By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 11 pages
of 11
Armenian
"Armenian"
Naming your son Armen is like naming him Roman, or German -- it's the term that denotes a person of Armenian descent. Armen has been used as a first name for centuries and is an unusual yet…
Russian variation of Elijah
"the Lord is my God"
A rare example of an a-ending boy's name that sounds masculine, Ilya has a large measure of creative Slavic charm. >p>Ilya Ilyich Oblomov is the central character in Goncharov's novel "Oblomov."…
Russian variation of Paul
"small"
Pavel may be widespread in the former Soviet Union, but it has a somewhat impoverished image here.
Yerik is a masculine name with Kazakh and Russian origins. In Kazakh culture, it derives from the word meaning 'freedom' or 'liberty,' making it a powerful name symbolizing independence and an…
Russian, Greek
"defending men"
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.
Russian, Polish, Serbian, Croatian, Slovene, Bulgarian, Romanian
"gift from God"
Popular in Poland, Moldova, Romania, and Russia, and familiar in the UK too, Bogdan is a rugged and strong sounding choice with a similar meaning to US favorite Theodore. Made up of the Slavic…
Russian from Greek Demetrius
Worldly, artistic and attractive Slavic version of the name of the Greek god of fertility and farming.
Russian cognate of Greek Aniketos
"unconquered"
A popular choice in Russia, Nikita is a sharp, zippy choice that became heavily associated with the Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev in the 50s and 60s. Derived from the Greek name Niketas meaning…
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…
Makar is a masculine name with Slavic origins, particularly popular in Russia, Ukraine, and other Eastern European countries. It derives from the Greek name Makarios, meaning "blessed" or "happy." In…
Russian form of Hebrew JEHOIAKIM
"God will establish"
This strong and commanding Russian name is pronounced ah-KEEM.
Russian variation of Cyril, Greek
"lordly"
Strong and attractive form of Cyril.
Slavic; Estonian; Finnish; Hungarian; German, from Latin
"steadfast"
This sleek form of Constantine is traditional in many European countries, and most popular in German-speaking nations and Russia.
Russian variation of Timothy
"honoring God"
A form of Timothy that is popular in its native Russia.
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…
Russian, variation of Leonidas "lion"
"lion"
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…
Diminutive of Vladimir, Slavic
"great ruler, peaceful ruler, ruler of the world"
The most famous Vlad was nicknamed "the Impaler." Enough said.
Old Norse via Russian
"warrior"
Musical association with Igor Stravinsky, but also Dr. Frankenstein's right-hand man.
Samvel is a masculine name of Armenian origin, derived from the Hebrew name Samuel, meaning "heard by God" or "name of God." In Armenian culture, Samvel has been widely used for centuries and remains…
German variation of Sasha
"defending warrior"
In Europe, this name is mostly male, but here it's more fashionable for girls. It's a diminutive of Alexander.
