Russian Names that Start With N
- Nina
Origin:
Short form of names that end in -ninaDescription:
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.
- Natalia
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"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.
- Nadia
Origin:
Russian, ArabicMeaning:
"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.
- Nikolai
Origin:
Russian variation of NicholasMeaning:
"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.
- Natasha
Origin:
Russian diminutive of NatalyaMeaning:
"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.
- Nessa
Origin:
ScandinavianMeaning:
"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.
- Nikita
Origin:
Russian cognate of Greek AniketosMeaning:
"unconquered"Description:
Redolent of Khrushchev and la femme.
- Nikita
Origin:
Russian or SanskritMeaning:
"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.
- Nika
Origin:
Russian, diminutive of Veronika; Slovenian; Croatian, feminine form of NicholasDescription:
Enticing modern nickname name possibility.
- 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.
- Nadya
Origin:
Slavic and RussianMeaning:
"hope"Description:
Nadya and Nadia are Eastern European short forms -- for the more difficult Nadezhda -- now fully accepted on their own.
- 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.
- Nelya
Origin:
English, diminutive of Helen, Eleanor, et al: "bright, shining one"Meaning:
"bright, shining one"
- Natalya
Origin:
Russian from LatinMeaning:
"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.
- Nastasya
Description:
Nastasya is a feminine name with Slavic origins, derived from the Russian form of Anastasia, which means 'resurrection' in Greek. This elegant variant maintains the mystical quality of its root name while offering a distinctly Eastern European flair. Nastasya gained some recognition in Western countries through Russian literature, particularly through Dostoevsky's character Nastasya Filippovna in 'The Idiot.' While less common than Anastasia in English-speaking countries, Nastasya appeals to parents seeking a name with both sophistication and cultural depth. The name carries an air of enigmatic beauty and strength, making it an intriguing choice for those drawn to names with rich historical and literary connections.
- 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.
- 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.
- Nataly
Origin:
Spelling variation of Natalie, FrenchMeaning:
"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.
- 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.
- Nadysha
Description:
Nadysha is a beautiful feminine name with Russian origins, derived from the name Nadezhda, which means "hope" in Russian. The suffix "-sha" is a diminutive form, giving the name an affectionate quality. While not commonly used in Western countries, Nadysha has a melodic sound that makes it distinctive and memorable. The name carries cultural significance in Slavic communities and evokes qualities of optimism and perseverance. Its uniqueness makes it stand out while still being relatively easy to pronounce across different languages. In recent years, parents seeking unusual yet meaningful names have been drawn to options like Nadysha that combine cultural richness with a pleasing sound.