Russian Girl Names By ViVi
- Dunya
Origin:
RussianMeaning:
"well-regarded"Description:
Courageous sister of Raskolnikov in Dostoyevsky's Crime and Punishment.
- Duscha
Origin:
RussianMeaning:
"happy"Description:
Seems like a possible alternative to the more popular Sascha, but middle school life would be difficult for any girl bearing this name in an English-speaking world.
- Lilia
Origin:
Spanish, Italian and RussianMeaning:
"lily"Description:
Lilia is pretty double L name that makes for sparkly, floral choice with plenty of international flair. More distinctive that Lily, less popular than Liliana, Lia, and Lilian, Lilia was a new entry to the US Top 1000 in 2023.
- Odessa
Origin:
Ukrainian place-nameDescription:
Odessa, a Ukrainian port city, was given its name by Catherine the Great, who was inspired by Homer's Odyssey. It would make an original and intriguing choice.
- Olenka
Description:
Olenka is a charming feminine name with Slavic origins, primarily used in Ukrainian, Polish, and Russian cultures. It serves as a diminutive form of Olena (Ukrainian) or Olga (Russian), names derived from the Norse 'Helga' meaning 'holy' or 'blessed.' With its melodic three-syllable structure and distinctive '-enka' suffix (a typical Slavic endearment form), Olenka carries a sense of warmth and affection. While relatively uncommon in Western countries, the name has maintained consistent usage in Eastern European communities. Olenka offers international appeal with its exotic sound and accessible pronunciation, making it an intriguing choice for parents seeking a name with cultural depth and gentle femininity.
- Olga
Origin:
Slavic variation of Helga, NorseMeaning:
"holy"Description:
This Slavic form of the Norse name Helga is a classic in many Slavic countries, including Russia and Poland, where it currently ranks within the Top 100 girl names. It has historically ranked among the most popular names in countries including Ukraine, Latvia, Spain, France, Serbia, Greece, the US, and many more. Olga is a common name even in Scandinavian countries, such as Sweden and Norway, despite Helga being a more traditional choice. Olha is the uniquely Ukrainian variation.
- Olka
Description:
Olka is a feminine name with Slavic origins, particularly found in Polish, Russian, and Ukrainian communities. It likely developed as a diminutive or variant form of names like Olga or Aleksandra. This short, distinctive name carries a sense of Eastern European heritage while remaining accessible to speakers of other languages. Olka remains relatively uncommon even within Slavic countries, giving it a special, distinctive quality. The name has a bright, crisp sound with its two clear syllables and combination of softness and strength. While not widely used internationally, Olka has maintained a consistent if modest presence within Slavic communities both in Eastern Europe and among diaspora populations. For those seeking a name with authentic Slavic roots yet simple pronunciation, Olka offers an appealing balance.
- Olya
Origin:
Russian variation of OlgaMeaning:
"hearty, holy"Description:
Makes the intriguing Olga even more so.
- Olyusha
Description:
Olyusha is a distinctively feminine Russian name, functioning as an affectionate diminutive form of Olga. The root name Olga derives from Old Norse 'Helga,' meaning 'holy' or 'blessed.' In Russian naming tradition, diminutives express endearment and closeness, with Olyusha being one of the more intimate forms used among family and close friends. While Olga has had periods of popularity internationally, the diminutive Olyusha remains primarily used within Russian-speaking communities and rarely appears in English-speaking countries. The name carries a soft, melodic quality with its flowing syllables. Parents might choose this name to honor Russian heritage or for its unique, gentle sound paired with its connection to the stronger, more recognized Olga.
- Parasha
Origin:
RussianMeaning:
"born on Good Friday"Description:
Slavic possibility for a girl born during the Easter season.
- Svetlana
Origin:
RussianMeaning:
"star"Description:
Popular Russian name, familiar here via author Svetlana Stalin, the dictator's daughter.
- Vera
Origin:
RussianMeaning:
"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.
- Verasha
Description:
Verasha is a contemporary feminine name that appears to be a modern creation rather than having deep historical roots. It may be an elaboration of the Latin prefix 'vera' meaning 'true,' combined with a melodic ending to create a distinctive sound. The name has a flowing, exotic quality with its three syllables and soft 'sha' ending. Verasha remains extremely rare, making it appealing to parents seeking a unique name that still feels intuitive to pronounce. The name's musical quality and balanced structure give it an elegant feel despite its modern origins. With its unusual character but accessible sound, Verasha exemplifies the trend toward creating new names that sound established but offer individuality. The name may also appeal to those looking for multicultural resonance, as it has pleasing sounds in various linguistic contexts.
- Verka
Description:
Verka is a feminine name primarily used in Slavic countries, particularly in Czech, Slovak, and Ukrainian cultures. It functions as a diminutive form of names like Vera or Veronika. Vera derives from the Russian word for 'faith,' while Veronika has roots in the Greek 'pherein' meaning 'to bring' and 'nike' meaning 'victory.' This diminutive form adds an affectionate, familiar quality to the more formal root names. In Eastern European contexts, Verka may be used as both a nickname and a given name in its own right. Outside Slavic regions, the name remains quite uncommon, giving it a distinctive quality. Its short, clear pronunciation makes it accessible despite its relative unfamiliarity in Western naming traditions.
- Verusya
Description:
Verusya is a delicate feminine name of Russian origin, functioning as an affectionate diminutive form of Vera. While Vera means 'faith' in Russian, derived from Latin 'verus' meaning 'true,' Verusya transforms the classic name into an endearing, intimate variant used among family and close friends. The characteristic Russian suffix '-usya' adds warmth and tenderness to the name. Though rarely used outside Russian-speaking communities, Verusya exemplifies the rich tradition of Russian diminutives that express closeness and affection. The name remains uncommon even within Russia as a formal given name, being primarily used as a nickname. Its melodic quality and soft sounds create a gentle impression while maintaining connections to the more traditional Vera.
- Vjera
Description:
Vjera is a feminine name with Slavic origins, particularly common in Croatia, Serbia, and other South Slavic countries. The name literally translates to "faith" or "belief" in several Slavic languages. This meaningful name reflects the importance of religious devotion and spiritual conviction in Slavic cultures. While not widely used in English-speaking countries, Vjera maintains steady popularity in its regions of origin. The name is typically pronounced "VYEH-rah" with emphasis on the first syllable. As with many traditional Slavic names, Vjera carries a sense of cultural heritage and spiritual significance, making it a meaningful choice for parents seeking a name with deep roots and clear symbolism.