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Russian Names that Start With V

Nameberry
By Nameberry
Updated Tue Oct 01 2024
  1. Vera

    • Origin:

      Russian

    • Meaning:

      "faith"

    • Description:

      Vera was the height of fashion in 1910, then was for a long time difficult to picture embroidered on a baby blanket. Now, though, it has come back into style along with other old-fashioned simple names such as Ada and Iris.
  2. Valentin

    • Origin:

      French, German, Russian, Czech, Scandinavian variation of Valentine

    • Meaning:

      "strength, health"

    • Description:

      Romantic name used throughout Europe, though sure to lead to pronunciation problems here. Though it's never been too widely used in the US, it's quite popular in Switzerland, France, Austria, and Romania.
  3. Vladimir

    • Origin:

      Slavic

    • Meaning:

      "great ruler, peaceful ruler, ruler of the world"

    • Description:

      Vladimir is a cultured and deep-rooted Slavic name associated in this country with cultural figures including piano virtuoso Vladimir Horowitz and the author of Lolita, Vladimir Nabokov.
  4. Vasili

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "royal, kingly"

    • Description:

      Alternative form of Basil that might suit the adventurous.
  5. Viktor

    • Origin:

      Scandinavian, Russian, and Eastern European variation of Victor

    • Description:

      The Viktor form of this classic name is widely used throughout Europe and is rising in the US as well.
  6. Vanya

    • Origin:

      Russian, diminutive of John

    • Description:

      This short form of Ivan just could join the other Russian nickname names coming into fashion, and it does have the Chekhov connection.
  7. Valka

    • Description:

      Valka is a feminine name with Slavic origins, primarily found in Russian, Czech, and other Eastern European cultures. It often functions as a diminutive of Valentina, which derives from the Latin Valentinus meaning "strong, healthy, vigorous." In some Slavic languages, Valka can also relate to the word for "warrior" or "battle." The name carries an air of strength and resilience while maintaining a feminine quality through its ending. Valka gained some recognition in Western cultures following the character Valka in the animated film "How to Train Your Dragon 2." Though uncommon in English-speaking countries, it offers an exotic alternative to more familiar names while remaining relatively straightforward to pronounce.

  8. Valya

    • Description:

      Valya is a feminine name of Slavic origin, commonly used as a diminutive of Valentina or Valeria in Russian, Ukrainian, and other Eastern European cultures. Derived from the Latin 'valens' meaning 'strong' or 'healthy,' Valya carries connotations of strength and vigor. This short form functions as both a nickname and standalone name, particularly in Slavic countries. Outside Eastern Europe, Valya remains relatively uncommon, giving it an exotic appeal while maintaining simple pronunciation. The name has a warm, approachable quality with its gentle ending sound. Notable bearers include Russian gymnast Valya Barsukova. The name's brevity and international usability make it appealing to parents seeking a name that works across cultural boundaries while maintaining distinctive Slavic roots.

  9. Vlad

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Vladimir, Slavic

    • Meaning:

      "great ruler, peaceful ruler, ruler of the world"

    • Description:

      The most famous Vlad was nicknamed "the Impaler." Enough said.
  10. Verina

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "true"

    • Description:

      More often spelled VERENA, this name is attached to a third century Swiss saint. But the "virtue" name VERITY, is more appealing and comes more directly to the point.
  11. Venka

    • Description:

      Venka is a masculine name with roots in various cultures. In Bulgarian, it's a diminutive form of names containing 'ven' which often relates to 'venets' meaning 'crown' or 'wreath'. In Indian cultures, particularly in southern regions, Venka can be a shortened form of longer names like Venkatesh or Venkataramana, which refer to Lord Vishnu. The name carries connotations of divinity and strength in these contexts. Though relatively uncommon internationally, Venka has maintained a steady presence in its regions of origin. The name's brevity and strong consonant sounds give it a distinctive quality while remaining straightforward to pronounce across many languages.
  12. Viera

    • Origin:

      Slovak; Russian variation of Vera

    • Meaning:

      "truth"

    • Description:

      With the rise of both international names and those that start with the letter V, this sharp alternative to Vera may become more familiar in the English-speaking world.
  13. Vas

    • Description:

      Vas is a concise masculine name with diverse cultural origins. In Hungarian, it literally means 'iron', symbolizing strength and durability. It can also be found as a shortened form of various Slavic names like Vasiliy or Vasilios, which derive from the Greek 'Basilios' meaning 'royal' or 'kingly'. In some Indian communities, particularly in southern India, Vas appears as a surname or shortened form of Christian names. The name is quite uncommon in English-speaking countries, giving it a distinctive quality. Its brevity makes it practical and memorable, while its cross-cultural presence gives it versatility. Vas projects an image of strength and resilience, appealing to parents seeking a short, powerful name with international connections.
  14. Vasilisa

    • Origin:

      Feminization of Vasili, Russian from Greek

    • Meaning:

      "royal, kingly"

    • Description:

      Vasilisa is the feminine form of Vasili, the Russian translation of Basil.
  15. Volya

    • Description:

      Volya is a unisex name of Slavic origin, though more commonly used for males in Russia and Eastern European countries. It derives from the Slavic word for 'freedom' or 'will,' carrying powerful connotations of liberty, determination, and independence. The name gained significance during periods of political upheaval in Eastern Europe, particularly in revolutionary contexts where the concept of freedom was central. While uncommon internationally, Volya resonates with those of Slavic heritage or parents drawn to names with meaningful concepts. Its brevity and melodic sound make it accessible across cultures despite its specific etymology. The name's association with personal autonomy and liberation gives it a philosophical depth beyond its simple two-syllable structure.
  16. Varya

    • Origin:

      Russian

    • Meaning:

      "foreign"

    • Description:

      Short form of the Russian Varvara, a feistier version of Barbara.
  17. Venera

    • Description:

      Venera is a feminine name with Latin roots, derived from Venus, the Roman goddess of love and beauty. In several Slavic languages, particularly Russian, Bulgarian, and Serbian, Venera is the direct name for both the goddess and the planet Venus. The name carries strong associations with feminine beauty, love, and celestial brilliance. While uncommon in English-speaking countries, Venera enjoys moderate popularity in Eastern European nations and parts of Central Asia. Its classical origins give it an elegant, timeless quality, while its relative rarity in Western contexts makes it distinctive. The name has a melodic flow with its three syllables and soft consonants. Venera appeals to parents drawn to names with classical mythology connections or those seeking to honor Slavic heritage while choosing a name that translates well across cultural boundaries.

  18. Vyacheslav

    • Description:

      Vyacheslav is a masculine Slavic name of Russian origin, derived from the Old Slavic elements "vyache" meaning "more" and "slav" meaning "glory" or "fame." Thus, the name translates to "more glory" or "greater glory." With deep roots in Russian, Ukrainian, and Belarusian cultures, Vyacheslav has been used since medieval times. The name is often shortened to the affectionate nicknames "Slava" or "Slavik" in everyday use. Notable bearers include Soviet politician Vyacheslav Molotov and several prominent Russian athletes. While common in Eastern European countries, the name remains relatively rare in Western nations. Vyacheslav conveys strength, honor, and a connection to Slavic heritage.
  19. Valery

    • Description:

      Valery is a masculine name with Latin and Slavic roots, derived from the Roman family name Valerius, meaning 'strong' or 'healthy.' While Valery is predominantly used for boys in Eastern European countries, particularly Russia, it's often seen as a feminine name in Western contexts, creating an interesting cross-cultural dimension. The masculine usage of Valery has a distinguished history, with notable bearers including Russian composer Valery Gergiev and poet Valery Bryusov. The name has a refined, artistic quality with its flowing sounds and cultural associations. Though uncommon for males in English-speaking countries, it carries a sophisticated European flair that sets it apart from more common choices. Valery combines strength in meaning with elegance in sound.
  20. Vilma

    • Origin:

      Russian, diminutive of Vilhelmina; a Polish place-name

    • Description:

      Not much to recommend this relative of Wilma; consider Willa or Willow instead.