Russian Names for Boys

Rolan is a masculine name with multiple possible origins, including as a variation of Roland, which comes from Germanic elements meaning 'fame' and 'land,' referring to someone famous throughout the land. It may also have Slavic roots in some contexts. This concise, strong-sounding name carries heroic associations through the legendary medieval knight Roland, featured prominently in French epic literature. While never reaching mainstream popularity in English-speaking countries, Rolan has maintained a consistent presence, appreciated for its straightforward pronunciation, masculine sound, and cross-cultural adaptability. The name projects qualities of bravery, strength, and adventure while offering a subtle alternative to the more common Roland variation.

This variation of Theodore is familiar here mostly via the great Russian novelist Dostoyevsky. It was also the name of three early tsars of Russia.

This short form of Ivan just could join the other Russian nickname names coming into fashion, and it does have the Chekhov connection.

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.

In Europe, this name is mostly male, but here it's more fashionable for girls. It's a diminutive of Alexander.

The Greek form of Elijah.

Yelisei is a masculine name of Russian origin, derived from the biblical name Elisha, which means 'God is my salvation' or 'God is help' in Hebrew. In Russian tradition, it's spelled Елисей (Yelisey), with Yelisei being a transliteration variant. The name carries deep historical and religious significance, being connected to the prophet Elisha in the Old Testament. While common in Russia and other Slavic countries, Yelisei remains rare in English-speaking regions, giving it an exotic quality outside its cultural origins. The name's four syllables create a melodic, flowing sound. Yelisei combines spiritual heritage with a distinctive sound that feels both traditional in its Slavic context and refreshingly unusual elsewhere.

This sleek form of Constantine is traditional in many European countries, and most popular in German-speaking nations and Russia.

The most famous Vlad was nicknamed "the Impaler." Enough said.

Kesha as a masculine name is an uncommon gender usage of what is typically a feminine name in Western countries. The name has multiple origins: it can be a variation of Keisha (African-American origin meaning 'favorite' or 'beloved'), a short form of Lakisha, or derived from the Russian diminutive of Innokenty. As a male name, it's particularly rare and may reflect cultural variations or family traditions. The name gained some recognition through the American singer Kesha (born Kesha Rose Sebert), though her usage is feminine. For males, the name carries a unique, gender-nonconforming quality that makes it distinctive. Pronunciation typically follows 'KEE-shah' or 'KAY-shah' patterns.

Melor is the name of a Breton saint who in legend was also a prince, suggesting he was the son of a Cornish king (Mylor is the Cornish variation of the name). Melor was said to have a foot and hand made of silver,

Well used in Russia, this is a distinctive and undiscovered choice here. Rodion Romanovich Raskolnikov is the fictional protagonist of Crime and Punishment by Feodor Dostoyevsky.

Stas is a masculine name primarily used in Eastern European countries, particularly Poland, Russia, and Ukraine. It functions as a diminutive of Stanislav (or Stanisław), a name composed of Slavic elements meaning 'glory' and 'establish' – essentially 'may you achieve glory' or 'one who achieves glory.' Despite its brevity, Stas carries the strength and historical significance of its longer form. In Eastern European communities, it's appreciated for being modern-sounding while maintaining traditional roots. Outside Slavic regions, Stas remains relatively uncommon, giving it an exotic appeal while still being fairly easy to pronounce. The name's concise nature makes it practical and distinctive in international settings, while its cultural background provides depth and heritage.

Kima is a masculine name with diverse cultural origins. In Swahili, it means "that which is on the hill" or can relate to "one who moves mountains." Some sources connect it to Japanese origins meaning "valuable." In Native American traditions, particularly among certain tribes, Kima can refer to "butterfly." The name has remained relatively uncommon in Western countries, maintaining its distinctive appeal. Its short, melodic sound with balanced consonants and vowels makes it easy to pronounce across languages. While not appearing on most popularity charts, Kima has seen occasional usage as both a given name and nickname, appreciated for its simplicity and cross-cultural resonance.

Arseni is a masculine name with Slavic and Greek origins, primarily used in Russia, Belarus, and other Eastern European countries. It derives from the Greek name Arsenios, which means 'virile' or 'strong.' The name has connections to Saint Arsenius the Great, a 4th-century Roman who became an important Desert Father in Christianity. Arseni has a melodic quality with its soft ending, distinguishing it from the more formal Arseniy or Arsenius forms. While relatively uncommon in Western countries, it has maintained steady usage in Eastern Europe. The name offers a distinctive choice for parents seeking something with historical depth and international flavor that remains relatively unique in English-speaking countries.

Pavel may be widespread in the former Soviet Union, but it has a somewhat impoverished image here.

Venka is a masculine name with roots in various cultures. In Bulgarian, it's a diminutive form of names containing 'ven' which often relates to 'venets' meaning 'crown' or 'wreath'. In Indian cultures, particularly in southern regions, Venka can be a shortened form of longer names like Venkatesh or Venkataramana, which refer to Lord Vishnu. The name carries connotations of divinity and strength in these contexts. Though relatively uncommon internationally, Venka has maintained a steady presence in its regions of origin. The name's brevity and strong consonant sounds give it a distinctive quality while remaining straightforward to pronounce across many languages.

Maksim is a masculine name of Slavic origin, representing the Eastern European form of Maximus, derived from Latin meaning 'greatest' or 'largest.' Particularly popular in Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, and other Slavic countries, Maksim carries connotations of greatness, achievement, and leadership. The name has historic connections to several saints and notable figures throughout Eastern European history. In recent decades, Maksim has gained some international recognition as cultural boundaries blur, though it retains its strong Slavic identity. The spelling with a 'k' rather than an 'x' reflects the Cyrillic alphabet's representation of the sound, giving the name an authentic Eastern European character while remaining accessible to English speakers.

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