Russian Grand Dukes

Alexander

Greek

"defending men"

Alexander has been in a Top 25 boys' name in the US for 30 years now. But namers are still attracted to its imposing historic pedigree. Alexander is derived from the Greek name Aléxandros, composed…

Nicholas

Greek

"people of victory"

Nicholas is derived from the Greek Nikolaos, a name that evolved from the components nikē , meaning "victory", and laos , "people." It shares origins with Nike, the name of the Greek goddess of…

George

Greek

"farmer"

Iconoclasts though we may be, we like Fred, we like Frank, and we like George, which was among the Top 10 from 1830 to 1950, when the number of little Georges started to decline. Solid, strong, royal…

Ivan

Russian variation of John

"God is gracious"

Though some might find it a bit heavy-booted, Ivan is one of the few Russian boys' names to become fully accepted into the American naming pool. Ivan is, of course, ubiquitous in Russian culture.…

Peter

Greek

"rock, stone"

Peter is derived from the Greek Petros, meaning "rock" or "stone." One of the most important figures in the Christian hagiography is Saint Peter, keeper of the Gates of Heaven. Born Simon bar Jonah,…

Paul

Latin

"small"

Paul is an ancient name for boys -- popular in Roman and medieval times -- that's not very fashionable now, which can work in its favor, scarcity balancing simplicity. To the thousands of girls who…

Alexei

Russian, Greek

"defending men"

Alexei could well join the legion of Alex names popular in the US. There are countless opportunities to liven up Alexander, and Alexei (or Alexey) is one of the most straightforward and appealing.

Mikhail

Russian variation of Michael

"who is like God"

One of the most familiar Russian names in the West, thanks to ballet great Mikhail Baryshnikov and state head Mikhail Gorbachev.

Sergei

Russian variation of Sergius

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

Pavel

Russian variation of Paul

"small"

Pavel may be widespread in the former Soviet Union, but it has a somewhat impoverished image here.

Vladimir

Slavic

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

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. The name…

Konstantin

Slavic; Estonian; Finnish; Hungarian; German, from Latin

"steadfast"

This sleek form of Constantine is traditional in many European countries, and most popular in German-speaking nations and Russia.

Ilya

Russian variation of Elijah

"the Lord is my God"

A rare example of an a-ending boy's name that sounds masculine, Ilya has a large measure of creative Slavic charm. >p>Ilya Ilyich Oblomov is the central character in Goncharov's novel "Oblomov."…

Dmitri

Russian from Greek Demetrius

Worldly, artistic and attractive Slavic version of the name of the Greek god of fertility and farming.

Vasil

Slavic short form of Basil, Greek

"royal"

Basil and all his brothers and sisters have a meaning related to royalty, sometimes cited as king, queen, royal, regal.