Russian Names that Start With S

Sasha, largely male in Russia--and also spelled Sascha and Sacha--is an energetic name that has really taken off for girls here, chosen by Jerry Seinfeld (using the alternate Sascha spelling) and other celebs. The Barack Obamas use it as the nickname for their younger daughter, whose proper name is Natasha. But in line with a trend toward softer-sounding boys' names like Asher and Joshua and thanks to Borat star Sacha Baron Cohen, Sasha also still has life as a boys' name too--it's popular in France for boys and girls almost equally.

The energetic Russian nickname name Sasha is being used increasingly on its own, though since the prominence of the First Daughter, more than 90% of the American babies named Sasha are girls. Sacha Baron Cohen bears one of the alternate spellings.

Could Simeon be the next Gideon? Parents seeking a less simple form of Simon might consider this biblical appellation that was chosen by Wynton Marsalis for his son. Simon is actually the Greek substitute for Simeon.

Early European import, well known in the 1940s via Norwegian skating movie star Sonja Henie, that has sailed back across the Atlantic, despite the rising popularity of other Russian names.

Old saints' and popes' name that went to France in the 1920s with the Russian Ballets Russes; in its Russian form, Sergei, it retains an artistic, almost effete air.

Popular Russian name, familiar here via author Svetlana Stalin, the dictator's daughter.

In Europe, this name is mostly male, but here it's more fashionable for girls. It's a diminutive of Alexander.

Saint Savina of Milan gave comfort to prisoners. Her name is a variation of the Latin Sabina, which refers to the Sabine people. Not completely unknown in the US, there were 25 baby girls named Savina last year, and fewer than 100 called Sabina. Savina and Sabina will inevitably be confused with Sabrina, which is much more popular.

Stas is a masculine name primarily used in Eastern European countries, particularly Poland, Russia, and Ukraine. It functions as a diminutive of Stanislav (or Stanisław), a name composed of Slavic elements meaning 'glory' and 'establish' – essentially 'may you achieve glory' or 'one who achieves glory.' Despite its brevity, Stas carries the strength and historical significance of its longer form. In Eastern European communities, it's appreciated for being modern-sounding while maintaining traditional roots. Outside Slavic regions, Stas remains relatively uncommon, giving it an exotic appeal while still being fairly easy to pronounce. The name's concise nature makes it practical and distinctive in international settings, while its cultural background provides depth and heritage.

Seraphima is a feminine name with celestial origins, derived from 'seraphim'—the highest order of angels in Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditions. The name literally connects to the Hebrew word 'seraph,' meaning 'to burn,' reflecting the fiery, radiant nature attributed to these heavenly beings. This elaborate form expands on the more common Serafina or Seraphina, adding an exotic, mystical quality. While rare in Western countries, variations of this name have historical usage in Eastern Orthodox countries, particularly Russia, where it appears as Serafima. The name carries powerful connotations of spiritual purity, divine protection, and ethereal beauty. Its uncommon nature appeals to parents seeking a name with profound religious significance and melodic elegance.

Largely male throughout Europe, this name--spelled with or without the c, is an energetic choice that has really taken off for girls here; it's been used for the daughters of Steven Spielberg, Jerry Seinfeld, and Vanessa Williams. The Barack Obamas use Sasha as the nickname for their younger daughter, whose proper name is Natasha. Sasha Alexander, on the TV show Rizzoli & Isles, was born Suzana.

Common Russian name of one of that country's most beloved saints, known for his kindness and gentility.

Sima is a feminine name with multicultural origins, appearing in Hebrew, Arabic, Indian, and Slavic naming traditions. In Hebrew, it means 'treasure' or 'valued,' while in Sanskrit it can mean 'boundary' or 'limit.' In Slavic languages, it may be related to the word for 'winter.' This short, melodic two-syllable name carries a gentle elegance and simplicity that transcends cultural boundaries. Sima has maintained consistent though modest usage across different regions, particularly in Jewish, Indian, and Eastern European communities. Its cross-cultural presence and positive meanings make it an appealing choice for parents seeking a name with both depth and accessibility.

Sabyne is a feminine name representing an alternative spelling of Sabine, which has ancient Roman roots. It refers to the Sabine people, an Italian tribe from the central Apennine region of ancient Italy. The name carries historical significance through the legendary episode of the 'Rape of the Sabine Women' in Roman mythology. The 'y' spelling gives this classical name a modern, distinctive touch. Sabyne has been more popular in French-speaking regions and parts of Europe than in English-speaking countries. It offers a sophisticated sound with its smooth pronunciation and elegant ending. Parents might choose this spelling variation for its blend of historical depth and contemporary flair.

The Russian and Bulgarian variant of Samuel.

Slavka is traditionally a masculine name in Slavic cultures, particularly found in Czech, Slovak, and other Eastern European countries. It derives from the Slavic element 'slav' meaning 'glory' or 'fame,' a common component in many Slavic names like Miroslav and Vladislav. While Slavka can be used as a feminine name in some contexts (particularly as a diminutive), the masculine usage has deep historical roots. The name carries cultural significance in Slavic communities, connecting its bearers to their heritage and linguistic traditions. While uncommon outside Eastern Europe, Slavka has a distinctive sound that reflects its cultural origins. For those with Slavic ancestry, it can serve as a meaningful way to honor family heritage.

Bold and spirited sounding Slavic short form of male and female names containing the element slava "glory".

Sergey is a masculine name of Slavic origin, particularly common in Russian, Ukrainian, and Belarusian cultures. It derives from the Latin name Sergius, which possibly meant 'servant' or originated from an ancient Roman family name. The name has been carried by numerous saints, including Saint Sergius of Radonezh, a revered figure in Russian Orthodox tradition. Sergey gained international recognition through notable figures like Sergey Brin, co-founder of Google, and various accomplished athletes, scientists, and artists. While maintaining its traditional popularity in Eastern European countries, it has become increasingly familiar worldwide. The name combines strength and sophistication with a distinctive Slavic character. Pronunciation varies slightly across cultures, typically as 'SEHR-gay' or 'ser-GAY', adding to its multicultural appeal.

Sergi is a masculine name primarily used in Catalan and Russian cultures, though with different origins in each. In Catalan regions, it derives from the Latin name Sergius, which possibly has Etruscan roots. In Slavic countries, it's a diminutive form of Sergei or Sergey, ultimately from the same Latin origin. The name gained prominence through several saints and historical figures, including Saint Sergius of Radonezh, a revered Russian Orthodox spiritual leader. In Catalonia and other Spanish regions, it remains moderately popular. The name carries connotations of service and dedication, with its Latin roots possibly connected to 'servire' (to serve). Sergi has a strong, distinctive sound while remaining relatively brief and easy to pronounce across languages.

Sergo is a masculine name primarily associated with Georgian culture, though it's also found in other Eastern European and Mediterranean regions. It's a variant of Sergei or Sergius, ultimately deriving from the Latin 'servius,' meaning 'servant' or 'guardian.' The name gained particular prominence in Georgia through Sergo Ordzhonikidze, a significant Soviet political figure. Sergo has a strong, compact sound with its two syllables and distinctive ending. While uncommon in Western countries, it maintains consistent usage in its regions of origin. The name carries connotations of strength and reliability. Its international character makes it recognizable across different cultures while still retaining a distinctive quality that sets it apart from more common variants like Sergio or Sergey.