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Russian Names for Boys

  1. Rodion

    • Origin:

      Russian from Greek

    • Meaning:

      "song of the hero"

    • Description:

      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.
  2. Sergei

    • Origin:

      Russian variation of Sergius

    • Description:

      Common Russian name of one of that country's most beloved saints, known for his kindness and gentility.
  3. Dmitri

    • Origin:

      Russian from Greek Demetrius

    • Description:

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

    • Description:

      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.
  5. Valery

    • Origin:

      Russian form of Valerius, Roman

    • Meaning:

      "strong, health"

    • Description:

      A spirited Russian name, derived from the Roman Valerius, this name is also transcribed as Valeriy. In an English speaking context, it has been used as a (feminine) alternative spelling to Valerie, however, the pronunciation and emphasis of the two names differ. Borne by Russian singer Valery Meladze and Russian composer, Valery Gergiev, it is also used for the titular character of Natasha Pulley's 2022 novel, The Half Life of Valery K.
  6. Konstantin

    • Origin:

      Slavic; Estonian; Finnish; Hungarian; German, from Latin

    • Meaning:

      "steadfast"

    • Description:

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

    • Origin:

      Russian, Greek

    • Meaning:

      "blessed, happy; I wish"

    • Description:

      To those unfamiliar with it, Makari might have the sound, feel, and look of a modern inventions, similar to Amari, Jakari, or Makai. It is however a Russian name, derived from the Greek Makarios. Borne by two 14th-century Orthodox Russian saints, Makari can also be transcribed as Makariy or Makary.
  8. Nikita

    • Origin:

      Russian cognate of Greek Aniketos

    • Meaning:

      "unconquered"

    • Description:

      Redolent of Khrushchev and la femme.
  9. Yasha

    • Origin:

      Russian

    • Meaning:

      "supplanter"

    • Description:

      A less-known member of the Sasha-Misha family, deriving from Yakov, the Russian form of Jacob.
  10. Sascha

    • Origin:

      German variation of Sasha

    • Meaning:

      "defending warrior"

    • Description:

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

    • Origin:

      Finnish form of Hilarius, Roman

    • Meaning:

      "cheerful"

    • Description:

      Light and cheerful as its meaning but with plenty of substance, Ilari is the Finnish form of Hilarius and Hillary.
  12. Mischa

    • Origin:

      Russian, diminutive of Mikhail

    • Description:

      Though the Mischa spelling is migrating toward the feminine side thanks to actress Mischa Barton, this Russian boys' short form still works for children of both sexes, as Mischa or Misha.
  13. Vanya

    • Origin:

      Russian, diminutive of John

    • Description:

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

    • Origin:

      Russian variation of Vitalis, Latin

    • Meaning:

      "life"

    • Description:

      Lively Russian choice born by several saints.
  15. 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.

  16. Ludis

    • Description:

      Ludis is a masculine name with Baltic origins, particularly connected to Latvian culture. The name is related to the Latvian word 'ludis,' which refers to games or play, suggesting a playful, spirited character. While uncommon globally, Ludis maintains cultural significance in Latvia and among Baltic diaspora communities. The name has a distinctive quality that combines brevity with a melodious sound. Historically, Ludis gained some usage during periods of Baltic cultural revival and national identity movements. The name carries connotations of joy, creativity, and lightheartedness. With its short, accessible pronunciation and unique cultural heritage, Ludis offers an uncommon option that remains straightforward for international use.
  17. Ilias

    • Origin:

      Greek, from Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "Yahweh is God"

    • Description:

      The Greek form of Elijah.
  18. Demyan

    • Description:

      Demyan is a masculine Slavic name, particularly common in Russia and Ukraine. It derives from the Greek name Damian (Δαμιανός/Damianos), which means 'to tame' or 'subdue.' The name gained significance in Christian tradition through Saint Damian, who alongside his brother Cosmas, was known for healing the sick without payment. In Russian culture, Demyan appears in folklore and literature, including famous works by Pushkin. While maintaining steady popularity in Eastern European countries, the name remains relatively uncommon in Western nations. Demyan offers a distinctive alternative to the more familiar Damian while retaining its historical depth and cross-cultural appeal, with a strong, masculine sound and rich cultural heritage.

  19. Vasili

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "royal, kingly"

    • Description:

      Alternative form of Basil that might suit the adventurous.
  20. Leonid

    • Origin:

      Russian, variation of Leonidas "lion"

    • Meaning:

      "lion"

    • Description:

      This form got noticed as the first name of long-reigning Russian president Brezhnev; other bearers include playwright and short-story writer Andreyev, Leonid the Magnificent,a Russian performance artist on America's Got Talent, and Leonid McGill, the protagonist of a Walter Mosley private eye series. All in all, though, Leonid is not the most likely to join the pride of lion-related names here.