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Russian Names that Start With S

Nameberry
By Nameberry
Updated Tue Oct 01 2024
  1. Sasha

    • Origin:

      Russian, diminutive of Greek Alexander

    • Meaning:

      "defending men"

    • Description:

      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.
  2. Sasha

    • Origin:

      Russian diminutive of Alexander

    • Meaning:

      "defending men"

    • Description:

      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.
  3. Sonia

    • Origin:

      Russian and Scandinavian variation of Sophia

    • Meaning:

      "wisdom"

    • Description:

      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.
  4. Simeon

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "he [God] has heard"

    • Description:

      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.
  5. Sascha

    • Origin:

      German variation of Sasha

    • Meaning:

      "defending warrior"

    • Description:

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

    • Origin:

      French variation of ancient Roman family name Sergius

    • Meaning:

      "servant"

    • Description:

      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.
  7. Stas

    • Description:

      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.
  8. Svetlana

    • Origin:

      Russian

    • Meaning:

      "star"

    • Description:

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

    • Description:

      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.
  10. Savina

    • Origin:

      Italian variation of Sabina

    • Description:

      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.
  11. Serhiyko

    • Description:

      Serhiyko is a masculine name of Ukrainian origin, representing an affectionate diminutive form of Serhiy (the Ukrainian variant of Sergius). The base name derives from the Latin 'Sergius,' which may have Etruscan roots and was the name of several early Christian saints and martyrs. The suffix '-ko' in Ukrainian adds a sense of endearment, similar to adding '-y' or '-ie' in English. This diminutive form would traditionally be used for children or in familiar, loving contexts rather than formal situations. Outside of Ukraine and Ukrainian diaspora communities, Serhiyko remains exceedingly rare. The name carries cultural significance for Ukrainian families while expressing affection and warmth. It represents a connection to Ukrainian heritage and naming traditions.
  12. Sascha

    • Origin:

      German variation of Sasha

    • Meaning:

      "defending warrior"

    • Description:

      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.
  13. Slava

    • Origin:

      Slavic

    • Meaning:

      "glory"

    • Description:

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

    • Origin:

      Russian, diminutive of Alexandra

    • Meaning:

      "defending men"

    • Description:

      Shura is a unisex Russian nickname for Aleksandr or Aleksandra, themselves forms of Alexander. Less known in the English-speaking world than Sasha, it's also more assertive — probably because of that "sure" sound.
  15. Savya

    • Origin:

      Indian, Hindi

    • Meaning:

      "Lord Vishnu"

    • Description:

      An epithet of Lord Vishnu in Hindu legend.
  16. Sergei

    • Origin:

      Russian variation of Sergius

    • Description:

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

    • Description:

      Samvel is a masculine name of Armenian origin, derived from the Hebrew name Samuel, meaning "heard by God" or "name of God." In Armenian culture, Samvel has been widely used for centuries and remains a popular choice that honors cultural heritage. The name carries strong biblical connections through its relation to Samuel, an important prophet in the Old Testament. Samvel has a dignified quality with its distinctive sound that sets it apart from the more commonly used Samuel in Western countries. While primarily used within Armenian communities worldwide, it occasionally appears in other Eastern European and Middle Eastern cultures. The name projects strength and wisdom while maintaining a melodic quality in pronunciation.

  18. Sima

    • Description:

      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.
  19. Sanya

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Aleksandr, Russian from Greek

    • Description:

      An alternative to Sasha, another common Russian nickname for Aleksander.
  20. Slavik

    • Description:

      Slavik is a masculine name with Slavic origins, particularly common in Czech, Slovak, Russian, and Ukrainian communities. It derives from "slava," meaning "glory" or "fame" in Slavic languages. The name can function as both a standalone name and as a diminutive form of names containing the "slav" element, such as Miroslav, Vladislav, or Stanislav. Slavik carries strong cultural associations with Slavic heritage and identity. While not widely used in English-speaking countries, it remains relatively common in Eastern Europe. The name's straightforward pronunciation and connection to concepts of honor and glory make it meaningful across various Slavic cultures. In diaspora communities, the name often serves as a way to maintain cultural connections.