Russian Names for Boys
- 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.
- Rolan
- Rodion
Origin:
Russian from GreekMeaning:
"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.
- 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.
- Igor
Origin:
Old Norse via RussianMeaning:
"warrior"Description:
Musical association with Igor Stravinsky, but also Dr. Frankenstein's right-hand man.
- Vanya
Origin:
Russian, diminutive of JohnDescription:
This short form of Ivan just could join the other Russian nickname names coming into fashion, and it does have the Chekhov connection.
- 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.
- Nikita
Origin:
Russian cognate of Greek AniketosMeaning:
"unconquered"Description:
Redolent of Khrushchev and la femme.
- Arman
Origin:
Form of Herman or ArmenMeaning:
"soldier or wish, hope"Description:
Feels as strong and international as Roman, with none of the popularity. Arman might be a form of the German Herman or of the Persian/Kazakh/Armenian Armen or Arman, meaning wish or hope.
- Vitya
- Grisha
- Melor
Origin:
CelticMeaning:
"iron man"Description:
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,
- Sergei
Origin:
Russian variation of SergiusDescription:
Common Russian name of one of that country's most beloved saints, known for his kindness and gentility.
- Dmitri
Origin:
Russian from Greek DemetriusDescription:
Worldly, artistic and attractive Slavic version of the name of the Greek god of fertility and farming.
- 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.
- Pasha
Origin:
Russian, diminutive of PavelMeaning:
"small"Description:
Your little Pasha will rule the roost. In Russia, Pasha is traditionally given to a boy born on Good Friday.
- Konstantin
- 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.
- Ilias
- Mitya