Overview
If you’re looking for a unique name to give your baby boy, you can pick popular Russian names that have similar meanings to common names but have different spellings.
Many Russian baby names use “y” instead of “j” and “v” instead of “b.” For example, “Benjamin” is spelled as “Venyamin,” and “Julia” becomes “Yulia” or “Yuliya.”
Also, Russian names typically consist of a given name and a middle name that honors one’s ancestry on the paternal side. This second name is also known as the “patronymic name.”
In making the middle name, boy names use “vich” or “ovich” while baby girl names use “ovna” or “evna.” So, the children of a man named Ivan can have the middle names of “Ivanovich” for his son and “Ivanovna” for his daughter.
Are you looking for other interesting names for your baby boy? You can find our top 100 popular Russian baby boy names and their meanings below.
What Is A Male Russian Name?
In many languages, names ending with “a” are often designated for baby girls. But that’s not the case for Russian baby names.
Many unisex or boy names in Russia end with “a.” For example, you can use “Nikita” for boys and girls. Other common names that end with “a” are “Adamka” and “Ilya.”
You’ll find other interesting names to pick for your baby boy from our top 100 Russian boy names below:
Adamka
- Origin: Russian and Hebrew
- Meaning: Son of the red earth
- Variations/Synonyms: Adamska and Adam
- Description: It’s the Russian variation of “Adam.”
Adrik
- Origin: Latin and Russian
- Meaning: Dark
- Variations/Synonyms: Adrien, Adrion, and Adrian
- Description: It’s the Russian variant of “Adrian.”
Akim
- Origin: Russian, Hebrew, and Arabic
- Meaning: God will establish
- Variations/Synonyms: Akin, Yakim, Joakim, and Joachim
- Description: It comes from the Arabic word “hakim” (ruler or governor).
Aleksandr
- Origin: Russian, Greek, Latin, and Ukrainian
- Meaning: Man’s defender
- Variations/Synonyms: Aleks, Alexander, Alex, Oleksander, Oleksandr, and Alyosha
- Description: It’s the Russian form of “Alexander.”
What Is A Popular Russian Boy Name? Alexei
- Origin: Russian
- Meaning: Defender
- Variations/Synonyms: Alexey, Aleksei, Aleksey, Alexej, and Alexis
- Description: It’s the Russian version of “Alexis.”
Alyosha
- Origin: Russian and Greek
- Meaning: One who helps people
- Variations/Synonyms: Alyosa
- Description: It’s also related to “Alexander.”
Anatol
- Origin: Slavic, Greek, and Russian
- Meaning: From the east rising sun
- Variations/Synonyms: Anatoli, Anatoly, and Anatole
- Description: It comes from the name “Anatolius” (Greek).
Andrik
- Origin: Slavic and Russian
- Meaning: Brave and manly
- Variations/Synonyms: Andrew
- Description: It’s the Russian variant of “Andrew.”
Antek
- Origin: Russian, Latin, Czech, and Polish
- Meaning: Priceless and inestimable
- Variations/Synonyms: Anthony and Antoni
- Description: It’s the Russian version of “Anthony.”
Armen
- Origin: Russian
- Meaning: A soldier
- Variations/Synonyms: Armand and Armend
- Description: It’s the Russian version of “Armand.”
Arsenii
- Origin: Russian, Greek, and Spanish
- Meaning: Strong and virile
- Variations/Synonyms: Arseny and Arseniy
- Description: It can also mean “masculine.”
Artyom
- Origin: Russian and Ukrainian
- Meaning: Safe
- Variations/Synonyms: Artemis, Artem, and Artiom
- Description: It’s derived from the “Artemis,” the Greek goddess of hunting.
Baran
- Origin: Turkish, Persian, Hungarian, and Russian
- Meaning: Ram (male sheep)
- Variations/Synonyms: Barran and Bárány
- Description: It can also mean “rain” (Persian).
Benedikt
- Origin: Latin and Russian
- Meaning: Blessed
- Variations/Synonyms: Benedict
- Description: It’s from the Latin word “benedicere” (to bless).
Bogdan
- Origin: Russian, Polish, and Slavic
- Meaning: God has rendered
- Variations/Synonyms: Bohdan
- Description: It can also mean “given by God.”
Boris
- Origin: Russian
- Meaning: Fighter
- Variations/Synonyms: Barys and Borys
- Description: Saint Boris is the patron saint of Moscow, Russia. He was a martyred Russian prince.
Damir
- Origin: Slavic, Turkish, and Russian
- Meaning: Give peace
- Variations/Synonyms: Demir
- Description: It’s from the combination of Slavic words “da” (give or take) and “mir” (peace).
Daniil
- Origin: Hebrew and Russian
- Meaning: God is my judge
- Variations/Synonyms: Danieland Danil
- Description: It’s the Russian form of “Daniel.”
Dazhbog
- Origin: Slavic and Russian
- Meaning: Generous god
- Variations/Synonyms: Dazbog
- Description: In Russian mythology, Dazbog is the god of fortune who provides the sun and gives out wealth.
Demyan
- Origin: French, Greek, and Russian
- Meaning: To tame
- Variations/Synonyms: Damian, Damien, Julian, Julien, Lucian, and Lucien
- Description: It’s the Russian version of “Julian.”
Dima
- Origin: Slavic, Arabic, and Russian
- Meaning: Strong fighter
- Variations/Synonyms: Dimma
- Description: It can also mean “strong or torrential rain.”
What Is A Popular Russian Name? Dmitri
- Origin: Latin, Greek, and Russian
- Meaning: Belonging to the Lord
- Variations/Synonyms: Dimitri, Dmitry, Dmitriy, and Dmitrii
- Description: It also means “earth lover.”
- The name comes from “Demeter,” the goddess of the harvest in Greek mythology.
Dominik
- Origin: Russian, Latin, and Bulgarian
- Meaning: Belonging to God
- Variations/Synonyms: Dominic
- Description: It’s the Russian form of “Dominic.”
Eriks
- Origin: Russian and Old Norse
- Meaning: Eternal ruler
- Variations/Synonyms: Erik and Riker
- Description: It’s from the combination of Old Norse words “ei” (ever or always) and “ríkr” (ruler).
Ermolai
- Origin: Greek and Russian
- Meaning: Heap of stones
- Variations/Synonyms: Yermolai and Hermolai
- Description: It’s from the Greek name “Hermolaos.”
Evgeni
- Origin: Russian and Greek
- Meaning: Noble aristocrat
- Variations/Synonyms: Eugene
- Description: It’s the Russian version of “Eugene.”
Feliks
- Origin: Russian, Slovene, Latin, and Polish
- Meaning: Happy and fortunate
- Variations/Synonyms: Felix
- Description: It’s the Russian variation of “Felix.”
Feofan
- Origin: Russian and Greek
- Meaning: Epiphany or manifestation of God
- Variations/Synonyms: Theophanes
- Description: It’s from the combination of Greek words “theós” (divine or God) and “phaínō” (to appear).
Fyodor
- Origin: Russian
- Meaning: Gift of God
- Variations/Synonyms: Feodor, Fedor, and Theodore
- Description: It’s the Russian form of “Theodore.”
Gavriil
- Origin: Russian
- Meaning: God is my strength
- Variations/Synonyms: Gabriel and Gavril
- Description: It’s the Russian variant of “Gabriel.”
Gennady
- Origin: Russian, Greek, and Russian
- Meaning: Noble and generous
- Variations/Synonyms: Gennadius
- Description: It’s from the Ancient Greek word “gennadas” (generous).
Grigor
- Origin: Greek and Russian
- Meaning: Vigilant watchman
- Variations/Synonyms: Grigorii, Grigori, Gregory, and Grigory
- Description: It’s the Russian form of “Gregory.”
Hedeon
- Origin: Russian and Hebrew
- Meaning: One who cuts down
- Variations/Synonyms: Gideon
- Description: It’s the Russian version of “Gideon.”
Ignati
- Origin: Etruscan (an ancient civilization in Italy), Latin, and Russian
- Meaning: Fiery
- Variations/Synonyms: Ignatius
- Description: It’s the Russian form of the Latin name “Ignatius.”
Igor
- Origin: Old Norse and Russian
- Meaning: Warrior of peace
- Variations/Synonyms: Egor, Ihor, and Yngvarr
- Description: It’s the Russian version of “Yngvarr” (Old Norse).
Ilya
- Origin: Russian, Slavic, and Hebrew
- Meaning: The Lord is my God
- Variations/Synonyms: Elijah
- Description: It’s the Russian variation of “Elijah.”
Iosif
- Origin: Hebrew and Russian
- Meaning: Jehovah increases
- Variations/Synonyms: Osip and Joseph
- Description: It’s the Russian version of “Joseph.”
Ira
- Origin: Russian and Hebrew
- Meaning: Watchful one
- Variations/Synonyms: Irra and Irah
- Description: It can also mean “mighty man.”
Ivan
- Origin: Hebrew, Cyrillic (a writing system in Eurasia), Russian, and Slavic
- Meaning: God is gracious
- Variations/Synonyms: John, Ioann, and Ioan
- Description: It’s the Russian version of “John.”
Ivanovich
- Origin: Russian
- Meaning: Son of Ivan
- Variations/Synonyms: Ivanovitch and Ivanovych
- Description: It’s the Russian form of “Johnsson” or “Johnson.”
Karlin
- Origin: Russian and Old German
- Meaning: Freeman
- Variations/Synonyms: Carlin
- Description: It’s a unisex name.
Kazimir
- Origin: Russian and Slavic
- Meaning: Keeper of peace
- Variations/Synonyms: Casimir
- Description: Some translations (Slavic) put the name meaning as “destroyer of peace.”
Kesar
- Origin: Latin and Russian
- Meaning: Long-haired
- Variations/Synonyms: Caesar and Cesar
- Description: It’s the Russian variation of “Caesar.”
Kir
- Origin: Russian and Persian
- Meaning: Far-sighted
- Variations/Synonyms: Kier
- Description: It can also mean “throne.”
Kirill
- Origin: Russian, Slavic, Greek, German, and English
- Meaning: Lord
- Variations/Synonyms: Kyrion, Kirion, and Cyril
- Description: It’s the Russian variation of “Cyril” (Slavic).
Kliment
- Origin: Russian and Latin
- Meaning: Full of mercy
- Variations/Synonyms: Clement
- Description: It’s the Russian version of “Clement.”
Kolya
- Origin: Russian and Greek
- Meaning: Victorious people
- Variations/Synonyms: Kolai, Nikolay, and Nikolai
- Description: It’s a standalone name but can also be a nickname for “Nikolai.”
Konstantin
- Origin: Russian, Greek, Latin, and English
- Meaning: Constant
- Variations/Synonyms: Constantine, Constantin, and Constantino
- Description: It’s the Russian variation of “Constantine.”
Kuzma
- Origin: Russian and Greek
- Meaning: Harmony
- Variations/Synonyms: Kosmas
- Description: It’s from the Greek word “kosmos” (universe).
Leonid
- Origin: Russian
- Meaning: Lion
- Variations/Synonyms: Leonidas
- Description: It also means “strength of a lion.”
Lev
- Origin: Hebrew and Russian
- Meaning: Heart of a lion
- Variations/Synonyms: Leav
- Description: This name is often confused with “Levi” (joined in harmony).
Liodor
- Origin: Russian and Greek
- Meaning: Gift of the sun
- Variations/Synonyms: Iliodor
- Description: It’s from the Greek name “Heliodorus.”
Ludis
- Origin: Russian
- Meaning: Renowned warrior
- Variations/Synonyms: Louis and Luis
- Description: It’s the Russian version of “Louis.”
Luka
- Origin: Latin, Italian, and Russian
- Meaning: Bringer of light
- Variations/Synonyms: Luke, Luca, and Lucas
- Description: It’s the Russian version of “Luke.”
Makari
- Origin: Russian and Greek
- Meaning: Blessed
- Variations/Synonyms: Makarios
- Description: It’s from the Greek word “makaros” (blessed).
Maksimilian
- Origin: Polish and Russian
- Meaning: The greatest
- Variations/Synonyms: Maksim, Maxim, Maksimillian, and Maksymilian
- Description: You can use “Max” as your baby’s nickname.
Marat
- Origin: Russian, Turkish, and Arabic
- Meaning: Desired
- Variations/Synonyms: Marrat and Maraht
- Description: It can also mean “wish.”
Marek
- Origin: Russian, Polish, Czech, Slovak, and Latin
- Meaning: Warlike
- Variations/Synonyms: Mark
- Description: It’s the Russian variation of “Mark.”
Matvey
- Origin: Russian
- Meaning: Gift of God
- Variations/Synonyms: Matthew, Matvei, Matfey, and Matvey
- Description: It’s the Russian variant of “Matthew.”
Mikhail
- Origin: Hebrew and Russian
- Meaning: Who is like God?
- Variations/Synonyms: Michael, Michail, and Mihail
- Description: It’s the Russian form of “Michael.”
Mir
- Origin: Russian
- Meaning: Society or world
- Variations/Synonyms: мир, Mira, Miru, and Mirr
- Description: You can use this as a nickname for “Vladimir.”
Natan
- Origin: Hebrew and Russian
- Meaning: Given
- Variations/Synonyms: Nathan
- Description: It’s the Russian version of “Nathan.”
Naum
- Origin: Hebrew and Russian
- Meaning: Comfort
- Variations/Synonyms: Nahum
- Description: It’s the Russian form of “Nahum.”
Nikolai
- Origin: Greek and Russian
- Meaning: Victorious people
- Variations/Synonyms: Nicholas, Nikolay, and Nikola
- Description: It’s the Russian version of “Nicholas.”
Oleg
- Origin: Russian
- Meaning: Sacred or holy
- Variations/Synonyms: Oleh, Olezka, and Helge
- Description: It’s the Russian male version of “Olga.”
Olezka
- Origin: Russian
- Meaning: Saint
- Variations/Synonyms: Oleska
- Description: This name can also mean “gallant.”
Oriel
- Origin: Russian
- Meaning: Golden
- Variations/Synonyms: Auriel, Ony, Uriel, and Onni
- Description: It can also mean “eagle.”
Pavel
- Origin: Latin and Russian
- Meaning: Small
- Variations/Synonyms: Paul, Pavle, Paviel, and Paval
- Description: It’s the Russian variant of “Paul.”
Perun
- Origin: Polish, Ukrainian, Slavic, and Russian
- Meaning: Thunder
- Variations/Synonyms: Pierun
- Description: Perun is the Slavic god of the sky, thunder, and war.
Pyotr
- Origin: Russian
- Meaning: Stone or rock
- Variations/Synonyms: Pietro, Pedro, Pieter, and Peter
- Description: It’s the Russian form of “Peter.”
Rodion
- Origin: Greek and Russian
- Meaning: Song of the hero
- Variations/Synonyms: Rodya, Rodjun, and Herodion
- Description: It comes from the Ancient Greek name “Hērṓidēs.”
Rolan
- Origin: German and Russian
- Meaning: Famous throughout the land
- Variations/Synonyms: Rowland and Roland
- Description: It’s the Russian version of “Roland.”
Ruslan
- Origin: Russian
- Meaning: Lion
- Variations/Synonyms: Aslan
- Description: It’s the Russian form of the Turkish name “Aslan.”
Ryurik
- Origin: Nordic, Gaelic, German, and Russian
- Meaning: Famous ruler
- Variations/Synonyms: Rourik, Rurik, and Rorik
- Description: This name comes from the Gaelic name “Ruaidhrí.”
Samvel
- Origin: Hebrew and Russian
- Meaning: Told by God
- Variations/Synonyms: Samuel
- Description: It’s the Russian version of “Samuel.”
Semyon
- Origin: Hebrew and Russian
- Meaning: God has heard
- Variations/Synonyms: Ciemon, Simon, Simeon, and Shimon
- Description: It’s the Russian form of “Simon.”
Serafim
- Origin: Russian
- Meaning: Fiery
- Variations/Synonyms: Seraphim
- Description: It’s the Russian variant of “Seraphim.”
Sergi
- Origin: Latin, Russian, and Italian
- Meaning: Attendant or servant
- Variations/Synonyms: Sergio and Sergei
- Description: It’s the Russian version of the Latin name “Sergio.”
Slava
- Origin: Russian and Slavic
- Meaning: Person of fame
- Variations/Synonyms: Slav
- Description: It’s also a common nickname for longer names like Vjačeslav, Stanislava, Vladislava, Yaroslava, and Vyacheslav.
Stanislav
- Origin: Slavic and Russian
- Meaning: One who achieves glory and fame
- Variations/Synonyms: Stanislaus, Slava, Stas, and Stanislao
- Description: This Russian name comes from the Latin name “Stanislaus.”
Stas
- Origin: Slavic, Russian, and Latin
- Meaning: Military glory
- Variations/Synonyms: Staś and Staš
- Description: This can also be a nickname for “Eustacius” (Latin).
Timka
- Origin: Hebrew, Old Greek, and Russian
- Meaning: Honoring God
- Variations/Synonyms: Timothy and Timotheus
- Description: It’s the Russian version of the Old Greek name “Timotheus.”
Timur
- Origin: Russian, Turkish, and Mongolian
- Meaning: Iron man
- Variations/Synonyms: Temür, Temir, and Tömör
- Description: It can also mean “east.”
Vadim
- Origin: Ukrainian, Romanian, Macedonian, Slovene, and Russian
- Meaning: Powerful ruler
- Variations/Synonyms: Vadya, Vadimir, Vadym, and Vadik
- Description: It can be a nickname for the Slavic name “Vadimir.”
Valentin
- Origin: French, German, Russian, Czech, and Scandinavian
- Meaning: Strength and health
- Variations/Synonyms: Valentine
- Description: It’s the Russian variation of “Valentine.”
Venyamin
- Origin: Russian
- Meaning: Son of the south
- Variations/Synonyms: Veniamin and Benjamin
- Description: It’s the Russian version of “Benjamin.”
Vero
- Origin: Russian and Latin
- Meaning: Great hero or a true hero
- Variations/Synonyms: Ver and Verus
- Description: It’s from the Latin word “verus,” which means “truth” or “true.”
Is Viktor A Russian Name?
- Origin: Greek and Russian
- Meaning: Conqueror
- Variations/Synonyms: Victor
- Description: It comes from the Latin word “vincere,” meaning “to win.”
Is Vlad A Russian Name?
- Origin: Slavic and Russian
- Meaning: Glorious rule
- Variations/Synonyms: Vlade, Valdis, and Vlado
- Description: It’s a standalone given name but is also commonly used as a nickname for “Vladimir.”
Vladimir
- Origin: Slavic and Russian
- Meaning: Renowned prince
- Variations/Synonyms: Vladilen
- Description: It comes from the combination of Slavic words “vladeti” (to rule) and “meru” (great or famous).
Volya
- Origin: Russian
- Meaning: Free will
- Variations/Synonyms: Volia
- Description: It can also mean “freedom.”
Vova
- Origin: Russian and Slavic
- Meaning: Ruler of the world
- Variations/Synonyms: Vovka, Vovochka, Vovchik, Vladik, and Vovan
- Description: It can also be used as a nickname for “Vladimir.”
Vsevolod
- Origin: Russian and Slavic
- Meaning: Ruler of all
- Variations/Synonyms: Vsevolodovich, Vseva, and Sevan
- Description: It comes from the combination of Slavic words “vse” (all) with “volodeti” (to rule).
Vyacheslav
- Origin: Russian and Slavic
- Meaning: The greater glory
- Variations/Synonyms: Wenceslas and Wenceslao
- Description: It’s the Russian version of “Wenceslas.”
Yakov
- Origin: Russian and Hebrew
- Meaning: The supplanter
- Variations/Synonyms: Yasha, Jakob, and Jacob
- Description: It’s the Russian form of “Jacob.”
Yaromir
- Origin: Russian and Slavic
- Meaning: Man of peace
- Variations/Synonyms: Jaromir
- Description: It comes from the combination of Old Slavic elements “jarŭ” (furious or eager) and “mir” (peace or tranquility).
Yevgeni
- Origin: French, English, Greek, and Russian
- Meaning: Noble
- Variations/Synonyms: Yevgeny and Eugene
- Description: This name is the Russian variation of “Eugene.”
Yulian
- Origin: Latin, Russian, and Bulgarian
- Meaning: Youthful
- Variations/Synonyms: Yuli, Julian, Juliyan, and Yuliyan
- Description: It’s the Russian version of “Julian.”
- It can also mean “sky father” or “down-bearded.”
Zakhar
- Origin: Russian
- Meaning: God has remembered
- Variations/Synonyms: Zakar and Zechariah
- Description: It’s the Russian version of “Zechariah.”
Zinov
- Origin: Greek and Russian
- Meaning: Life of Zeus
- Variations/Synonyms: Zinob and Zenobios
- Description: It comes from the Greek name “Zenobios.”
