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 |
More Lists:
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. If you are interested in Russian baby names, you can find more male and female names at Molomo.ru.
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