By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 12 pages
of 12
Diminutive of Vladimir, Slavic
"great ruler, peaceful ruler, ruler of the world"
The most famous Vlad was nicknamed "the Impaler." Enough said.
Russian, Slovene and Polish variation of Felix, Latin
"happy, fortunate"
An Eastern European variation of the cheerful Felix, Feliks is a popular choice in Poland, and ranked in the Top 100 in a recent year. Associated with good fortune and good luck, this form would be…
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.
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…
Jeremie is a masculine name representing the French variation of Jeremy, which ultimately derives from the Hebrew name Yirmeyahu (Jeremiah), meaning "appointed by God" or "God will uplift." This…
Russian, diminutive of Mikhail
Brought into the American consciousness as the nickname of ballet great Mikhail Baryshnikov, it more recently took on a unisex air via TV and screen actress Mischa Barton. Could become the next Sasha.
Russian, diminutive of Pavel
"small, humble"
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…
Greek
"royal, kingly"
Alternative form of Basil that might suit the adventurous.
Greek; Russian; Belarusian
"God is my judge"
The Greek, Russian and Belarusian form of Daniel.
Sergey is a masculine name of Slavic origin, particularly common in Russian, Ukrainian, and Belarusian cultures. It derives from the Latin name Sergius, which possibly meant 'servant' or originated…
Yeremy is a masculine name that represents a variation of Jeremy, which derives from the Hebrew name Yirmeyahu (Jeremiah), meaning "appointed by God" or "God will uplift." This spelling variation…
Russian
"holy"
This common Russian name has a somewhat effete pencil-thin-moustached image here.
French variation of ancient Roman family name Sergius
"servant"
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.
Russian, from Greek
"from the east, rising sun"
A sweet and gentle-sounding Russian name with a sunny meaning, typically nicknamed Tolya in Russia. It can also be written as Anatoli or Anatoliy.
Fedor is a strong masculine name with Slavic origins, particularly prominent in Russian culture as a variation of Feodor or Theodore. Derived from Greek elements meaning 'gift of God' (from 'theos'…
Matvei is a masculine name of Russian origin, serving as the Russian form of Matthew, which derives from the Hebrew name Mattityahu, meaning 'gift of God.' This name has been used in Russia and other…
Grigor is the Armenian and Bulgarian form of Gregory, a name with Greek origins derived from 'gregorios,' meaning 'watchful' or 'vigilant.' Popular in Eastern European countries and among Armenian…
Karlin is a masculine name with multiple cultural origins. It can be seen as a variation of Karl or Charles, which means 'free man' or 'strong man' in Germanic languages. Alternatively, it may derive…
