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Russian Names that Start With N

Nameberry
By Nameberry
Updated Tue Oct 01 2024
  1. Nina

    • Origin:

      Short form of names that end in -nina

    • Description:

      Nina is as multiethnic as you can get: Nina is a common nickname name in Spain and Russia, a Babylonian goddess of the oceans, and an Incan goddess of fire. Here and now, it's a stylish possibility that's been underused. "Weird Al" Yankovic chose this decidedly nonweird name for his daughter.
  2. Natalia

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "birthday [of the Lord]"

    • Description:

      Natalia was derived from the Latin word natalis, meaning "birthday." It refers to the birthday of Jesus Christ, and thus originated as a name for girls born on Christmas Day. Related forms include the French Natalie, Portuguese Natalina, and Russian diminutive Natasha.
  3. Nadia

    • Origin:

      Russian, Arabic

    • Meaning:

      "hope; tender, delicate"

    • Description:

      Nadia, an accessible Slavic favorite, has a strong run of popularity in the US in the early 2000s, partially thanks to the character on Lost called Nadia but actually named Noor, but it's since slumped down the rankings. An earlier inspiration was Romanian gymnast Nadia Comaneci, who won the 1976 Olympics.
  4. Natasha

    • Origin:

      Russian diminutive of Natalya

    • Meaning:

      "birthday of the Lord"

    • Description:

      Natasha, an appealing, still unusual name, entered the American mainstream post-Cold War but seems to have peaked in the eighties, replaced by the more straightforward Natalie. As is common for Natashas the world over, the Obamas shorten their Natasha's name to Sasha.
  5. Nikolai

    • Origin:

      Russian variation of Nicholas

    • Meaning:

      "people of victory"

    • Description:

      Russian forms, like Russian supermodels, are hot these days. This is a strong, worldly way to make Nicholas new; it was chosen for his son by Barry Bonds, Jr. Nikolai also comes with several attractive nickname options, including approachable Nik, spunky Niko, or even hip Kai. A traditional nickname for Nikolai in Russia is Kolya.
  6. Nessa

    • Origin:

      Scandinavian

    • Meaning:

      "headlands, promontory"

    • Description:

      Like its cousin Tessa, Nessa -- a shortening of Vanessa or Agnes or Anastasia among other possibilities -- is an attractive nickname that can stand on its own.
  7. Nikita

    • Origin:

      Russian or Sanskrit

    • Meaning:

      "victor; house"

    • Description:

      Nikita – a masculine Russian name deriving from the Greek name Niketas, meaning "victory" – has come a long way from portly post-Stalin Soviet leader Khrushchev to the female spy/assassin in the movie and TV series La Femme Nikita.
  8. Nikita

    • Origin:

      Russian cognate of Greek Aniketos

    • Meaning:

      "unconquered"

    • Description:

      Redolent of Khrushchev and la femme.
  9. Nika

    • Origin:

      Russian, diminutive of Veronika; Slovenian; Croatian, feminine form of Nicholas

    • Description:

      Enticing modern nickname name possibility.
  10. Natalya

    • Origin:

      Russian from Latin

    • Meaning:

      "natal day, Christmas"

    • Description:

      Perfect name for a little girl born at Christmas. Its many variations and pet forms include Natalia, Nataliya, Natalie, Nataly, Natascha, Talya, Talia, Tasha and Tasya.
  11. Nastya

    • Description:

      Nastya is a diminutive form of the Russian name Anastasia, which derives from the Greek word 'anastasis' meaning 'resurrection' or 'rebirth.' Commonly used as a nickname in Russia, Ukraine, and other Slavic countries, Nastya has a warm, familiar quality among native speakers. While it functions primarily as a nickname in Eastern Europe, some parents in Western countries have begun using it as a given name in its own right, appreciating its distinctive sound and cultural connections. Nastya carries the historical significance of its parent name Anastasia, which was popularized through Russian royal history, particularly Grand Duchess Anastasia Nikolaevna of Russia. The name blends a traditional heritage with a modern, accessible feel.
  12. Nadya

    • Origin:

      Slavic and Russian

    • Meaning:

      "hope"

    • Description:

      Nadya and Nadia are Eastern European short forms -- for the more difficult Nadezhda -- now fully accepted on their own.
  13. Nada

    • Origin:

      Arabic, Serbian, Croatian, Slovene, Macedonian

    • Meaning:

      "dew at sunrise; hope"

    • Description:

      Concise Nada is a cross-cultural choice with pleasant meanings. In Arabic, it is derived from nadan meaning "dew, moisture", though other possible translations include "caller" and "goodness". As a Serbian, Bosnian, and Croatian name, it means "hope".
  14. Narkissa

    • Description:

      Narkissa is a feminine name that appears to be a variant of Narcissa, which derives from the Greek word 'narkissos' meaning 'daffodil' or 'narcissus flower.' In Greek mythology, Narcissus was a hunter known for his beauty who fell in love with his own reflection. Despite potential associations with vanity from the myth, the name carries the beauty and delicacy of its floral origins. Narkissa is quite rare, offering an exotic alternative to more common floral names. The unique spelling with 'k' instead of 'c' gives it a distinctive quality while maintaining its classical Greek heritage. Its melodic sound and uncommon nature make it appealing to parents seeking a name that combines ancient roots with contemporary uniqueness.

  15. Nataly

    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Natalie, French

    • Meaning:

      "birthday of the Lord"

    • Description:

      With Natalie and Natalia in the US Top 100, it is not a surprise for spelling variations to gain popularity. Nataly was given to nearly 300 baby girls in 2023 and was one of the fastest-rising girl names that year.
  16. Nastasia

    • Description:

      Nastasia is a feminine name of Russian origin, a variant of Anastasia which means 'resurrection' in Greek. It emerged as a shortened form while retaining the elegant, sophisticated sound of the original. Throughout history, Nastasia has been associated with Russian royalty and literature, appearing in works by Dostoevsky and other classic authors. Though less common than Anastasia in English-speaking countries, Nastasia offers a distinctive alternative with the same rich heritage. The name carries a mysterious, exotic quality that appeals to parents seeking something traditional yet uncommon. Popularity of Nastasia tends to be higher in Eastern European countries, while remaining a relatively rare choice in the United States and Western Europe.

  17. Nadiya

    • Origin:

      Russian, Arabic; "hope; moist with dew"

    • Meaning:

      "hope; moist with dew"

    • Description:

      A timeless cultural crossover name, Nadiya can either be a variant spelling of Nadia, a diminutive of the Russian name Nadezhda, meaning "hope"; or derived from the Arabic word Nada, meaning "morning dew" or "to be wet with dew" — something especially precious in dry climates.
  18. Nelya

    • Origin:

      English, diminutive of Helen, Eleanor, et al: "bright, shining one"

    • Meaning:

      "bright, shining one"
  19. Nata

    • Description:

      Nata is a feminine name with multicultural origins. In Slavic languages, particularly Russian, it serves as a diminutive of Natalia or Natasha, names derived from the Latin 'natalis' meaning 'birthday' or 'birth,' with connections to Christmas. In Spanish and Portuguese-speaking countries, Nata can relate to 'cream' or something natural and pure. The name also appears in Japanese, where it can be written with characters representing different meanings. Nata remains relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries but has a presence in Eastern Europe, Latin America, and parts of Asia. Its brevity and melodic quality make it appealing as a modern, cross-cultural choice that's simple yet distinctive.
  20. Natashenka

    • Description:

      Natashenka is a feminine name representing an affectionate Russian diminutive form of Natasha, which itself is a diminutive of Natalia. The name ultimately derives from the Latin phrase 'natale domini,' meaning 'birth of the Lord,' referring to Christmas Day. The suffix '-enka' in Russian adds a layer of endearment and fondness to the base name. This naming pattern is typical in Russian culture, where diminutives express familiarity, affection, and closeness. While Natasha gained international recognition, the more elaborate Natashenka remains primarily used within Russian-speaking contexts or Russian diaspora communities. The name carries a distinctly Slavic character with its characteristic diminutive structure. Parents might choose this name to honor Russian heritage or because they're drawn to its melodic, feminine quality and cultural distinctiveness.