Doctor Zhivago Names

Originally popularized in eighteenth century Europe due to the fame of Anna Amalia, a Duchess who was a great patron of the arts, Amalia is now a widely cross-cultural name, heard from Italy to Romania, Germany to Scandinavia. Popular in the Netherlands, Chile, France, and Puerto Rico, it can be pronounced as uh-MAH-lee-uh (English), a-MA-lya (Spanish), and ah-MA-lee-uh (German, Dutch), to list a few.
amal meaning "vigorous, unceasing, work", and while it may not be quite so popular in the English speaking work as its sibling, it has been on the rise in the US since 2011, when it re-joined the Top 1000 after an 80 year absence. Given to 550 American babies in a recent year, it is considerably less popular than Amelia — 23 times less popular, in fact.

This pretty sea-born name was used to dramatic effect by Shakespeare in his play Pericles for the virtuous princess who says she is "Call'd Marina, for I was born at sea."

This is an alternative to Laura or Lauren made romantic by Dr Zhivago, and badass by video-game heroine Lara Croft.

Daintily pretty without being frilly, Larissa is familiar but more quietly used than its sound-alikes Melissa and Alyssa. Though this is the more common variation in the Western World, the original is actually Larisa.

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

Long integrated into the U. S. name pool but still retaining some Slavic flavor, Tanya feels a bit tired; it's ready for replacement by cooler Russian choices like Sasha, Mischa, or parent name Tatiana.

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.

One of the warm and earthy Russian nickname names now coming into style. Denzel Washington gave his daughter the Katia spelling.

For lovers of Pasternak's great doctor, a lively middle name choice, one made by actress Nia Long.

Makes the intriguing Olga even more so.

Marinka is a feminine name that serves as a diminutive form of Marina in several Slavic languages, particularly in Russian, Ukrainian, and Polish cultures. The name ultimately derives from the Latin 'marinus,' meaning 'of the sea.' Marinka carries a sweet, affectionate quality with its diminutive suffix, while maintaining connections to water symbolism. Though relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, it enjoys moderate popularity in Eastern European nations. The name blends a soft, feminine sound with cultural richness, making it appealing to parents seeking a name with international flair yet accessible pronunciation. Marinka projects a gentle, spirited personality with its melodic quality.

Yury is a masculine name primarily used in Russian, Belarusian, and other Slavic cultures as a variant of Yuri, which itself derives from the name George. The original Greek name Georgios means 'farmer' or 'earth-worker.' In Russian history and culture, Yury has been carried by notable figures including Yury Gagarin, the first human to journey into outer space. While less common than Yuri internationally, Yury maintains strong cultural connections to Eastern European heritage. The name became somewhat familiar in Western countries during the Cold War era, particularly through Soviet athletes, cosmonauts, and cultural figures. Yury conveys a sense of strength and cultural depth, appealing to parents seeking a name with Slavic roots. Its distinctive but accessible sound makes it recognizable across various cultures while maintaining its Eastern European character.

This common variation of Tanya makes it less international and more ordinary.

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.