Russian Names that Start With N

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 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, 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.

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.

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.

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 – 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.

Enticing modern nickname name possibility.

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.

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

Redolent of Khrushchev and la femme.

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.

For jet-setting parents or those with many cultural backgrounds, a name that is workable across various languages is often a priority. Natan is a great option, as it is a familiar name in many European countries. It is currently most popular in Poland but seeing significant use in Israel as well.

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.

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.

Natascha is a feminine name of Russian origin, representing a variant spelling of Natasha, which itself is a diminutive form of Natalia. The name ultimately derives from the Latin phrase 'natale domini,' meaning 'birth of the Lord,' making it traditionally associated with Christmas. This variant spelling with 'sch' instead of 'sh' is particularly common in German-speaking countries and parts of Eastern Europe. Natascha gained international recognition through cultural references, including the character Natasha Rostova in Tolstoy's 'War and Peace.' The name combines exotic charm with familiarity, offering a slightly distinctive alternative to the more common Natasha. It's appreciated for its feminine sound and cosmopolitan appeal, though it remains less common than its variants.

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".

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.