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Russian Names that Start With D

Nameberry
By Nameberry
Updated Tue Oct 01 2024
  1. Dimitri

    • Origin:

      Russian from Greek Demetrius

    • Meaning:

      "follower of Demeter"

    • Description:

      Dimitri is a Slavic variation of the Russian Dmitriy, a name that comes from the Greek Demetrius. Demetrius was derived from Demeter, the name of the Greek goddess of fertility and farming. Among the possible spelling variations are Dmitri, Dmitrii, Dmitriy, and Dmitry.
  2. Damien

    • Origin:

      French from Greek

    • Meaning:

      "to tame, subdue"

    • Description:

      Converting Damian to Damien – or Julian to Julien or Lucian to Lucien – adds a certain je ne sais quoi to names. But most people in English speaking areas will still pronounce this the same as the -an ending form. The French pronunciation is more like "dah-mee-u(n)".
  3. 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.
  4. Darya

    • Origin:

      Russian or Persian, variation of Daria or feminine form of Darius

    • Meaning:

      "kingly; possessing goodness; the sea"

    • Description:

      The beguiling Darya is the name of a character in Tolstoy's Anna Karenina. As a Russian name, it's a spelling variation of Daria, while in Iran, it's a girl's name that means "the sea".
  5. Dima

    • Description:

      Dima is a masculine name with Slavic and Arabic origins, representing two distinct naming traditions. In Slavic countries, particularly Russia and Ukraine, it functions as a diminutive of Dmitri or Dmitry, derived from the Greek name Demetrios, meaning 'devoted to Demeter' (the goddess of agriculture). In Arabic usage, Dima means 'persistent rain' and can be used for both genders, though more commonly for girls in this context. The name is pronounced DEE-ma in Slavic countries and DEE-ma or di-MA in Arabic regions. Dima's brevity, international recognition, and strong sound have contributed to its steady popularity, particularly in Eastern Europe and the Middle East.
  6. Danya

    • Origin:

      Russian variation of Daniel

    • Description:

      Appealing Daniel diminutive, similar to other Russian names like Vanya and Ilya.
  7. Danil

    • Description:

      Danil is a masculine name with Slavic origins, particularly popular in Russia, Ukraine, and other Eastern European countries. It serves as a variant of Daniel, which comes from Hebrew and means 'God is my judge.' In Slavic cultures, Danil is pronounced with emphasis on the second syllable (dah-NEEL). The name carries the same biblical heritage as Daniel, referring to the prophet who survived the lion's den in the Old Testament. While less common in Western countries, Danil has been gaining some recognition as global naming practices become more diverse. The name combines strength and history with a slightly exotic feel for English speakers. Its short, two-syllable structure makes it accessible across languages while maintaining its distinctive Slavic character.

  8. Daniil

    • Origin:

      Greek; Russian; Belarusian

    • Meaning:

      "God is my judge"

    • Description:

      The Greek, Russian and Belarusian form of Daniel.
  9. Danylo

    • Description:

      Danylo is a masculine name of Ukrainian and Eastern Slavic origin, representing the Ukrainian form of Daniel. The name derives from Hebrew origins meaning 'God is my judge.' Danylo has deep historical roots in Ukraine, being the name of several important historical figures including Danylo Romanovych, the first King of Ruthenia in the 13th century. The name features the distinctive Slavic spelling pattern with the 'y' replacing the 'i' found in other variants. While primarily used in Ukraine and by Ukrainian diaspora communities, Danylo has gained modest international recognition as interest in Eastern European names has increased. The name offers a strong cultural connection while maintaining links to the widely recognized biblical name, combining heritage with accessibility.

  10. Danila

    • Description:

      Danila is a masculine name of Slavic origin, primarily used in Russia, Ukraine, and other Eastern European countries. It's the Slavic form of Daniel, which comes from Hebrew and means 'God is my judge.' Danila has been popular in Russia for centuries and remains a common choice for boys. The name appears in Russian folklore and literature, adding to its cultural significance. In Western countries, it maintains its exotic appeal while still being relatively easy to pronounce. Danila has a gentle yet masculine sound that travels well across cultural boundaries. The name often suggests qualities of wisdom and fairness, reflecting its biblical origins. Common nicknames include Danya or Danil, and its popularity continues steadily in Eastern Europe while gaining recognition in other parts of the world.
  11. Dariya

    • Description:

      Dariya is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins. In Slavic countries, particularly Russia and Ukraine, it's a variation of Daria, derived from the Persian name Daraya meaning 'sea' or from the Greek name Dareios meaning 'possessing goodness.' In Hindi and Sanskrit, Dariya means 'ocean' or 'river.' The name has been used consistently throughout Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and South Asia for centuries. Dariya has a melodious, flowing quality that reflects its aquatic meanings across cultures. Its international character makes it accessible in multiple languages while maintaining its distinctive charm. In recent years, as global names have gained popularity, Dariya has seen increased usage in Western countries, appealing to parents seeking a beautiful, meaningful name with international roots.

  12. Dunya

    • Origin:

      Russian

    • Meaning:

      "well-regarded"

    • Description:

      Courageous sister of Raskolnikov in Dostoyevsky's Crime and Punishment.
  13. Dmitri

    • Origin:

      Russian from Greek Demetrius

    • Description:

      Worldly, artistic and attractive Slavic version of the name of the Greek god of fertility and farming.
  14. Dusya

    • Description:

      Dusya is a feminine name of Slavic origin, primarily used in Russian-speaking cultures. It functions as a diminutive or endearing form of names like Eudoxia (meaning 'good reputation' or 'good glory') or Evdokia. In Russian naming traditions, diminutives like Dusya express affection and familiarity. The name carries a warm, intimate feeling in its native context, though it remains quite rare outside of Eastern European communities. Despite its unfamiliarity in Western countries, Dusya has a gentle, melodic quality that makes it accessible to English speakers. The name evokes a sense of cultural heritage and old-world charm while maintaining a sweet, approachable character through its soft sounds and ending with the feminine 'a.'
  15. Deniskov

    • Origin:

      Russian variation of Dennis, French from Greek

    • Meaning:

      "god of Nysa"
  16. Deniska

    • Origin:

      Russian variation of Dennis, French from Greek

    • Meaning:

      "god of Nysa"
  17. Denya

    • Description:

      Denya is an uncommon masculine name with diverse origins. It may be a variant of Denis or Dennis, which derives from the Greek name Dionysios, referring to the follower of Dionysus, the god of wine and revelry. In some cultures, Denya could be considered a diminutive form of Daniel, meaning "God is my judge." Alternatively, it might have Slavic roots, where similar names are used. Despite its masculine classification, Denya occasionally appears as a feminine name in some regions. The name remains relatively rare in English-speaking countries, giving it a distinctive quality for those seeking an uncommon name with a gentle yet masculine sound.
  18. Denka

    • Description:

      Denka is a masculine name with multicultural origins. In Slavic regions, particularly Bulgaria and Macedonia, it may be derived from the name Denis or function as a diminutive form. In some African cultures, particularly in parts of Sudan, Denka may relate to the Dinka people, one of the largest ethnic groups in South Sudan. The name carries connotations of strength and cultural heritage. While relatively uncommon globally, Denka has a distinctive quality that sets it apart. The name's simplicity in pronunciation contrasts with its unique cultural depth, making it appealing to parents seeking a name with authentic cultural roots and individuality.
  19. Dema

    • Description:

      Dema is a masculine name with diverse cultural origins. In Arabic, it means "lasting" or "eternal," while in Russian and Ukrainian, it functions as a diminutive of Demyan or Demian (derived from Damian, meaning "to tame" or "subdue"). The name also appears in Greek mythology where Dema was associated with the earth and agriculture. Despite its multicultural background, Dema remains relatively uncommon in Western countries. It offers a concise, strong-sounding option for parents seeking something distinctive yet accessible. The name's brevity gives it a modern feel, while its various cultural connections provide depth and meaning. Dema's simplicity allows it to travel well across language boundaries.

  20. Damyan

    • Description:

      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.