Top 1,000 Russian Names

Russian names invoke a history of resilience, beauty, and courage. Russian names represent a nation that has survived intense hardships and created music and literature that has shaped the world. This page presents common names in Russia and carefully selected lists of popular Russian baby names.

Russian Names and Meanings

Few names evoke majesty and strength, quite like Russian names. Throughout its complex history, Russian names have acted as reflections of the experiences and dreams of everyday Russians. Major themes found in Russian names through time include religious references and character traits such as courage and resilience. Russian names are usually associated with the military heroes of World War II, the ostentatious royal families that once ruled Russia, and the characters of Russian literature that defined the culture and shaped Western philosophy and writing.

The Russian language descends from Old East Slavic, the forefather of East Slavic languages. Russian holds deep complexities and references, which is also true of Russian names. Russian names often reflect the religious and political leanings of the nation. The profound influence of Orthodox Christianity has significantly impacted Russian names, with many coming from Biblical figures and saints. Pre-Christian Slavic names are still quite common, and during the era of the Soviet Union, patriotic names were popular. We have curated lists of common Russian names and lists of Russian names ordered by theme to introduce readers to this beautiful aspect of Russian culture.

Top 100 Russian Names

This list of common Russian names and meanings is an excellent introduction to Russian culture and history. The most popular Russian names often reflect traditional and historical influences, with many parents choosing names that honor their heritage or pay tribute to respected figures in Russian history.

Female Names	Male Names
Anastasia – Resurrection	Alexander – Defender, protector of man
Sophia – Wisdom	Sergey – Servant
Anna – Grace	Ivan – God is gracious
Olga – Holy	Maxim – The greatest
Tatiana – Organizer, founder	Vladimir – Ruler of the world
Ekaterina – Pure	Pavel – Small
Svetlana – Light	Anatoly – Rising sun
Ivanna – God is gracious	Igor – Warrior of peace
Nikita – Victorious people	Boris – Fight, struggle
Valeria – Strength, health	Viktor – Conqueror
Karolina – Free woman	Dmitry – Devoted to, follower of Demeter
Ivanka – God is gracious	Denis – Devoted to Dionysus
Irina – Peace	Mikhail – Who is like God?
Elena – Bright, shining one	Vitaly – Life-giving
Maria – Sea of bitterness	Nikolay – Victory of the people
Natalia – Born on Christmas Day	Maksim – The greatest
Daria – Maintains possessions well	Andrey – Man, warrior
Yulia – Youthful	Vasily – Royal, kingly
Marina – Of the sea	Evgeny – Well born, noble
Oksana – Praise be to God	Alexey – Defender
Polina – Small	Leonid – Lion’s son
Alexandra – Defender of mankind	Oleg – Holy, blessed
Ludmila – People’s love	Roman – From Rome
Ksenia – Hospitality	Yuri – Farmer
Yana – God is gracious	Anton – Priceless, invaluable
Galina – Calm, healer	Kirill – Lordly
Vera – Faith	Fedor – God’s gift
Nadezhda – Hope	Konstantin – Constant, steadfast
Alina – Noble	Arkady – From Arcadia
Lilia – Lily	Artem – Safe, sound
Margarita – Pearl	Vladislav – Glory with power
Alena – Bright, shining one	Ilya – The Lord is my God
Kristina – Follower of Christ	Valentin – Strong, healthy
Valentina – Health, love	Grigory – Watchful, alert
Inna – Strong water	Stanislav – Glorious government
Yelizaveta – My God is an oath	Nikita – Victorious people
Angelina – Messenger of God	Yaroslav – Glory and fame
Alla – Other	Georgy – Farmer
Lyubov – Love	Gleb – Heir
Raisa – Easy-going	Daniil – God is my judge
Sofia – Wisdom	Timofey – Honor God
Nina – Grace	Vsevolod – Ruler of all
Evgeniya – Well-born	Vyacheslav – More glory
Zoya – Life	Matvey – Gift of God
Regina – Queen	Mark – War-like
Klara – Bright, clear	Lev – Lion
Tamara – Palm tree	Artemy – Safe, sound
Elvira – Truth	Semyon – He has heard
Viktoriya – Victory	Zakhar – God remembers
Liliya – Lily	Kuzma – Universe
Karina – Pure	Tikhon – Quiet, peaceful
Tatyana – Organizer, founder	Rodion – Song of the hero
Alevtina – To heal	Egor – Farmer
Larisa – Seagull	Piotr – Rock, stone
Agnesa – Pure, holy	Savely – Sabaoth, the almighty
Rosa – Rose	Herman – Soldier, army man
Yadviga – Refuge in battle	Marat – Desired
Zinaida – Of Zeus	Stepan – Crown, garland
Milana – Gracious	Rostislav – Increase of glory
Lyudmila – People’s love	Ruslan – Lion man
Evdokia – To seem well	Vadim – Ruler
Alisa – Noble kind	Platon – Broad, flat
Anzhelika – Angel	Orest – Mountain man
Antonina – Priceless	German – Brother
Bella – Beautiful	Miron – Myrrh, fragrant oil
Dana – God is my judge	Timur – Iron
Faina – Shining	Taras – Rebel
Geniya – Noble	Luka – From Lucania
Kira – Ruler	Mstislav – Revenge and glory
Liana – To bind	Radomir – Happy and peace
Mariya – Sea of bitterness	Emil – Rival
Paulina – Small	Veniamin – Son of the right hand
Roza – Rose	Vladlen – Rule and strength
Taisiya – Bound	Prokhor – Leader of the dance
Uliana – Youthful	Ulyan – Youthful
Valeriya – Strength, health	Miloslav – Loved glory
Bronislava – Glorious protector	Yulian – Youthful
Claudia – Lame	Adam – Man
Diana – Divine	Demyan – To tame, subdue
Eugenia – Well-born	Isai – God is my salvation
Flora – Flower	Zinovy – Life of Zeus
Helena – Bright, shining one	Sevastyan – Venerable
Juliya – Youthful	Makar – Blessed
Lidiya – From Lydia	Lyubomir – Peaceful love
Mila – Dear one	Gordey – Proud
Natalya – Born on Christmas Day	Ignat – Fiery one
Oxana – Praise be to God	Ippolit – Horse freer
Stella – Star	Zosima – Life-giving
Ulyana – Youthful	Ermolay – People’s power
Victoria – Victory	Yefrem – Fruitful
Veronika – True image	Matvei – Gift of God
Elizaveta – My God is an oath	Saveliy – Sabaoth, the almighty
Anastasiya – Resurrection	Prokopy – Progress
Sofya – Wisdom	Spiridon – Spirit
Anya – Grace	Amvrosiy – Immortal
Arina – Peace	Agafon – Good, kind
Alyona – Bright, shining one	Markel – Of Mars, war-like
Angela – Messenger of God	Terenty – Tender, soft
Sofiya – Wisdom	Aleksei – Defender
Eva – Living	Nikolai – Victory of the people

Unique Russian Names

This list of Russian names exemplifies and honors the lesser-known aspects of Russian culture. Unique Russian names reflect parents’ creativity and originality while celebrating their cultural heritage.

Female Names	Male Names
Alya – Sky	Abram – High father
Angelica – Angel-like	Adrik – Dark
Ania – Grace	Akim – God will establish
Anika – Grace	Alek – Defender, protector of man
Anja – Grace	Aleksandr – Defender, protector of man
Annika – Grace	Aleksi – Defender, protector of man
Arisha – Existence	Alexei – Defender, protector of man
Asya – Resurrection	Alexis – Defender, protector of man
Bela – White, pure	Andrei – Man, warrior
Danya – God is my judge	Andrej – Man, warrior
Darya – Maintains possessions well	Andros – Manly, brave
Dasha – God’s gift	Arman – Desire, goal
Dunya – World, earth	Armen – Of Armenia
Eleonora – Shining light	Artur – Bear-like
Evelina – Wished for child	Artyom – Safe, sound
Gala – Calm, healer	Avel – Breath, son, mourning
Ingrid – Beautiful, fair	Avenir – Future
Ira – Peace	Bela – White, pure
Izabela – Devoted to God	Bogdan – Given by God
Jelena – Bright, shining one	Brody – Ditch
Kamilla – Perfection	Czar – Emperor, ruler
Katerina – Pure	Damien – To tame
Katia – Pure	Danil – God is my judge
Katya – Pure	Danila – God is my judge
Kenya – Animal horn	Danylo – God is my judge
Lara – Protection	Dimitri – Devoted to, follower of Demeter
Larissa – Fortress	Dimitrios – Devoted to, follower of Demeter
Leena – Torch	Dimitry – Devoted to, follower of Demeter
Lena – Bright, shining one	Dmitri – Devoted to, follower of Demeter
Lenya – Torch	Dominik – Of the Lord
Lia – Weary	Eduard – Wealthy guardian
Lidia – From Lydia	Evgeniy – Well-born, noble
Liya – I am for God	Filip – Friend of horses
Maiya – Mother	Fyodor – God’s gift
Makari – Blessed	Gedeon – Destroyer, mighty warrior
Masha – Sea of bitterness	Gennady – Noble, generous
Mika – Gift from God	Grigor – Watchful, alert
Milena – Love, warmth, grace	Ilias – The Lord is my God
Mischa – Who is like God	Ira – Watchful
Misha – Who is like God	Isaak – He will laugh, he will rejoice
Nada – Hope	Jeramy – Exalted by the Lord
Nadia – Hope	Jeremie – God will uplift
Nadine – Hope	Karlin – Little champion
Nadiya – Hope	Konstantine – Constant, steadfast
Nadya – Hope	Lazar – God has helped
Nataly – Born on Christmas Day	Leon – Lion
Natasha – Born on Christmas Day	Liev – Heart of a lion
Nessa – Pure, holy	Makari – Blessed
Nika – Victory	Maksym – The greatest
Odessa – Long journey	Marko – Warlike
Olena – Bright, shining one	Markov – Son of Mark
Raya – Friend	Maximilian – Greatest
Rayna – Queen	Mika – Who is like God?
Rena – Peaceful	Mila – Gracious, dear
Renata – Reborn	Mischa – Who is like God?
Rina – Joyful	Misha – Who is like God?
Samara – Under God’s rule	Natan – He gave
Sasha – Defender of mankind	Nazar – The one who sees
Sima – Treasure	Nestor – Homecoming
Sonia – Wisdom	Nikhil – Whole, entire
Talya – Dew from heaven	Pasha – Small
Tania – Fairy queen	Rahil – Innocence of a lamb
Tanya – Fairy queen	Rolan – Famous land
Taya – Supplanter	Rurik – Famous power
Theodosia – God’s gift	Sacha – Defender, helper of mankind
Tiana – Fairy queen	Samvel – Asked of God, heard by God
Valery – Strong, brave	Sarkis – Prince
Vanya – God is gracious	Sasha – Defender, helper of mankind
Viktoria – Victory	Simeon – One who listens
Yelena – Bright, shining one	Valerian – To be strong
Yuliana – Youthful	Vasili – Royal, kingly
Yuna – Desire	Victor – Conqueror
Yuri – Farmer	Vitaliy – Life-giving
Zariyah – Queen	Vlad – Rule
Zena – Hospitality	Yakov – Supplanter, held by the heel
Zenovia – Life of Zeus	Yeremy – Exalted by the Lord
Zlata – Gold	Yerik – Appointed by God

Cute Russian Names

We hand-picked the sweetest names for our list of adorable Russian names. These names feature soft sounds, diminutive forms, or playful variations on traditional Russian names that add a touch of sweetness.

Female Names	Male Names
Adelina – Noble	Albert – Noble, bright
Agata – Good	Aleks – Defender, helper of mankind
Amaliya – Work	Aleksey – Defender, helper of mankind
Anastassia – Resurrection	Anatoliy – From the east, sunrise
Calina – Flower	Apollon – Destroyer
Czarina – Empress	Aventin – Name of one of the seven hills of Rome
Darina – Gift	Avgust – Venerated, revered
Dariya – Maintains possessions well	Avgustin – Venerated, revered
Darja – Wealthy	Avian – Like a bird
Dima – Lover of the earth	Aviv – Spring
Dina – Judged	Avrelian – Golden
Dora – God’s gift	Bohdan – Given by God
Elmira – Noble	Budimir – Peace, world
Emilia – Rival	Damir – Heart, mind
Emiliya – Rival	Dmitriy – Follower of Demeter
Fenya – Bright and peaceful	Elisei – God is my salvation
Greta – Pearl	Epifaniy – Manifestation, appearance
Helina – Sun ray	Faust – Lucky, auspicious
Ilya – God is my lord	Fedot – God’s gift
Inessa – Pure	Feofan – Manifestation of God
Inga – Guarded by Ing	Feofil – Loved by God
Irena – Peace	Gavriil – God is my strength
Isidora – Gift of Isis	Genrikh – Home ruler
Iya – Violet	Gerasim – Old age
Jalena – Bright, shining one	Grigoriy – Watchful, alert
Jana – God is gracious	Grischa – Watchful, alert
Jelina – Torch	Gury – Hill
Karine – Pure	Hristofor – Carrier of Christ
Kiera – Dark haired	Ilarion – Joyful
Kima – Mountain	Isay – God is my salvation
Lana – Rock	Jaroslav – Glory and fame
Lera – Eagle	Kliment – Merciful, gentle
Madelina – Woman from Magdala	Kolya – Victory of the people
Manya – Rebelliousness	Lavrentiy – From Laurentum
Mariana – Bitter grace	Lukian – Light, illumination
Marya – Bitter sea	Lukyan – Light, illumination
Maryana – Bitter sea	Maks – The greatest
Matrona – Lady	Micha – Who is like God?
Maya – Water	Miroslav – Peace and glory
Micha – Who is like God	Modest – Moderate, restrained
Milada – Love, favor	Nectarios – Of nectar, genuine, pure
Milica – Gracious	Nicolai – Victory of the people
Miroslava – Peaceful glory	Nikola – Victory of the people
Nataliya – Born on Christmas	Nikolaj – Victory of the people
Nelli – Shining light	Nikon – Victor
Nelya – Bright, shining one	Oriel – Light of God
Rahil – Ewe	Osip – He will add
Rashel – Ewe	Ossip – He will add
Renita – Reborn	Pavsikakiy – Small
Rima – White antelope	Pyotr – Rock, stone
Sabina – Sabine woman	Ratimir – World peace
Sanya – Defender of mankind	Samson – Sun
Sarra – Princess	Sascha – Defender, helper of mankind
Sascha – Defender of mankind	Savva – Old man
Savina – Sabine woman	Sawa – Old man
Serafima – Burning one	Serafim – Burning one
Sonya – Wisdom	Slava – Glory
Stasia – Resurrection	Stefan – Crown
Taina – Mystery	Stephan – Crown
Tamila – Palm tree	Svetoslav – Glory and light
Tasha – Born on Christmas	Sviatoslav – Glory and holy
Tashi – Fortunate	Tanis – Serpent lady
Tatianna – Father	Tashi – Auspicious
Tianna – Fairy queen	Trifon – Soft, delicate
Tionna – Fairy queen	Trofim – Nutrition, food
Tisha – Joy	Valery – To be strong
Tonya – Invaluable	Varlam – Foreign, strange
Tora – Tiger	Vitalii – Life-giving
Vasilisa – Royal	Vladilen – Rule
Veronica – True image	Vlasiy – Talks with a lisp
Vesta – Purity	Yefim – Good speech
Viera – Truth	Yegor – Farmer, earthworker
Vilma – Determined protector	Yermolay – People’s power
Vita – Life	Yevgeny – Well-born, noble
Yekaterina – Pure	Yury – Farmer
Zara – Princess	Ziven – Vivacious, lively
Zoa – Life	Zoran – Daybreak

Beautiful Russian Names

Russia is a land of exquisite works of art, synonymous with our list of beautiful Russian names. These names are characterized by their elegance and grace, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of Russia.

Female Names	Male Names
Agripina – Born feet first	Afanasy – Immortal
Albina – White	Afonya – Immortal
Aleksandra – Defender of mankind	Aleksis – Defender, helper of mankind
Alexei – Defender	Anatolii – From the east, sunrise
Aliona – Light	Baran – Ram
Amina – Trustworthy, faithful	Bronislav – Glorious protection
Anoushka – Grace	Dimitre – Devoted to, follower of Demeter
Ariadna – Most holy	Dmitr – Devoted to, follower of Demeter
Aventina – Name of a hill in Rome	Feliks – Lucky, successful
Dominika – Of the Lord	Fjodor – God’s gift
Evva – Life	Gregori – Watchful, alert
Filippa – Lover of horses	Grigori – Watchful, alert
Florentina – Flourishing, prosperous	Harlampiy – To shine, radiate
Gella – Golden	Innokenty – Innocent
Helin – Torch, sun ray	Ivanhoe – God is gracious
Innessa – Pure	Jasha – Supplanter, one who supplants
Julia – Youthful	Jeirgif – Farmer, earth worker
Karyna – Pure	Kalistrat – Beautifully and strategically wise
Katiya – Pure	Karolek – Free man
Katja – Pure	Kazimir – Destroying peace
Kesar – Caesar	Khristofor – Carrier of Christ
Kesha – Cassia tree	Kiril – Lord
Kharita – Grace, kindness	Levushka – Lion
Kisa – Kitten	Maksimillian – Greatest
Ksana – Praise to God	Michail – Who is like God?
Latonya – Praiseworthy	Moriz – Dark-skinned
Ludmilla – Favor of the people	Nikodim – Victory of the people
Lydie – From Lydia	Olezka – Helper, defender
Melana – Black, dark	Orell – Eagle
Mlada – Young, youthful	Pavlo – Small
Myla – Soldier or merciful	Pavlusha – Small
Nastasya – Resurrection	Pavlushka – Small
Olesia – Protector of humanity	Petrov – Rock, stone
Olesya – Protector of humanity	Radislav – Happy glory
Patriciya – Noblewoman	Romochka – Roman
Pavlina – Small	Rustam – Hero
Rada – Happy	Samuil – His name is God
Raissa – Easy-going	Serge – Servant
Raiya – Heaven’s flower	Sergei – Servant
Sanvi – Goddess Lakshmi	Seriozha – Servant
Seraphima – Burning ones	Stanislov – Glorious government
Susanna – Lily	Svyatoslav – Glory and holy
Tamryn – Date palm	Tima – Honoring God
Tiona – Blessed	Tolenka – From the east, sunrise
Tyanna – Princess	Tolya – From the east, sunrise
Vanda – Wanderer	Valerii – To be strong
Varvara – Foreign woman	Varfolomey – Son of Talmai
Venera – Venus	Vasilii – Royal, kingly
Verina – Protector	Vassian – Royal, kingly
Yanina – God is gracious	Vladmir – Ruler of the world
Yarina – Peaceful	Yaremka – Appointed by God
Zasha – Defending men	Yasha – Supplanter, one who supplants
Zenaida – Life of Zeus	Yeremey – Appointed by God
Zenya – Well-born, noble	Yura – Farmer
Zhanna – God is gracious	Zhivago – Life
Zinovia – Life of Zeus	Zivon – Life

Old Russian Names

Step into the depths of Russian history by using a name from our list of old Russian names. Many of these names have roots in Slavic, Norse, or Byzantine influences and characterized by their strong and timeless qualities.

Female Names	Male Names
Agafena – Kind	Alexsey – Defender, helper of mankind
Agafonika – Good	Andrian – Manly, strong
Agafya – Kind	Arkadi – From Arcadia
Agatha – Good	Arseniy – Virile, potent
Agnessa – Pure, holy	Borya – Fighter, warrior
Agniya – Pure	Cheslav – Camp glory
Akilina – Eagle	Damyan – To tame, subdue
Aksinia – Unwelcome, stranger	David – Beloved
Aksinya – Unwelcome, stranger	Dimitrik – Earth-lover
Akulina – Eagle	Dorofey – Gift of God
Anfisa – Flower	Faddei – Courageous, brave
Avdotya – Good-seeming	Faddey – Courageous, brave
Dunyasha – World	Fedar – Gift of God
Elina – Torch, bright light	Fedir – Gift of God
Evdokiya – Good thought	Feodor – Gift of God
Fayina – Shining	Filipp – Friend of horses
Fekla – Glory of God	Georgi – Farmer, earthworker
Felitsiya – Happiness	Georgiy – Farmer, earthworker
Feodosiya – Gift of God	Gervasi – Spear servant
Gennadiya – Noble, generous	Grigorii – Watchful, alert
Glafira – Smooth, polished	Hedeon – Destroyer, mighty warrior
Glikeriya – Sweet	Ignati – Fiery one
Iraida – Peaceful	Ignatiy – Fiery one
Irida – Rainbow	Igoryok – Bow warrior
Irinushka – Peace	Iosif – He will add
Kapitolina – Related to the Capitol	Iriney – Peaceful
Katyusha – Pure	Isidor – Gift of Isis
Khristina – Follower of Christ	Jermija – Exalted of the Lord
Klavdiya – Lame	Kiryl – Lord
Lada – Beloved	Klavdii – Lame
Lina – Palm tree	Klim – Merciful, gentle
Lizabeta – Consecrated to God	Kolenka – Victory of the people
Marfa – Lady, mistress of the house	Leonide – Lion
Mariam – Bitter	Lesta – A river in England
Marta – Lady	Levka – Lion
Melania – Dark, black	Mikhailya – Who is like God?
Nadege – Hope	Mishe – Who is like God?
Nadja – Hope	Mitya – Devoted to Demeter
Nastja – Resurrection	Moisey – Drawn out of water
Natacha – Christmas Day	Moisse – Drawn out of water
Natasia – Resurrection	Nikandr – Victory of a man
Nikolaevna – Victory of the people	Orrel – Eagle
Noyabrina – Born in November	Pavlik – Small
Ofeliya – Help	Shurik – Defender of mankind
Olegevna – The daughter of Oleg	Timok – Honoring God
Olimpiada – From Olympus	Todor – Gift of God
Olya – Holy	Todos – Gift of God
Pelageya – Of the sea	Ustin – Just, fair
Radinka – Happy, willing	Venedict – Blessed
Rimma – Pomegranate	Vladik – Rule
Rufina – Red-haired	Vladya – Rule
Ruslana – Lion	Volya – Free will
Snežana – Snow woman	Yermolai – People’s power
Ustinya – Just	Zavid – Envied
Vesna – Spring	Zinov – Life

Cool Russian Names

We curated this list of cool Russian names that would appeal to the hottest celebrities. These names draw inspiration from contemporary trends, adding a modern and fashionable touch to traditional Russian naming conventions.

Female Names	Male Names
Agapa – Loved one	Adas – Unity
Aksana – Stranger	Alik – Defender of mankind
Aleksandrina – Defender of mankind	Aloysha – Defender of mankind
Angelika – Messenger of God	Anastas – Resurrection
Aniyah – Grace, favor	Arkadiy – Of Arcadia
Anka – Grace, favor	Arkhip – Master of the horse
Avelina – Hazelnut	Azat – Free
Avenira – Possibly related to ‘future’	Bato – Firm
Avgusta – Venerable, majestic	Berdy – Bright fame
Avgustina – Venerable, majestic	Boba – Stranger
Aviva – Spring	Dmitrik – Lover of the earth
Avreliya – Golden	Eriks – Ever ruler
Avrora – Dawn	Evgeni – Noble
Bronya – Armour	Fabi – Bean farmer
Cyzarine – Imperial, regal	Fedul – Gift of God
Dinara – Golden	Fedya – Gift of God
Domnika – Belonging to God	Feoktist – Gift of God
Eudoxia – Good reputation, glory	Foka – Seal
Evgenia – Well-born, noble	Foma – Twin
Gera – Earth-worker, farmer	Gavrel – God is my strength
Grusha – Pear	Gavril – God is my strength
Iskra – Spark	Grisha – Watchful
Izolda – Ice battle	Izot – God’s salvation
Kiska – Kitty	Kapiton – Fruitful
Koroleva – Queen	Kir – Master
Lelyah – Lily	Longin – Long
Lev – Lion, but typically a male name	Luchezar – Light
Lida – People’s love	Maksimilian – Greatest
Liza – Consecrated to God	Pavlya – Small
Luiza – Famous warrior	Petenka – Stone
Margosha – Pearl	Prohor – Leader of the dance
Mina – Love	Renat – Reborn
Nadina – Hope	Rustik – Countryside
Nonna – Ninth	Serhiy – Servant
Ony – He who praises	Spartak – From the city of Sparta
Stefania – Crown	Stas – Resurrection
Sveta – Holy	Ulan – Red
Sveva – Tribe of the Suebi	Urvan – City dweller
Tanita – Family, clan	Valeriy – To be strong
Taniya – Fairy queen	Vassi – Royal, kingly
Tanzania – Name of a country in East Africa	Vassily – Royal, kingly
Taska – Harvester	Vasya – Royal, kingly
Vania – Gracious gift of God	Vitenka – Life
Verushka – Truth	Vitya – Life
Vlada – Rule	Wassily – Royal, kingly
Yeva – Life	Yurik – Farmer
Zorina – Dawn, golden	Zhorah – Dawn

Rare Russian Names

We searched records from Moscow to the Urals to rediscover these rare and distinct Russian names. These names are a source of pride and fascination and are connected to lesser-known aspects of Russian heritage.

Female Names	Male Names
Agafa – Loved one	Agap – Love
Agafiya – Good	Agapit – Loved one
Agafokliya – Love and glory	Ardas – Zealous
Agapiya – Loved one	Arhip – Master of the horse
Aglaya – Beauty, splendor	Avram – High father
Agrafena – Born feet first	Bogatyr – Knight
Alesya – Defender	Borislav – Glory in battle
Alexandrite – Helper and defender of mankind	Brends – Beacon on the hill
Anitchka – Grace	Burian – Near the weeds
Antoniya – Invaluable	Damyon – To tame
Anzhela – Messenger of God	Deniskov – Follower of Dionysus
Aviafa – Graceful as a bird	Dobromir – Good and peaceful
Avlida – A town in Boeotia	Dobrynya – Good
Biserka – Pearl	Dusan – Soul
Bogdana – Given by God	Edik – Rich
Bohdana – Given by God	Efrosin – Mirth
Bonifatsiya – Does good	Emelian – Industrious
Dafna – Laurel tree	Eremey – Divinely peaceful
Domna – Belonging to the lord	Ermil – People’s prince
Doroteya – Gift of God	Evstafiy – Well-built
Dusana – Soul, spirit	Evstigney – Well-born
Dusica – Soul, spirit	Feodosiy – God’s gift
Esfir – Star	Fredek – Peaceful ruler
Eudokia – Good thought	Garald – Spear ruler
Evfrosinya – Joy, merriment	Garold – Army ruler
Evlampiya – Shining, radiant	Garolds – Army ruler
Evpraksiya – Good action, good conduct	Gasha – Diminutive of Gabriel
Feodora – Gift of God	Gashka – Diminutive of Gabriel
Frosya – Joy, merriment	Gavrie – God is my strength
Galateya – Milk-white	Gavrila – God is my strength
Graziya – Grace	Gennadiy – Noble
Hristina – Follower of Christ	Gitfrid – Peaceful gift
Hvala – Praise	Gogol – Peculiar people
Ippolita – Freeing horses	Gordei – Proud
Irada – Determined	Gorky – Sour
Izotova – A Russian surname	Gretzky – Step
Karol – Free person	Herahd – Spear ruler
Kavya – Poem	Hleb – Bread
Khionia – Snowy	Ihar – Peace
Khioniya – Snowy	Ilia – My God is Yahweh
Kondratya – Brave counsel	Iouri – Farmer
Ksanochka – Hospitality	Ipatiy – Most high
Kseniya – Hospitality	Ivano – God is gracious
Kupava – Globeflower	Izyaslav – Glory and honour
Lubava – Love	Kharald – Spear ruler
Lumira – World, universe	Khariton – Grace
Lyubava – Love	Kotik – Kitten
Lyubochka – Love	Kupriyan – Copper
Maksima – The greatest	Laur – From Laurentum, Italy
Marinka – Of the sea	Leonti – Lion
Matryona – Lady, mistress of the house	Magar – Pearl
Mavra – Dark-skinned, Moorish	Makariy – Blessed
Medeya – Ruling	Manuil – God is with us
Militsa – Graceful, dear	Mavriki – Dark-skinned
Nadenka – Hope	Nafanail – Gift of God
Nadie – Hope	Naum – Comfort
Naina – Eyes	Nifont – Fountain
Nastasia – Resurrection	Nikifor – Bringer of victory
Nastenka – Resurrection	Onisim – Profitable
Nikolina – Victory of the people	Ostap – Stallion
Ninotchka – Grace	Pafnuty – Of shining fame
Oksinya – Guest, stranger	Palasha – Parsley
Olene – Torch, bright light	Parasha – Born on Good Friday
Olien – Torch, bright light	Prokopiy – Progress
Pelagia – Of the sea	Radimir – Happy and peaceful
Roksana – Dawn, bright	Rafail – God has healed
Rozaliya – Rose	Rakhil – Ewe
Savvina – Old man	Rodoslav – Glory of the homeland
Sezja – Sower	Savya – From the Sabines
Shura – Defender of mankind	Slavka – Glory
Stefaniya – Crown	Timka – Honoring God
Taneya – Fairy Queen	Vadik – Ruler
Tashina – Born on Christmas Day	Valka – Chosen
Uljana – Young, youthful	Vanyusha – God is gracious
Varlaam – Foreigner, stranger	Vasilik – King
Vasilina – Royal, kingly	Vasiliy – Royal
Vilhemina – Will, desire, helmet, protection	Vaslek – Royal
Vladislava – Glorious rule	Vatslav – More glory
Vladlena – Rule	Venedikt – Blessed
Yagoda – Berry	Venka – Wreath of victory
Yaroslava – Fame and glory	Venya – Wreath of victory
Yevdokia – Good thought	Vissarion – Victorious
Yevdokiya – Good thought	Xenuk – Hospitable
Yevgeniya – Noble, well-born	Yerofey – Fruitful
Yulija – Youthful	Yuliy – Down-bearded youth
Yuridiana – Light of God, divine	Yvor – Archer
Zemfira – Sapphire	Zaliv – Bay
Zoyechka – Life	Zinoviy – Life of Zeus

Names of Famous Russian Men and Women

Maria Sharapova is a renowned former tennis player. She earned a silver medal at the 2012 Olympics, won five major titles at international opens, and is the only Russian woman to have made a career Grand Slam. Maria is of Aramaic origin and could mean ‘star of the sea’ or ‘wished for child.’

Maya Plisetskaya was an actress, ballet dancer, and choreographer who began her glorious career at the renowned Bolshoi Theater. Her family faced significant oppression under Soviet rule, but she overcame these difficulties to become Russia’s most famous ballet dancer. Maya is a Russian form of Mary, an Aramaic name.

Georgy Zhukov, Marshal of the Soviet Union and later member of the Presidium of the Communist Party served as a commander in the Red Army during World War II. During his service, he led some of Russia’s most significant victories. Georgy is the Russian form of a Greek name meaning ‘farmer.’

Grigori Perelman, born in Russia in 1966, is a mathematician focusing on geometry, including geometric topology and analysis. He is known for his groundbreaking research and modesty, refusing major awards to avoid excessive fame. Grigori is the Russian form of a Greek name meaning ‘vigilant.’

Vladimir Mayakovsky was a poet, actor, and playwright who started his career as a significant Russian Futurist writer. He supported the Communist Party during the Russian Civil War but later clashed with Soviet cultural censorship. The Russian name Vladimir is of Old Slavic origin and means ‘of great power.’

References

Information from Family Search and Wikipedia was used in the creation of this article.