Russian Names that Start With R
- Rena
Origin:
Hebrew, Greek, Estonian, Scandinavian, German, PunjabiMeaning:
"joyous melody; peace; reborn; to remain"Description:
Rena is a Hebrew name all on its own and is also a European short form of Irene, Irini, Renata, and Renate. In Punjabi, Rena means "to remain".
- Rodion
Origin:
Russian from GreekMeaning:
"song of the hero"Description:
Well used in Russia, this is a distinctive and undiscovered choice here. Rodion Romanovich Raskolnikov is the fictional protagonist of Crime and Punishment by Feodor Dostoyevsky.
- Rina
Origin:
Diminutive of Caterina or other names ending in -rinaDescription:
A pan-European short form often used as a name in its own right, Rina is sister to names like Mina and Lena, popular at the end of the 19th century and showing their pretty if slight faces again. In the Netherlands, Rina itself is sometimes shortened to Rineke, as Tina may become Tineke.
- Raisa
Origin:
Russian; Yiddish; ArabicMeaning:
"easygoing; rose; leader"Description:
Known in America via the wife of Soviet head Mikhail Gorbachev; a possibility for parents of Eastern-European descent wanting to move beyond Natasha and Nadia or for parents from the Middle East looking for a name that works in both cultures.
- Rolan
Description:
Rolan is a masculine name with multiple possible origins, including as a variation of Roland, which comes from Germanic elements meaning 'fame' and 'land,' referring to someone famous throughout the land. It may also have Slavic roots in some contexts. This concise, strong-sounding name carries heroic associations through the legendary medieval knight Roland, featured prominently in French epic literature. While never reaching mainstream popularity in English-speaking countries, Rolan has maintained a consistent presence, appreciated for its straightforward pronunciation, masculine sound, and cross-cultural adaptability. The name projects qualities of bravery, strength, and adventure while offering a subtle alternative to the more common Roland variation.
- Rurik
Origin:
Russian variation of Roderick, GermanMeaning:
"famous ruler"Description:
Russian form of Roderick given to a small number of American boys each year.
- Rostya
Description:
Rostya is a masculine name with Slavic origins, most likely serving as a diminutive form of Rostislav, which combines elements meaning "growth" and "glory" or "fame." The name is most common in Eastern European countries, particularly Russia, Ukraine, and the Czech Republic. Rostya has a friendly, approachable quality while maintaining its cultural distinctiveness. Outside Slavic regions, the name remains quite uncommon, giving it a unique character for those seeking something with international flair. The name's brevity and ending vowel sound make it melodic and memorable. Rostya balances cultural authenticity with contemporary appeal, offering a connection to Eastern European heritage in a compact, accessible form.
- Roza
Origin:
Russian and Polish variation of RosaDescription:
Adds some zest to Rosa.
- Roksana
Origin:
Polish and Russian variation of RoxaneDescription:
Plausible name for parents with Slavic roots, known as the wife of Alexander the Great.
- Rakhila
Description:
Rakhila is a feminine name with Hebrew origins, serving as a variant of Rachel, which means 'ewe' or 'female sheep.' This spelling variation likely emerged through transliteration from different alphabets, possibly reflecting Russian or Eastern European influences. In Hebrew tradition, Rachel was one of the matriarchs of Israel and the beloved wife of Jacob. The name carries deep biblical significance while offering a unique spin on the more common Rachel. Though relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, Rakhila may have more presence in Jewish communities and Eastern European regions. The distinctive spelling gives the name an exotic quality while maintaining the beautiful meaning and heritage of its root name. Its rarity makes it an intriguing choice for parents seeking a name with traditional roots but an uncommon presentation.
- Ruzha
Origin:
BulgarianMeaning:
"hollyhock; rose"Description:
A botanical name of Bulgarian origin, it could refer to plants from the Alcea genus, or be a variation on the Macedonian name, Ruža, meaning "rose".
- Rakhil
Description:
Rakhil is a feminine name that represents a transliteration of the Hebrew name Rachel (רָחֵל) into Slavic languages, particularly Russian. The name means 'ewe' or 'female sheep' in Hebrew and carries biblical significance as Rachel was the favorite wife of Jacob and mother of Joseph in the Old Testament. While uncommon in English-speaking countries, Rakhil maintains usage in Russia, Ukraine, and other Eastern European regions with Jewish communities. The name reflects the cross-cultural transmission of biblical names through different linguistic traditions. Rakhil possesses a distinctive sound that combines the ancient Hebrew heritage with Slavic phonetics. Though never widely popular globally, the name represents an important connection to both Jewish heritage and Eastern European naming traditions.
- Revekka
Origin:
Greek variation of RebeccaMeaning:
"to tie, bind"
- Rashel
Description:
Rashel is a feminine name that appears to be a variant spelling of Rachel, which has Hebrew origins meaning 'ewe' or 'female sheep.' This alternative spelling gives the traditional biblical name a more modern and distinctive appearance while maintaining its essential pronunciation and character. Rashel emerged as a spelling variation in recent decades as parents sought ways to personalize traditional names. While not as common as Rachel, it offers a familiar sound with a unique presentation. The name carries the rich biblical heritage of Rachel, a significant figure known for her beauty and as the wife of Jacob in the Old Testament. Rashel combines cultural depth with contemporary styling, appealing to parents who want a recognizable yet somewhat uncommon name.
- Romochka
Description:
Romochka is a feminine diminutive form derived from the Russian name Roman. It carries the affectionate and endearing quality typical of Russian diminutives, formed by adding the suffix '-ochka' to the root name. The base name Roman comes from Latin roots meaning 'citizen of Rome' or 'Roman.' Romochka would typically be used as a tender nickname rather than a formal given name in Russian-speaking countries. Like many Russian diminutives, it expresses warmth, familiarity, and closeness. While extremely rare outside of Russian-speaking regions, it exemplifies the rich tradition of Slavic diminutive forms that create intimate variations of traditional names. The name has a melodic quality with its flowing syllables and characteristic Slavic sound pattern.
- Romanadya
Description:
Romanadya is an exceptionally rare feminine name with a lyrical quality and exotic flair. It may be a creative elaboration of Romana, the feminine form of Roman, meaning 'from Rome' or 'of Roman descent.' The suffix '-adya' gives it a unique Eastern European or Slavic sensibility. Alternatively, it could be inspired by the character Romanadvoratrelundar (nicknamed Romana) from the British science fiction series 'Doctor Who.' The name carries an air of sophistication and worldliness, evoking images of ancient Rome and classical elegance. Despite its beautiful sound and multicultural appeal, Romanadya remains extremely uncommon, making it an ideal choice for parents seeking a truly distinctive name with romantic undertones.
- Rahil
Description:
Rahil is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins, found in Arabic, Hebrew, and Indian traditions. In Arabic, it means 'traveler' or 'one who embarks on a journey,' while in Hebrew it's related to Rachel, meaning 'ewe' or 'female sheep.' In Indian usage, particularly in Hindu contexts, it may be a variant of Rahila. The name has a gentle, flowing quality with its soft sounds. Rahil is used across several countries and religious traditions, making it genuinely multicultural. While not extremely common in Western countries, it enjoys modest popularity in the Middle East, parts of Asia, and within Muslim communities worldwide. Its cross-cultural appeal and meaningful etymology make it attractive to diverse families seeking a name with both spiritual significance and global recognition.
- Ruza
Description:
Ruza is a feminine name of Slavic origin, primarily found in Croatian, Serbian, and Hungarian cultures. It derives from the word for 'rose' (ruža) in several Slavic languages, connecting the name directly to the beautiful flower and its symbolism of love and beauty. While not widely used in English-speaking countries, Ruza has been a traditional name in Eastern European communities for generations. The name carries a soft, melodic quality with its gentle 'z' sound. Ruza offers an exotic alternative to the more common Rose or Rosa while maintaining the floral connection. Its relative rarity in Western countries makes it distinctive, yet its straightforward pronunciation makes it accessible.