Russian Girl Names

Feodora is an interesting choice for the intrepid name giver, especially with its dynamic nickname, Feo (pronounced FAY-oh).

Tatjana is an interesting twist on an already uncommon name, borne by German-born supermodel Tatjana Patitz. Note that as j is pronounced as y in German, the name is spoken just like sisters Tatiana and Tatyana.

This version of the more familiar Paulina is occasionally used in the US, though some may see it as relating more to the word pole than to the classic Paul.

A Top 10 name in Moscow. In Russian, the emphasis is put on the first syllable.

Since it's also Spanish for "nothing," this name wouldn't be great for a girl's self-esteem.

A timeless cultural crossover name, Nadiya can either be a variant spelling of Nadia, a diminutive of the Russian name Nadezhda, meaning "hope"; or derived from the Arabic word Nada, meaning "morning dew" or "to be wet with dew" — something especially precious in dry climates.

A pretty international form of Helena used in many Slavic languages, also sometimes spelled Yelena.

Makes the intriguing Olga even more so.

Panya is a multicultural possibility with a sound that's pleasing to the English-speaking ear, though the Swahili translation, which might also be "rat," makes it less than savory as an African name.

Since this is strictly a male name in Slavic cultures, better to stick with the "Bella" spelling here.

Adds some zest to Rosa.

Zenovia makes Zenobia even more unusual. This mythology-adjacent name is worth a look.

See ZOE.