How do you choose a name? By the way it sounds? By its meaning? By family traditions? Many parents choose their children’s names for cultural reasons. If they are of Russian origin they may be interested in looking for Russian names for their children. Russia is a huge country and therefore Russian names can have several different origins and in some cases may be only Russian adaptations of foreign names.
That is why you may be disappointed if you do not find in this list some of the most famous and common Russian names (as they may not be truly Russian), but we can assure you that you will find, in addition to the best known, some of the genuine names origin in Russia.
So if you are looking for Russian names for boys or girls, check out our list and find out which ones are truly Russian and which are adapted foreign names. You can also find out the meaning and origin of each name.
Russian male names
Abram
Meaning: Father of many nations
Abram is a Russian form of Abraham. Abraham does not have any literal meaning in Hebrew. The name was actually given to Abram after God promised him that he would become the father of a multitude of nations. This name is therefore taken to mean the same thing.
Alyosha
Meaning: One who helps people
Alyosha is a diminutive of Aleksey, itself a Russian form of Alexis. Alexis was originally a name given to men in ancient Greece. Today this Greek name is a popular name given to more girls than boys. This name is a derivative of the name Alexander which means helper of people. The name Alexander is a General European name that is derived from the Old Greek name ‘Alexandros’, which is derived from the words, ‘Alexein’, which means ‘to ward off or to defend’ and ‘andors or aner’, which means man. It means defender, helper, guardian of people. In other words it is a name which signifies strength or protection. It was a name given to one of the greatest kings on Earth, Alexander The Great.
Artyom
Meaning: Follower
Artyom is a Russian form of Artemas. Artemas is a Greek name that originally meant “Follower of the God Artemis”. Later on it was generalized to mean “A Follower”.
Bogdan
Meaning: God has rendered
Bogdan originates in Slavic languages and means “God has rendered”. The feminine form is Bogdana. Bogdan is the name of several Middle Ages rulers, as well as the name of the highest mountain in central Bulgaria. As a masculine given name it remains fairly popular until today, in the United States it is very rare. It functions as a surname as well.
Borya
Meaning: Battle, war or fight
Borya is a Russian diminutive of Boris. Boris is a Slavic name and is very uncommon in the English language. It is a shortened version of the name Borislav which is derived from the Slavic term “boru” which means battle or fight.
Demyan
Meaning: A tamer
Demyan is a Russian form of Damien. Damien is an English name but one that is derived from Latin origins. It is derived from the Latin name Damianus or the Greek Damianos, both of which are derived from the word “daman” which meant “to tame” or “to kill”.
Dima
Meaning: A follower of the Greek God Demeter
Dima is a Russian diminutive of Dimitri. Dimitri is the Slavic version of the Old Greek name Demetrius. Demetrius means “a follower of Demeter” who was the Greek god of agriculture and fertility. In Ancient Greek “de” meant Earth and “meter” meant mother, so the name Demeter literally meant “Earth Mother”.
Egor
Meaning: A farmer
Egor is a Russian form of George. George is a predominantly English name but it is derived from the ancient Greek word “georgios” which means “earth worker” or “farmer”.
Ermolai
Meaning: Heap of stones
Ermolai is a Russian form of Hermolaos, itself derived from Hermes. Hermes is an English name and is the English form of the Old Greek name ‘Hermes’, which is derived from the Old Greek word, ‘Herma’, which means ‘a cairn or heap of stones’.
Evgeni
Meaning: Of noble descent
Evgeni is a Russian form of Eugene. Eugene is a French as well as English name, whose origins are Old Greek. It comes from the Old Greek word, ‘Eugenios’. ‘Eugenios’ is a combination of two elements, ‘eu’, meaning ‘good’ and ‘genos’ meaning ‘birth’. The name means ‘to be of noble descent’.
Faddey
Meaning: Gift given by God
Faddey is a Russian form of Thaddeus. The name Thaddeus is the Anglicized version of the Aramaic name, ‘Lebbaeus’, or the Old Greek name, ‘Theodotus’ or ‘Theodoros’ and means ‘gift of God or given by God’.
Fedor
Meaning: Powerful ruler of the people
Fedor is a variant of Fyodor, itself a Russian form of Theodore. The name Theodore is a Germanic name and is derived from the words, ‘thiuda’, which means ‘people or race’ and ‘reiks’, which means ‘powerful or ruler’.
Feliks
Meaning: Happy
Feliks is a Polish and Russian variant of Felix. Felix originates in Latin language and means “happy”.
Feofan
Meaning: Epiphany or disclosure
Feofan is a Russian form of Theophanes. Theophanes is an Old Greek name and means ‘epiphany or disclosure’.
Fyodor
Meaning: Powerful ruler of the people
Fyodor is a Russian form of Theodore. The name Theodore is a Germanic name and is derived from the words, ‘thiuda’, which means ‘people or race’ and ‘reiks’, which means ‘powerful or ruler’.
Gavriil
Meaning: Strength from God
Gavriil is a Russian form of Gabriel. Gabriel is a European name that is derived from the Hebrew personal name ‘Gavriel’, which means ‘God has given me strength’. The name is derived from the name of the Archangel Gabriel.
Grisha
Meaning: To be awake or watchful
Grisha is a diminutive of Grigoriy, itself a Russian form of Gregory. Gregory is an English name which is derived from the Greek name ‘Gregorien’, which means ‘to be awake or watchful’.
Ilya
Meaning: Yahwe is my God
Ilya is a Russian form Elijah. Elijah is a Hebrew name and is actually a derivative of the much older Greek name “Eliyahu” which means “My God is Yahweh”. The name is a compound of the two words “el” which means “God” or “all powerful” and “Yahweh” which is the Hebrew name for God.
Ioann
Meaning: God has favored me
Ioann is a Russian form of John. The name John is an English name and is derived from the Hebrew name ‘Yochannan’, which is derived from the two words, ‘Yahweh’, which means ‘God’, and ‘Channan’, which means ‘favored’.
Iosif
Meaning: God will increase
Iosif is a Russian form of Joseph. The name ‘Joseph’ is derived from the Hebrew word “yacaph” which means “add” or “increase”.
Kazimir
Meaning: Keeper or destroyer of peace
Kazimir is a Russian form of Casimir. Casimir is used in English language and is actually Polish in origin. This name means ‘keeper or destroyer of peace’.
Kir
Meaning: Far sighted, throne
Kir is a Russian form of Cyrus. Cyrus is a version of an Ancient Persian name. It is derived from the Persian “khuru” which means throne, or “khur” which means sun. Kurus, Kurush are the old forms of the name in Persian and Kyros is the Greek form of the name. In its Greek form it can also mean far sighted.
Kliment
Meaning: Full of mercy
Kliment is the Russian form of Clement. Clement originates in Latin language and means “full of mercy”.
Kodiak
Meaning: An island
Kodiak originates in Russian language and is taken from the name of Kodiak Island in the U.S. state of Alaska. As a masculine given name it is very rare.
Kolya
Meaning: Victorious people
Kolya is a diminutive of Nikolai, itself a Russian form of Nicholas. Nicholas originates in Greek language and means “victorious people”.
Konstantin
Meaning: Constant and steadfast
Konstantin is a Russian form of Constantine. Constantine is an English name and is the male version of the Latin name “constantia” which meant constant. Although in its original form it was spelt “Custance”, it later altered to the male form “Constantine” and the female form “Constance”.
Kostya
Meaning: Constant and steadfast
Kostya is a diminutive of Konstantin, itself a Russian form of Constantine. Constantine is an English name and is the male version of the Latin name “constantia” which meant constant. Although in its original form it was spelt “Custance”, it later altered to the male form “Constantine” and the female form “Constance”.
Kuzma
Meaning: Harmony, universe
Kuzma is a Russian form of Cosmo. Cosmo is an Anglicised version of the old Greek name “Kosmos” which meant harmony, beauty, order, etc. In fact the English version of the term “cosmos” is still used to describe the universe.
Lyosha
Meaning: One who helps people
Lyosha is a diminutive of Aleksey, itself a Russian form of Alexis. Alexis was originally a name given to men in ancient Greece. Today this Greek name is a popular name given to more girls than boys. This name is a derivative of the name Alexander which means helper of people. The name Alexander is a general European name that is derived from the Old Greek name ‘Alexandros’, which is derived from the words, ‘Alexein’, which means ‘to ward off or to defend’ and ‘andors or aner’, which means man. It means defender, helper, guardian of people. In other words it is a name which signifies strength or protection. It was a name given to one of the greatest kings on Earth, Alexander The Great.
Maksim
Meaning: The great
Maksim is a Russian form of Maximus. Maximus is a Latin name which is derived from the Latin word ‘Maximus’, which means ‘Greatest’.
Matvey
Meaning: God has rewarded
Matvey is a Russian form of Matthew. Matthew is an English name that is derived from the Hebrew name, ‘Mattathia’, which is a combination of the words, ‘Mattath’, which means ‘Gift or reward’ and ‘Yahweh’, which means ‘God’. The name ‘Matthew’ means ‘God has rewarded’.
Motya
Meaning: God has rewarded
Motya is a diminutive of Matvey, itself a Russian form of Matthew. Matthew is an English name that is derived from the Hebrew name, ‘Mattathia’, which is a combination of the words, ‘Mattath’, which means ‘Gift or reward’ and ‘Yahweh’, which means ‘God’. The name ‘Matthew’ means ‘God has rewarded’.
Nikolai
Meaning: People’s triumph
Nikolai is a Russian variant of Nicholas. Nicholas originates in Greek language and means “people’s triumph”. It has been a popular masculine given name for centuries and in different spellings all over the world. One of the famous bearers was Saint Nicholas, bishop of Lyra, who most likely serves as an inspiration for Santa Claus. In the United States, Nicholas has been frequently used for a very long time now.
Osip
Meaning: God will increase
Osip is a Russian form of Joseph. The name ‘Joseph’ is derived from the Hebrew word “yacaph” which means “add” or “increase”.
Pasha
Meaning: Small and humble
Pasha is a diminutive of Pavel, itself a Russian and Czech form of Paul. The name ‘Paul’ is derived from the Latin name ‘Paulus’, which means ‘little, humble’.
Pavel
Meaning: Small and humble
Pavel is a Russian and Czech form of Paul. The name ‘Paul’ is derived from the Latin name ‘Paulus’, which means ‘little, humble’.
Petya
Meaning: Rock
Petya is a diminutive of Pyotr, itself a Russian form of Peter. The name name Peter itself is a very general name and is derived from the Old Greek word, ‘Petros’, which means ‘rock’.
Pyotr
Meaning: Rock
Pyotr is a Russian form of Peter. The name name Peter itself is a very general name and is derived from the Old Greek word, ‘Petros’, which means ‘rock’.
Rasputin
Meaning: Badly behaved child
Rasputin is a Russian name, most probably derived from the Old Slavic name ‘Rasputa’, which means ‘an ill behaved child’.
Ruslan
Meaning: Lion man
Ruslan originates in Turkish and means “lion man”. It is mainly used in Russian speaking countries and was popularized in Aleksandr Pushkin’s poem Ruslan and Ludmila. As a masculine given name it is very rare in the United States.
Sasha
Meaning: Protector of humanity
Sasha originates in Russian language and means “protector of humanity”. It is a Russian diminutive of the names Alexander or Alexandra and can be used as both feminine and masculine names. Occasionally, it functions as a surname as well. In the U.S. Sasha is used mainly as a feminine given name and has been popular since the 1970s.
Shura
Meaning: Protector of humanity
Shura is a Russian diminutive of Aleksandra, or Alexandra. Alexandra originates in Greek language and means “protector of humanity”. It is a feminine form of Alexander. Saint Alexandra was a martyr of the Diocletianic persecutions. Throughout history, there have been many members of royalty given the name Alexandra. In Greek mythology, Alexandra was a by-name of the goddess Hera. It was popularized by Alexander the Great. Shura can also be a diminutive of the masculine name Aleksandr.
Slava
Meaning: Person of fame
Slava originates in Slavic languages and means “person of fame”. As a feminine given name it is mainly used in Russian, but it functions as a masculine name as well. It is also the name of Russian brand watches and a river in Romania.
Stanislav
Meaning: Becoming famous
Stanislav originates in Slavic languages and means “becoming famous”. It has been a popular masculine given name in Slavic languages for a long time and remains popular until today. In the United States its usage is rather rare.
Stas
Meaning: Becoming famous
Stas is a Russian diminutive of Stanislav. Stanislav originates in Slavic languages and means “becoming famous”. It has been a popular masculine given name in Slavic languages for a long time and remains popular until today. In the United States its usage is rather rare.
Svyatopolk
Meaning: Celebrating people
Svyatopolk originates in Slavic languages and means “celebrating people”. It is a typical Russian masculine given name, hardly used in other languages in this form. In the Unites States it is also very rare.
Taras
Meaning: Poseidon’s son
Taras originates in Greek language and is most likely derived from name of the son of Satyrion, a nymph, and Poseidon, the Greek god of the sea. According to Greek mythology, Taras founded the Greek colony of Taras, today called Taranto, in Southern Italy. The name itself is mainly popular in Russian speaking countries now, thanks to Taras Shevchenko, a Ukrainian poet and humanist.
Timur
Meaning: Iron man
Timur originates in Turkish language and means “iron man”. This was the name of a 14th century conqueror of West, South and Central Asia. Until today, Timur has been a popular masculine given name mainly in Russian speaking countries. In the United States it is very rare. It functions as a surname as well.
Vadik
Meaning: Ruler
Vadik is a diminutive of Vadim. Vadim originates in Slavic languages and means “ruler”. Some sources also suggest its origin in Old Norse. As a masculine given name, its usage is very rare outside the Russian speaking world. It functions as a surname as well.
Vadim
Meaning: Ruler
Vadim originates in Slavic languages and means “ruler”. Some sources also suggest its origin in Old Norse. As a masculine given name, its usage is very rare outside the Russian speaking world. It functions as a surname as well.
Vanya
Meaning: God is gracious
Vanya is a Russian diminutive of Ivan. Ivan is a Slavic name that is derived from the Old Slavic name ‘Ioan’, which is itself derived from the Old Greek name ‘loannes’. It is a very old and royal name with six Russian rulers bearing that name. The name is a derivative of the name John, and means ‘God is gracious’.
Vladimir
Meaning: Ruler of the world
Vladimir originates in Slavic languages and means “ruler of the world”. In Russian speaking countries, as well as other Eastern European languages, it is one of the most popular masculine given names. The famous bearers of this name include Vladimir Putin, former President of the Russian Federation, and Vladimir Ilyich Lenin, 20th century Russian Marxist revolutionary. In the United States, the usage of Vladimir is very rare.
Volodya
Meaning: Ruler of the world
Volodya is a Russian diminutive of Vladimir. Vladimir originates in Slavic languages and means “ruler of the world”. In Russian speaking countries, as well as other Eastern European languages, it is one of the most popular masculine given names. The famous bearers of this name include Vladimir Putin, former President of the Russian Federation, and Vladimir Ilyich Lenin, 20th century Russian Marxist revolutionary. In the United States, the usage of Vladimir is very rare.
Volya
Meaning: Free will
Volya originates in Russian language and means “free will”. It is a fairly common masculine given name in Russian speaking countries, but not very frequent outside them. It functions as a surname as well.
Vova
Meaning: Ruler of the world
Vova is a Russian diminutive of Vladimir. Vladimir originates in Slavic languages and means “ruler of the world”. In Russian speaking countries, as well as other Eastern European languages, it is one of the most popular masculine given names. The famous bearers of this name include Vladimir Putin, former President of the Russian Federation, and Vladimir Ilyich Lenin, 20th century Russian Marxist revolutionary. In the United States, the usage of Vladimir is very rare.
Yaromir
Meaning: Man of peace
Yaromir is a Russian variant of Jaromir. Jaromir originates in Slavic languages and means “man of peace”. It has been a popular masculine given name in Eastern European countries for a long time. In the United States it is very rare.
Yegor
Meaning: A farmer
Yegor is a Russian form of George. George is a predominantly English name but it is derived from the ancient Greek word “georgios” which means “earth worker” or “farmer”.
Yermolai
Meaning: Heap of stones
Yermolai is a Russian form of Hermolaos, itself derived from Hermes. Hermes is an English name and is the English form of the Old Greek name ‘Hermes’, which is derived from the Old Greek word, ‘Herma’, which means ‘a cairn or heap of stones’.
Yevgeni
Meaning: Of noble descent
Yevgeni is a Russian form of Eugene. Eugene is a French as well as English name, whose origins are Old Greek. It comes from the Old Greek word, ‘Eugenios’. ‘Eugenios’ is a combination of two elements, ‘eu’, meaning ‘good’ and ‘genos’ meaning ‘birth’. The name means ‘to be of noble descent’.
Russian female names
Agafya
Meaning: Good-hearted
Agafya is a Russian form of Agatha. Agatha originates in Greek language and means “good-hearted”. It was the name of a 3rd century Christian martyr, Saint Agatha of Sicily. It was popularized by the famous author of detective stories and novels Agatha Christie.
Alyona
Meaning: Torch of light
Alyona is a diminutive of Yelena, itself being a Russian form of Helen. Helen originates in Greek language and means “torch of light”. In Greek mythology, Helen is a famous figure, known as Helen of Troy. She was a daughter of Zeus, described as a beautiful woman. Her abduction by Paris triggered off a series of events which finally ended in the Trojan War. In Christianity, Saint Helena is the one who found the relics of the True Cross upon which Jesus was crucified. Throughout centuries, Helen has been one of the most popular feminine given names.
Anastasia
Meaning: Resurrection
Anastasia originates in Greek language and means “resurrection”. It is a feminine form of Anastasius. It is a name of several saints and probably the most famous Anastasia is a woman named Anna Anderson who claimed to be Grand Duchess Anastasia, a member of the Russian royal family murdered by the Bolsheviks. There have been many books written and films made about the history of her survival. Until today, the name is one of the most popular ones given to girls in Russia.
Anfisa
Meaning: Flower girl
More info about the name “Anfisa”
Anfisa is a Russian form of a name that originates in Greek and means “flower girl”. As a feminine given name it is very rare in the United States.
Angela
Meaning: God’s messenger
Angela originates in Greek language and means “God’s messenger”. It is a feminine form of Angelus. In English-speaking countries it has been used since the 18th century and in the U.S. it was most popular in the 1970s. It was popularized by the English actress Angela Lansbury, who starred in the TV series Murder, She Wrote. Angela was also the name of a Catholic Saint in the 13th century.
Angelina
Meaning: God’s messenger
Angelina is a diminutive of Angela. Angela originates in Greek language and means “God’s messenger”. It is a feminine form of Angelus. In English-speaking countries it has been used since the 18th century and in the U.S. it was most popular in the 1970s. It was popularized by the English actress Angela Lansbury, who starred in the TV series Murder, She Wrote. Angela was also the name of a Catholic Saint in the 13th century. Angelina was popularized by the American actress and partner of Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie.
Annushka
Meaning: Gracious, merciful
Annushka is a Russian diminutive of Anna. Anna is most likely a variant of a Hebrew name Hannah, meaning “gracious” or “favored”, because in the Bible she was a sincere and merciful woman. Ultimately the name lost its initial ‘h’. Anna was the name of many women belonging to Russian royalty, it is also the main character in ‘Anna Karenina’, a novel by Leo Tolstoy. Together with its many variations, Anna has been a popular female name for many centuries and is constantly topping the name charts.
Bogdana
Meaning: Lord has rendered
Bogdana originates in Slavic languages and means “Lord has rendered”. It is a feminine form of Bogdan. Bogdana is the name of a monastery in Romania, as well as the name of many other Romanian places. As a feminine given name it is very rare in the United States.
Diana
Meaning: Divine woman
Diana originates in Latin language and means “divine woman”. In Roman mythology, Diana was the goddess of hunting, moon and chilbirth, her Greek equivalent being Artemis. It has been one of the most popular given names for a long time, especially in European countries. It was popularized by Diana, Princess of Wales, sometimes nicknamed Lady Di, who tragically died in a car crash in 1997.
Elizaveta
Meaning: Promise of God
Elizaveta is a variant of Yelizaveta, a Russian form of Elizabeth. Elizabeth originates in Hebrew language and means “promise of God”. Elizabeth has been one of the most popular feminine given names over centuries and in various languages and various spellings it has almost a hundred different forms. In the Bible, Elizabeth was the mother of John Baptist and the wife of Zacharias. It was also popularized by Elizabeth I, the Virgin Queen of England, and Elizabeth II, current Queen of the Commonwealth realms.
Esfir
Meaning: Star-like
Esfir is a variant of Yesfir, itself a Russian form of Esther. Esther most likely originates in Persian language and means “star-like”. Some sources also suggest its derivation from Ishtar, the Babylonian goddess of love. Esther has been one of the most popular feminine given names in the United States for a long time, especially in Jewish families. In the Bible, Esther was a Jewish queen and heroine of the Book of Esther.
Filippa
Meaning: Friend of horses
Filippa is a variant of Philippa. Philippa originates in Greek language and means “friend of horses”. It is a feminine form of Philip, which was the name of Alexander the Great’s father and a big lover of horses.
Gala
Meaning: Woman of serenity
Gala is a diminutive of Galina. Galina originates in Greek language and means “woman of serenity”. It is a feminine form of Galen, the name of a 1st century Roman doctor. As a feminine given name, Galina is very rare in the United States. It functions as a surname as well.
Galina
Meaning: Woman of serenity
Galina originates in Greek language and means “woman of serenity”. It is a feminine form of Galen, the name of a 1st century Roman doctor. As a feminine given name, Galina is very rare in the United States. It functions as a surname as well.
Gavriila
Meaning: God’s bravest woman
Gavriila is a Russian form of Gabrielle. Gabrielle originates in Hebrew language and means “God’s bravest woman”. In the United States, Gabrielle has been a fairly popular feminine given name for a while now. This was the real name of the famous French fashion designer Coco Chanel, born Gabrielle Bonheur ‘Coco’ Chanel.
Gennadiya
Meaning: Woman of generosity
Gennadiya originates in Greek language and means “woman of generosity”. It is a feminine form of Gennadiy. As a feminine given name it is very rare in the United States.
Inna
Meaning: Coming from water of strength
Inna originates in Russian language and means “coming from water of strength”. It is currently a very popular feminine given name in Russia, even though originally it was used as a masculine given name. In the United States it is rather rare.
Irinushka
Meaning: Woman of peace
Irinushka is a diminutive of Irina, itself a Russian variant of Irene. Irene originates in Greek language and means “woman of peace”. In Greek mythology, Irene was the daughter of Zeus and the personification of peace. It is also the name of several saints, as well as the name of several places in the United States. As a feminine given name it has always been more popular in Europe than the United States.
Jekaterina
Meaning: Chaste, pure
Jekaterina is a variant of Yekaterina, itself a Russian form of Katherine. Katherine originates in Greek language and means “chaste, pure”. It has been one of the most popular feminine given names over centuries and with various spellings all around the world. Historically, it was a favourite name especially in Christian world. Katherine is the name of many saints, the most popular probably being Catherine of Alexandria, a 4th century martyr. It was also a popular name within royalty in different countries. The variant spelling Catherine is also very frequent.
Karina
Meaning: Chaste, pure
Karina is a Danish, Swedish, Norwegian, Russian and Polish variant of Katherine. Katherine originates in Greek language and means “chaste, pure”. It has been one of the most popular feminine given names over centuries and with various spellings all around the world. Historically, it was a favourite name especially in Christian world. Katherine is the name of many saints, the most popular probably being Catherine of Alexandria, a 4th century martyr. It was also a popular name within royalty in different countries. The variant spelling Catherine is also very frequent.
Katya
Meaning: Chaste, pure
Katya is a diminutive of Yekaterina, itself a Russian form of Katherine. Katherine originates in Greek language and means “chaste, pure”. It has been one of the most popular feminine given names over centuries and with various spellings all around the world. Historically, it was a favourite name especially in Christian world. Katherine is the name of many saints, the most popular probably being Catherine of Alexandria, a 4th century martyr. It was also a popular name within royalty in different countries. The variant spelling Catherine is also very frequent.
Klava
Meaning: Feeble woman
Klava is a diminutive of Klavdiya, itself a Russian form of Claudia. Claudia originates in Latin language and means “feeble woman”. It is the feminine form of Claudius. In Roman mythology, Claudia was one of the Vestal Virgins, priestess of Vesta, Roman goddess of the hearth. More recently, the name was popularized by Claudia Cardinale, a famous Italian actress, as well as Claudia Schiffer, a German supermodel.
Klavdiya
Meaning: Feeble woman
Klavdiya is a Russian form of Claudia. Claudia originates in Latin language and means “feeble woman”. It is the feminine form of Claudius. In Roman mythology, Claudia was one of the Vestal Virgins, priestess of Vesta, Roman goddess of the hearth. More recently, the name was popularized by Claudia Cardinale, a famous Italian actress, as well as Claudia Schiffer, a German supermodel.
Lesya
Meaning: Protector of humanity
Lesya is a Russian diminutive of Aleksandra, or Alexandra. Alexandra originates in Greek language and means “protector of humanity”. It is a feminine form of Alexander. Saint Alexandra was a martyr of the Diocletianic persecutions. Throughout history, there have been many members of royalty given the name Alexandra. In Greek mythology, Alexandra was a by-name of the goddess Hera. It was popularized by Alexander the Great.
Lidochka
Meaning: Coming from Lydia
Lidochka is a Russian diminutive of Lydia. Lydia originates in Greek language and means “coming from Lydia”. Lydia was the kingdom of western Asia Minor, today’s Turkey, in the Iron Age. The name is also mentioned in the Bible, where Saint Lydia was the first recorded convert to Christianity in Europe. As a feminine given name Lydia is fairly popular in the United States nowadays.
Liliya
Meaning: Lily flower
Liliya is a Russian form of Lily. Lily originates in Latin and it is derived from the name of a popular flowering plant, a symbol of purity. As a feminine given name it has increased its popularity within the 20th century and nowadays belongs to the 100 top names in the United States. It was probably popularized by the character of Lily Aldrin in the TV series How I Met Your Mother.
Lizaveta
Meaning: Promise of God
Lizaveta is a diminutive of Elizaveta. Elizaveta is a variant of Yelizaveta, a Russian form of Elizabeth. Elizabeth originates in Hebrew language and means “promise of God”. Elizabeth has been one of the most popular feminine given names over centuries and in various languages and various spellings it has almost a hundred different forms. In the Bible, Elizabeth was the mother of John Baptist and the wife of Zacharias. It was also popularized by Elizabeth I, the Virgin Queen of England, and Elizabeth II, current Queen of the Commonwealth realms.
Luba
Meaning: Loving woman
Luba is a Russian diminutive of Lyubov. Lyubov originates in Slavic languages and means “loving woman”. As a feminine given name it is fairly popular in Slavic languages, in the United States it is very rare.
Manya
Meaning: Rebellious woman
Manya is a Russian diminutive of Maria. Maria, or Mary, is the name used in the New Testament, ultimately derived from the Hebrew name Miryam. There are several possible meanings of Miryam, some of them being: “lots of bitterness”, “wished for child”, “bitter”, “rebellious”. Mary is the name of different characters in New Testament, the most important ones being the Virgin Mary, mother of Jesus, and Mary Magdalene. The name has been extremely popular for centuries, especially among Christians.
Masha
Meaning: Rebellious woman
Masha is a Russian diminutive of Maria. Maria, or Mary, is the name used in the New Testament, ultimately derived from the Hebrew name Miryam. There are several possible meanings of Miryam, some of them being: “lots of bitterness”, “wished for child”, “bitter”, “rebellious”. Mary is the name of different characters in New Testament, the most important ones being the Virgin Mary, mother of Jesus, and Mary Magdalene. The name has been extremely popular for centuries, especially among Christians.
Matrona
Meaning: Lady-like
Matrona originates in Latin and means “lady-like”. It is a popular feminine given name in Russian countries, in the United States it is very rare. Matrona of Barcelona was a 3rd century Roman Catholic saint. Matrona of Chios was another saint born in the 15th century and venerated by the Orthodox Church.
Nadezhda
Meaning: Filled with hope
Nadezhda originates in Russian language and means “filled with hope”. In the United States it is a very rare feminine given name.
Nadia
Meaning: Filled with hope
Derived from the Russian name Nadezhda, which means “filled with hope”. Nadia is most common in Europe and the Arabic world.
Nadine
Meaning: Filled with hope
Nadine is a French variant of Nadia. Nadia is derived from the Russian name Nadezhda, which means “filled with hope”. Nadia is most common in Europe and the Arabic world.
Nadzieja
Meaning: Filled with hope
Nadzieja is a Polish variant of Nadezhda. Nadezhda originates in Russian language and means “filled with hope”. In the United States it is a very rare feminine given name.
Nata
Meaning: Birthday of Christ
Nata is a Russian short form of Natalie. Natalie is derived from the Latin Dies Natalis, which means “birthday”. This name was traditionally given to girls born at Christmas, so the reference to the birthday of Jesus Christ is fairly obvious. Natalie is very popular in Russian and French speaking countries. Saint Natalie is thought to have been martyred for her love and devotion to her husband Aurelius in the 4th century.
Natasha
Meaning: Birthday of Christ
Russian diminutive of the name Natalie. Natasha Rostova was one of the main character in Tolstoy’s War and Peace. Natalie is derived from the Latin Dies Natalis, which means “birthday”. This name was traditionally given to girls born at Christmas, so the reference to the birthday of Jesus Christ is fairly obvious. Natalie is very popular in Russian and French speaking countries. Saint Natalie is thought to have been martyred for her love and devotion to her husband Aurelius in the 4th century.
Polina
Meaning: Tiny, petite
Polina is a Russian form of Paulina, itself derived from Paula. Paula originates in Latin language and means “tiny, petite”. It is a feminine form of Paul, ultimately derived from Paulus. In French it is used as a surname as well. It was also the name of a saint, Saint Paula was a follower of Saint Jerome.
Rada
Meaning: Filled with care
Rada originates in Slavic languages and means “filled with care”. As a feminine given name it is used in Slavic languages, mainly Russian, in the United States it is very rare. It functions as a surname as well.
Raisa
Meaning: Easy-going
Raisa originates in Greek language and means “easy-going”. This was the name of of the wife of Mikhail Gorbachev, a famous former Soviet leader. In the United States it is used very rarely as a feminine given name. It functions as a surname as well.
Roksana
Meaning: Star of magnificence
Roksana is a Russian form of Roxanne. Roxanne originates in Persian language and means “star of magnificence”. It is an English variant of the name Roxana or Roxane. Roxana was the wife of Alexander the Great and was eventually assassinated. The name Roxanne was popularized by the song of the same name by The Police in 1978. She was also the main character in Cyrano de Bergerac by Edmond Rostand.
Roza
Meaning: Rose blossom
Roza is a Russian variant of Rosa, or Rose. Rose originates in Latin language and is derived from the fragrant flower. Its Latin meaning dates back to the 19th century. However, some sources suggest that originally Rose derived from a Norman name which meant “famous kind”. The flower rose has always been a sign of love, beauty and also the astrological sign of Libra. It is also the name of a Sicilian saint in the 12th century.
Rufina
Meaning: Woman with red hair
Rufina originates in Latin language and means “woman with red hair”. It is a Russian feminine form of Rufinus, or Rufus. Rufina was the name of several Roman martyrs. As a feminine given name it is also popular in Italy and Spain, in the United States it is very rare. It functions as a surname as well.
Sabina
Meaning: From the Sabine tribe
Sabina originates in Latin language and means “from the Sabine tribe”. The Sabines were an Italic tribe in ancient Italy. Until today, Sabina is the name of a region in Italy, named after the Italic tribe. Sabina was the name of several saints and is also the name of several places in the United States and outside them. In some countries it also functions as a surname. As a feminine given name it is rather rare in the United States.
Sasha
Meaning: Protector of humanity
Sasha originates in Russian language and means “protector of humanity”. It is a Russian diminutive of the names Alexander or Alexandra and can be used as both feminine and masculine names. Occasionally, it functions as a surname as well. In the U.S. Sasha is used mainly as a feminine given name and has been popular since the 1970s.
Serafima
Meaning: The one that burns
Serafima is a Russian form of Seraphina. Seraphina originates in Hebrew language and means “the one that burns”. It is derived from a seraph. In Christian theology, Seraphim (plural of seraph) were angels who took care of God’s throne and each of them has six wings. Seraphina never became overly popular in the U.S.
Shura
Meaning: Protector of humanity
Shura is a Russian diminutive of Aleksandra, or Alexandra. Alexandra originates in Greek language and means “protector of humanity”. It is a feminine form of Alexander. Saint Alexandra was a martyr of the Diocletianic persecutions. Throughout history, there have been many members of royalty given the name Alexandra. In Greek mythology, Alexandra was a by-name of the goddess Hera. It was popularized by Alexander the Great. Shura can also be a diminutive of the masculine name Aleksandr.
Slava
Meaning: Person of fame
Slava originates in Slavic languages and means “person of fame”. As a feminine given name it is mainly used in Russian, but it functions as a masculine name as well. It is also the name of Russian brand watches and a river in Romania.
Snezhana
Meaning: From the land of snow
Snezhana originates in Slavic languages and means “from the land of snow”. It might be a popular feminine given name in Slavic languages but in the United States it is very rare.
Svetlana
Meaning: Shining woman
Svetlana originates in Slavic languages and means “shining woman”. It was popularized in the 19th century by Vasily Zhukovsky in his ballade and has been a popular feminine given name in Slavic languages ever since. In the United States it remains very rare.
Tatiana
Meaning: Unclear
Tatiana originates in Latin language and the meaning is unknown. It is a feminine form of Tatianus. The name is very popular in Slavic languages, especially in Russian. In Christianity, Saint Tatiana was tortured and martyred and eventually became the patron saint of students. It is also the name of the main character in Alexander Pushkin’s Eugene Onegin. In the English-speaking countries it has been used since the end of the 20th century.
Uliana
Meaning: Soft-haired
Uliana is a Russian form of Juliana, itself derived from Julia. Julia originates in Latin language and means “soft-haired”. It is a feminine form of Julius. Julia was the name of a character in the Bible, as well as the name of several martyrs and saints, including Julia of Corsica and Julia of Merida. It is also a character in Shakespeare’s play The Gentlemen of Verona. In the English-speaking countries it has been regularly used since the 18th century and has always been one of the most popular feminine given names in the United States. It was popularized by the American actress Julia Roberts. It functions as a surname as well.
Valentina
Meaning: Strong and sound
Valentina originates in Latin language and means “strong and sound”. It is a feminine form of Valentinus. It is a popular feminine given name in Italian, Spanish and Russian and one of the most famous bearers was the Soviet cosmonaut Valentina Tereshkova, the first woman in space.
Varvara
Meaning: Stranger, foreigner
Varvara is a Russian form of Barbara. Barbara originates in Greek language and means “stranger, foreigner”. Barbara was the name of several saints in Roman Catholic tradition, one of them being Saint Barbara, the protector against lightning and fire. Lately, the name has been extremely popular in some European countries. In the United States its usage declines.
Varya
Meaning: Stranger, foreigner
Varya is a diminutive of Varvara, itself a Russian form of Barbara. Barbara originates in Greek language and means “stranger, foreigner”. Barbara was the name of several saints in Roman Catholic tradition, one of them being Saint Barbara, the protector against lightning and fire. Lately, the name has been extremely popular in some European countries. In the United States its usage declines.
Vasilisa
Meaning: Queen
Vasilisa originates in Greek language and means “queen”. It is a feminine form of Vasiliy, itself derived from the Greek name Basil. Vasilisa is a popular name in Russian culture, the main character in many Russian fairy-tales, as well as the name of a 3rd century Christian child martyr. More recently, the famous bearer is the Russian professional tennis player, Vasilisa Bardina.
Verochka
Meaning: Verity, truth
Verochka is a Russian diminutive of Vera. Vera originates in Latin language and means “verity, truth”. Some sources also suggest a Slavic origin and the meanig “faith”. In the English-speaking countries, it has been used as a feminine given name since the end of the 19th century.
Verusha
Meaning: Verity, truth
Verusha is a Russian diminutive of Vera. Vera originates in Latin language and means “verity, truth”. Some sources also suggest a Slavic origin and the meanig “faith”. In the English-speaking countries, it has been used as a feminine given name since the end of the 19th century.
Vitaliya
Meaning: Full of life
Vitaliya originates in Greek language and means “full of life”. It is a feminine form of Vitaliy, itself derived from the Greek name Vitalis. Although popular as a feminine given name in Russia, its usage in the United States is very rare.
Vladimira
Meaning: Greatest ruler
Vladimira originates in Slavic languages and means “greatest ruler”. It is a feminine form of Vladimir and is used mainly in Russian and Czech language. In the United States, its usage as a feminine given name is very rare.
Vladislava
Meaning: Famous ruler
Vladislava originates in Slavic languages and means “famous ruler”. It is a feminine form of Vladislav and is used mainly in Russian and Czech. As a feminine given name, its usage in the United States is very rare.
Yaroslava
Meaning: Spring glory
Yaroslava originates in Slavic languages and means “spring glory”. It is a feminine form of Yaroslav. Although it is a popular feminine given name in Russian, in the United States it is used very rarely.
Yelizaveta
Meaning: Promise of God
Yelizaveta is a Russian form of Elizabeth. Elizabeth originates in Hebrew language and means “promise of God”. Elizabeth has been one of the most popular feminine given names over centuries and in various languages and various spellings it has almost a hundred different forms. In the Bible, Elizabeth was the mother of John Baptist and the wife of Zacharias. It was also popularized by Elizabeth I, the Virgin Queen of England, and Elizabeth II, current Queen of the Commonwealth realms.
Yesfir
Meaning: Star-like
Yesfir is a Russian form of Ester. Esther most likely originates in Persian language and means “star-like”. Some sources also suggest its derivation from Ishtar, the Babylonian goddess of love. Esther has been one of the most popular feminine given names in the United States for a long time, especially in Jewish families. In the Bible, Esther was a Jewish queen and heroine of the Book of Esther.
