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Russian Names for Boys

  1. Vas

    • Description:

      Vas is a concise masculine name with diverse cultural origins. In Hungarian, it literally means 'iron', symbolizing strength and durability. It can also be found as a shortened form of various Slavic names like Vasiliy or Vasilios, which derive from the Greek 'Basilios' meaning 'royal' or 'kingly'. In some Indian communities, particularly in southern India, Vas appears as a surname or shortened form of Christian names. The name is quite uncommon in English-speaking countries, giving it a distinctive quality. Its brevity makes it practical and memorable, while its cross-cultural presence gives it versatility. Vas projects an image of strength and resilience, appealing to parents seeking a short, powerful name with international connections.
  2. Bogdan

    • Origin:

      Russian, Polish, Serbian, Croatian, Slovene, Bulgarian, Romanian

    • Meaning:

      "gift from God"

    • Description:

      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 elements bogŭ and danŭ, it means "gift from God".
  3. Yakov

    • Origin:

      Russian variation of Jacob

    • Meaning:

      "supplanter"

    • Description:

      What a difference a couple of letters make: Old World version of most popular name never quite made it out of the shtetl.
  4. Tima

    • Description:

      Tima is a masculine name with diverse origins across different cultures. In Slavic countries, particularly Russia, it often serves as a diminutive of Timofey (the Russian equivalent of Timothy). In Arabic-speaking regions, Tima can be derived from "tayyim," relating to completion or perfection. The name also appears in some African cultures with varied meanings. Tima has a simple, melodic sound with its two syllables and balanced structure. While not widely common in Western countries, it has gained some popularity for its international appeal and easy pronunciation across languages. The name's brevity gives it a modern feel while its cross-cultural presence provides a sense of global connection, making it appealing to parents seeking a distinctive yet accessible name for their son.

  5. Pasha

    • Origin:

      Russian, diminutive of Pavel

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  6. 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.
  7. Adas

    • Description:

      Adas is a masculine name with diverse cultural roots. In Lithuanian, it functions as a diminutive of the biblical name Adam, meaning 'earth' or 'man.' It's also found in Polish communities with similar origins. In other contexts, particularly in Middle Eastern cultures, Adas can relate to the Arabic word for 'lentil.' The name carries a crisp, modern sound despite its traditional roots, with just two syllables that are easy to pronounce across multiple languages. While relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, Adas enjoys modest usage in Baltic nations and parts of Eastern Europe. Its short, distinctive nature makes it both memorable and accessible, offering a less common alternative to the more widely used Adam while maintaining the connection to this ancient name's rich heritage.
  8. 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.
  9. Rurik

    • Origin:

      Russian variation of Roderick, German

    • Meaning:

      "famous ruler"

    • Description:

      Russian form of Roderick given to a small number of American boys each year.
  10. Gavriil

    • Origin:

      Russian variation of Gabriel

    • Description:

      See GABRIEL.
  11. Motya

    • Description:

      Motya is an unusual masculine name with possible origins in several cultures. It may be related to the ancient Phoenician site of Motya in Sicily, giving it historical significance. Alternatively, it could be a diminutive form of names like Matityahu (Matthew) in some Eastern European or Jewish traditions. The name has a distinctive rhythm with its two syllables and uncommon consonant-vowel pattern. Motya remains exceptionally rare in English-speaking countries, making it a truly unique choice. The name carries an exotic quality that might appeal to parents seeking something with cultural depth yet completely distinctive. Its brevity makes it practical, though its unfamiliarity may require occasional explanation or spelling clarification.
  12. Armen

    • Origin:

      Armenian

    • Meaning:

      "Armenian"

    • Description:

      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 approachable choice, especially if you want to honor your Armenian heritage.
  13. Aleksandr

    • Origin:

      Russian; Armenian, from Greek

    • Meaning:

      "defending men"

    • Description:

      A form of Alexander commonly used in Russia, Armenia, Estonia and Kazakhstan.
  14. Danylo

    • Description:

      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 historical roots in Ukraine, being the name of several important historical figures including Danylo Romanovych, the first King of Ruthenia in the 13th century. The name features the distinctive Slavic spelling pattern with the 'y' replacing the 'i' found in other variants. While primarily used in Ukraine and by Ukrainian diaspora communities, Danylo has gained modest international recognition as interest in Eastern European names has increased. The name offers a strong cultural connection while maintaining links to the widely recognized biblical name, combining heritage with accessibility.

  15. Volya

    • Description:

      Volya is a unisex name of Slavic origin, though more commonly used for males in Russia and Eastern European countries. It derives from the Slavic word for 'freedom' or 'will,' carrying powerful connotations of liberty, determination, and independence. The name gained significance during periods of political upheaval in Eastern Europe, particularly in revolutionary contexts where the concept of freedom was central. While uncommon internationally, Volya resonates with those of Slavic heritage or parents drawn to names with meaningful concepts. Its brevity and melodic sound make it accessible across cultures despite its specific etymology. The name's association with personal autonomy and liberation gives it a philosophical depth beyond its simple two-syllable structure.
  16. Alek

    • Origin:

      Polish, Armenian, Serbian, and Russian form of Alex, Greek, Greenlandic

    • Meaning:

      "defending men; harpoon line"

    • Description:

      A variation of Alex used in a number of languages, Alek has the cool, solid feel of Erik and Axel. It can also be a name of Greenlandic origin, meaning "harpoon line".
  17. 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.
  18. Yerik

    • Description:

      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 unbounded spirit. In Russian contexts, it may be considered a diminutive form of names like Erich or Erik, which have Germanic roots meaning 'ever' or 'eternal' combined with 'ruler' or 'king.' Yerik has a strong, distinctive sound while remaining relatively short and easy to pronounce. Though not widely used in Western countries, the name has moderate popularity in Central Asian nations, particularly Kazakhstan and among Russian-speaking communities. Its unique character and positive connotations make it an increasingly appealing choice for parents seeking a name with cultural depth.
  19. 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.

  20. Motka

    • Description:

      Motka is a masculine name with an exotic, distinctive quality. Its origins are somewhat obscure, potentially drawing from Eastern European, Native American, or other cultural traditions. The name has a strong, compact sound with its two syllables and bold consonants. Motka remains quite rare in English-speaking countries, giving it a distinctive character for those seeking uncommon names. The name's brevity and straightforward pronunciation make it accessible despite its unfamiliarity. Motka carries an impression of strength and resilience, possibly evoking connections to nature or ancient traditions depending on its specific cultural origins. For parents seeking a truly distinctive name that still has an approachable sound, Motka represents an intriguing possibility.