaklina

Bera is a rare feminine form of Biǫrn (or Björn), used in Scandinavian and Nordic countries, albeit quietly. Derived from Old Norse, it means "bear", either in relation to the animal or to the idea of bearing or carrying weight. 
 
Alternatively, Bera may also be used as a variation of Russian Vera, notably among speakers Aragonese in northern Spain and in Kazakhstan, while as a Biblical or Hebrew name, it may be associated with Bereket, Beracha, or Bracha, which meaning "blessing".

Bera

Sasha in all its forms -- which include Sacha and Sascha -- is rising in popularity for both boys and girls, especially with the Sasha spelling attached to one of the First Daughters. Sacha with this spelling is a Top 20 name for baby boys in France.


Sacha

Alevtina is a Russian form of the spirited Valentina, and while it may have a slightly gentler sound to it, the name retains the level of grandeur, elegance, and liveliness of the Latin variation. Notable bearers include tennis player Alevtina Ibragimova and actress Alevtina Tukan. 

Alevtina

Derived from the Russian word for November (noyabr), this name was used by communist parents to celebrate the Revolution of 1917 (which took place in November, according to the Gregorian calendar). A now rare choice, one notable bearer was actress Noyabrina "Nonna" Mordyukova.

Noyabrina

A Russian and Bulgarian surname that may sound like a given name to English ears, Petrova means "descendant of Peter" (or of Petar or Pyotr: its Bulgarian and Russian forms) and would be unlikely (or at least very, very rarely) used as a first name in its native countries.
 
It was however used as a given name for one of the Fossil sisters in Noel Streatfield's popular novel, Ballet Shoes and as such, it may be considered a literary name.

Petrova

Boyish nicknames are back in style for girls, and Nate is one of the more unusual entries in the Billie & Frankie club. While a short form of Natalie would more likely be Nat, Nate can definitely work.

Nate

Monja is a name with two separate origins. From its Russian roots, it's an alternative form of Monya and Manya, both used diminutives of the classic Maria. In this case, it would mean "beloved", "drop of the sea", or "bitterness", due to Maria's uncertain etymology.
 
From its Slovene roots, however, Monja is a diminutive of Monika, likely meaning "advisor" or possibly "single, one", and while in Russia, it is used as a short form, in Slovenia, it may be used as a stand alone choice.
 
The name is also used in Germany, South Africa, and the Netherlands, again as a form of Monika, Mona, or Maria.

Monja

A variation of the arty and elegant Shakespearian name, Ofeliya is sometimes used in Russia, the Ukraine, and Bulgaria, and in Azerbaijan, where it is likely transcribed as Ofeliya, with the dotted I. Notable bearers include TV host Ofeliya Sənani and actress Ofeliya Aslan, the stripped back Ofelya is also sometimes used. 

Ofeliya

Russian girl names are a high-fashion choice right now — literally! There’s been an influx of top models from Russia in recent years, boasting not only beauty but also beguiling Russian names like Irina, Natalia, and Tatiana.

Although spelling and pronunciation can sometimes be a challenge, many Russian names for girls actually feel perfectly wearable in the West. Try Alisa or Anastasia, Katia or Katerina, Zoya or Zenovia.

 include Angelina, Annika, Kira, Mila, Nadia, Nina, Sasha, and Vera. 

 in Russia include Yelizaveta — the Russian variation of Elizabeth — Polina, Varvara, Ksenia, Alina, and Yulia.

It’s striking how many of the names in this list feature the 

 -ka, -sha and -ya. It's worth noting that these are actually diminutive (nickname) suffixes in Russian, meaning that names like Anya (from Anna) or Natasha (from Natalia) are not generally given as formal names in their own right in Russia itself.

 based on their given names. An Aleksandra may be known as Aleks, Sasha, Sashenka, Shura, Alya, or Sanya, depending on the context.

Browse all of our beautiful Russian baby girl names here, plus notes on meaning and usage, ranked by current popularity on Nameberry.

Girl names of Russian origin with meanings and popularity, including top girl names of Russian origin and girl names popular in Russia. (Page 9)

Russian Girl Names