Russian Names for Boys
- Sascha
Origin:
German variation of SashaMeaning:
"defending warrior"Description:
In Europe, this name is mostly male, but here it's more fashionable for girls. It's a diminutive of Alexander.
- Dmitri
Origin:
Russian from Greek DemetriusDescription:
Worldly, artistic and attractive Slavic version of the name of the Greek god of fertility and farming.
- Aleksei
Description:
Aleksei is a masculine name of Russian origin, representing the Slavic form of Alexius or Alexis, ultimately derived from the Greek 'alexein' meaning 'to defend' or 'to help.' This powerful name has been borne by numerous Russian tsars, Orthodox saints, and notable figures throughout history. Common in Russia, Ukraine, Belarus and other Eastern European countries, Aleksei carries a strong cultural heritage while being recognized internationally. The spelling variations include Alexei, Alexey, and Aleksey, with pronunciation typically emphasizing the second syllable. The name conveys strength and protection while maintaining a classic, timeless quality. In Western countries, it's recognized as distinctively Slavic but still accessible.
- Rolan
Description:
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.
- Yasha
Origin:
RussianMeaning:
"supplanter"Description:
A less-known member of the Sasha-Misha family, deriving from Yakov, the Russian form of Jacob.
- Serge
Origin:
French variation of ancient Roman family name SergiusMeaning:
"servant"Description:
Old saints' and popes' name that went to France in the 1920s with the Russian Ballets Russes; in its Russian form, Sergei, it retains an artistic, almost effete air.
- Mischa
Origin:
Russian, diminutive of MikhailDescription:
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.
- Vasili
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"royal, kingly"Description:
Alternative form of Basil that might suit the adventurous.
- Vlad
Origin:
Diminutive of Vladimir, SlavicMeaning:
"great ruler, peaceful ruler, ruler of the world"Description:
The most famous Vlad was nicknamed "the Impaler." Enough said.
- Fyodor
Origin:
Russian variation of TheodoreMeaning:
"God's gift"Description:
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.
- Pavel
Origin:
Russian variation of PaulMeaning:
"small"Description:
Pavel may be widespread in the former Soviet Union, but it has a somewhat impoverished image here.
- Pasha
Origin:
Russian, diminutive of PavelMeaning:
"small, humble"Description:
Similar in sound to Sasha, Pasha is a Russian diminutive of the name Pavel, itself a form of Paul. Also used as a title for a high ranking officer in the (now historical) Ottoman military, and as the common name of a type of butterfly, it is a name well-suited for an Easter baby, due to its similarity to the word Pascha.
- Ilari
Origin:
Finnish form of Hilarius, RomanMeaning:
"cheerful"Description:
Light and cheerful as its meaning but with plenty of substance, Ilari is the Finnish form of Hilarius and Hillary.
- Mitya
Description:
Mitya is a masculine name of Russian origin, functioning as a diminutive or nickname for Dmitri (also spelled Dmitry or Dimitri). The root name Dmitri derives from the Greek name Demetrios, meaning "follower of Demeter," the goddess of agriculture and fertility. Mitya carries a warm, affectionate quality while maintaining its Slavic heritage. In Russian literature, the name appears notably in Dostoevsky's "The Brothers Karamazov" as the nickname for the character Dmitri. While uncommon outside of Russian-speaking regions, it offers an accessible yet distinctive option for parents seeking a name with Eastern European roots. The name conveys both strength and approachability, with its short, rhythmic sound pattern and rich cultural connections.
- Stas
Description:
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.
- 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.
- Sanya
Origin:
Diminutive of Aleksandr, Russian from GreekDescription:
An alternative to Sasha, another common Russian nickname for Aleksander.
- Vitya
Description:
Vitya is a masculine Russian diminutive of Viktor, a name derived from the Latin 'victor' meaning 'conqueror' or 'winner'. In Russian culture, diminutives like Vitya express familiarity, affection, and closeness, used among family and friends rather than in formal situations. While Viktor is the official form that would appear on documents, Vitya represents the warm, personal version used in everyday life. The name carries positive associations with victory and success from its Latin roots. Outside of Russian-speaking regions, Vitya remains relatively uncommon, giving it a distinctive cultural character. For Russian expatriate communities, using this diminutive helps maintain cultural connections while offering a friendly alternative to the more formal Viktor.
- Natan
Origin:
Variation of Nathan, HebrewMeaning:
"given"Description:
For jet-setting parents or those with many cultural backgrounds, a name that is workable across various languages is often a priority. Natan is a great option, as it is a familiar name in many European countries. It is currently most popular in Poland but seeing significant use in Israel as well.
- Yelisei
Description:
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.