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Russian baby names I cannot pronounce

LandOfMakeBelieve
By LandOfMakeBelieve
Updated Thu May 25 2023
This is a list of Russian baby name that I really like. I love Russian culture and history and plan on moving there so maybe giving a future child a Russian name wouldn’t be a bad idea, if I learn how to pronounce them.
  1. Adamka

    • Description:

      Adamka appears to be a masculine diminutive form of Adam, likely with Slavic or Eastern European origins where the suffix '-ka' is commonly used to create affectionate or diminutive versions of names. Adam itself is one of the oldest known names, derived from Hebrew 'adamah' meaning 'earth' or 'ground,' referring to the biblical first man who was created from the earth. While Adam is universally popular across many cultures, Adamka remains quite rare and regionally specific. The diminutive form adds a sense of warmth and endearment to the traditional name, making it feel more intimate and distinctive while maintaining connection to its ancient roots. Its usage is primarily found in families with Eastern European heritage.
  2. Adelaida

    • Origin:

      Spanish variation of Adelaide, German

    • Meaning:

      "noble, nobility"

    • Description:

      Adelaida takes the elegant and popular Adelaide one step further, adding even more flair and distinction to the name. While English speakers may pronounce it as a-deh-LAY-duh, the traditional Spanish pronunciation would be a-deh-LIE-da.
  3. Agafia

    • Description:

      Agafia is a feminine name of Russian and Eastern European origin, particularly associated with Orthodox Christian traditions. It derives from the Greek name Agape, meaning 'love' or 'charity' - one of the core virtues in Christian theology. The name has historical significance in Russian culture, with several notable bearers including members of the Romanov family and religious figures. While uncommon in Western countries, Agafia maintains cultural significance in Russia, Romania, and other Slavic regions. The name carries an air of antiquity and mysticism, evoking images of Russian folklore and Orthodox traditions. Its distinctive sound sets it apart while connecting its bearer to rich historical and cultural traditions.
  4. Albina

    • Description:

      Albina is a feminine name with Latin roots, derived from 'albus' meaning 'white' or 'bright.' The name suggests qualities of purity, clarity, and radiance. Historically popular across Eastern Europe, particularly in Russia, Poland, Slovenia, and Albania, Albina has been used since ancient Roman times. In Catholic tradition, Saint Albina was a 3rd-century martyr. The name experienced modest popularity in the early 20th century in Slavic countries but became less common in recent decades. Albina offers a classical European sound with a delicate yet distinctive quality. In some cultures, it's associated with the dawn or morning light, symbolizing new beginnings and hope.
  5. Alek

    • Origin:

      Polish, Armenian, Serbian, and Russian form of Alex, Greek, Greenlandic

    • Meaning:

      "defending men; harpoon line"

    • Description:

      A variation of Alex used in a number of languages, Alek has the cool, solid feel of Erik and Axel. It can also be a name of Greenlandic origin, meaning "harpoon line".
  6. Alexei

    • Origin:

      Russian, Greek

    • Meaning:

      "defending men"

    • Description:

      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.
  7. Alisa

    • Origin:

      Variation of Alice, or Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "noble; great happiness"

    • Description:

      Alisa is variation of Alice with a touch of international flair. Used in Russia, Ukraine, Georgia, Estonia and Poland, it is also familiar in English speaking countries too. As a Hebrew name, Alisa has a bright, cheerful meaning, that adds another layer to the name.
  8. Amaliya

    • Description:

      Amaliya is a feminine name with Slavic origins, representing a variant spelling of Amalia or Amelia. These names derive from the Germanic word 'amal,' meaning 'work' or 'labor,' suggesting industriousness and diligence. The spelling Amaliya is particularly common in Russian, Ukrainian, and other Eastern European cultures. The name carries a graceful quality with its flowing syllables and melodic pronunciation. While not among the most popular names in Western countries, Amaliya has maintained consistent use throughout Eastern Europe and has gained some international recognition. The name's cross-cultural appeal lies in its familiar sound pattern while offering a distinctive spelling. Amaliya conveys both strength and elegance, making it attractive to parents seeking a name with traditional roots but a slightly unconventional presentation.

  9. Anastasia

    • Origin:

      Greek, feminine variation of Anastasios

    • Meaning:

      "resurrection"

    • Description:

      Anastasia is the feminine form on Anastasius, a Greek name derived from the word anastasis, meaning "resurrection." It was a common name among early Christians, who often gave it to daughters born around Christmas or Easter. There are handful of saints named Anastasia, including the patron saint of weavers.
  10. Annika

    • Origin:

      Swedish diminutive of Anna

    • Meaning:

      "grace"

    • Description:

      Annika is a surprise hit of recent years, inspired by golfer Sorenstam; for Trekkies, it was also the name of a 'Star Trek:Voyager' character. Some people's first memory of it might be as Pippi Longstocking's friend. A nice namesake for an ancestral Ann.
  11. Anya

    • Origin:

      Russian diminutive of Anna

    • Meaning:

      "grace"

    • Description:

      Anya is a Russian variation of Anna, which came from the Hebrew name Hannah. Anya is the form found most frequently in Russia, Poland, and other East European countries, while Anja is the spelling usually preferred in Germany Norway, Denmark, Germany, Sweden, and The Netherlands. In the Hungarian language, Anya also means mother.
  12. Avel

    • Description:

      Avel is a masculine name with varied origins across multiple cultures. In Slavic traditions, particularly Russian, it's a form of Abel, from the Hebrew 'hevel' meaning 'breath' or 'vanity,' known from the biblical story of Cain and Abel. In Breton culture (northwestern France), Avel means 'wind,' connecting the name to natural elements. Some Spanish and Latin American communities use Avel as a variant of Abel as well. The name carries a distinctive, concise sound that works well across languages, making it internationally versatile. While never extremely common in English-speaking countries, Avel has maintained steady usage in Eastern European and Celtic regions. The name's brevity, easy pronunciation, and multicultural roots make it appealing to parents seeking something uncommon yet accessible, with rich cultural connections and natural symbolism.

  13. Boris

    • Origin:

      Slavic

    • Meaning:

      "to fight"

    • Description:

      Boris is one of the old Russian names being revived by chic Europeans; it hasn't quite made a comeback yet in the U.S., but it does have potential.
  14. Darya

    • Origin:

      Russian or Persian, variation of Daria or feminine form of Darius

    • Meaning:

      "kingly; possessing goodness; the sea"

    • Description:

      The beguiling Darya is the name of a character in Tolstoy's Anna Karenina. As a Russian name, it's a spelling variation of Daria, while in Iran, it's a girl's name that means "the sea".
  15. Dina

    • Origin:

      Hebrew variation of Dinah or Adinah

    • Meaning:

      "judged or delicate"

    • Description:

      Dina is a 20th century version of either Dinah or Adinah, two Old Testament names not related to each other. Dinah was the beautiful daughter of Jacob and Leah, while Adinah or Adina was a male soldier, though the name is also used for girls in modern Israel.
  16. Dmitri

    • Origin:

      Russian from Greek Demetrius

    • Description:

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

    • Description:

      Dominika is the feminine form of Dominic, with Slavic origins particularly popular in Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, and other Eastern European countries. The name derives from the Latin "dominicus," meaning "of the Lord" or "belonging to God," reflecting its religious roots. Traditionally associated with Sunday (the Lord's day) or children born on Sunday, Dominika carries spiritual significance. The name gained popularity in Eastern Europe after Saint Dominic founded the Dominican Order in the 13th century. In the United States, Dominika remains uncommon, giving it an exotic appeal while still being relatively easy to pronounce. Its four syllables create a rhythmic, musical quality. The name conveys strength and femininity simultaneously, with nickname options including Nika, Mika, or Domi, offering versatility for different stages of life.
  18. Daniil
    • Dushenka
      • 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.