Russian Names for Boys

Redolent of Khrushchev and la femme.

A less-known member of the Sasha-Misha family, deriving from Yakov, the Russian form of Jacob.

One of the most familiar Russian names in the West, thanks to ballet great Mikhail Baryshnikov and state head Mikhail Gorbachev.

Alternative form of Basil that might suit the adventurous.

This sleek form of Constantine is traditional in many European countries, and most popular in German-speaking nations and Russia.

This variation of Theodore is familiar here mostly via the great Russian novelist Dostoyevsky. It was also the name of three early tsars of Russia.

Similar in sound to Sasha, Pasha is a Russian diminutive of the name Pavel, itself a form of Paul. Also used as a title for a high ranking officer in the (now historical) Ottoman military, and as the common name of a type of butterfly, it is a name well-suited for an Easter baby, due to its similarity to the word Pascha.

In Europe, this name is mostly male, but here it's more fashionable for girls. It's a diminutive of Alexander.

Common Russian name of one of that country's most beloved saints, known for his kindness and gentility.

Maksim is a masculine name of Slavic origin, representing the Eastern European form of Maximus, derived from Latin meaning 'greatest' or 'largest.' Particularly popular in Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, and other Slavic countries, Maksim carries connotations of greatness, achievement, and leadership. The name has historic connections to several saints and notable figures throughout Eastern European history. In recent decades, Maksim has gained some international recognition as cultural boundaries blur, though it retains its strong Slavic identity. The spelling with a 'k' rather than an 'x' reflects the Cyrillic alphabet's representation of the sound, giving the name an authentic Eastern European character while remaining accessible to English speakers.

Rolan is a masculine name with multiple possible origins, including as a variation of Roland, which comes from Germanic elements meaning 'fame' and 'land,' referring to someone famous throughout the land. It may also have Slavic roots in some contexts. This concise, strong-sounding name carries heroic associations through the legendary medieval knight Roland, featured prominently in French epic literature. While never reaching mainstream popularity in English-speaking countries, Rolan has maintained a consistent presence, appreciated for its straightforward pronunciation, masculine sound, and cross-cultural adaptability. The name projects qualities of bravery, strength, and adventure while offering a subtle alternative to the more common Roland variation.

Kima is a masculine name with diverse cultural origins. In Swahili, it means "that which is on the hill" or can relate to "one who moves mountains." Some sources connect it to Japanese origins meaning "valuable." In Native American traditions, particularly among certain tribes, Kima can refer to "butterfly." The name has remained relatively uncommon in Western countries, maintaining its distinctive appeal. Its short, melodic sound with balanced consonants and vowels makes it easy to pronounce across languages. While not appearing on most popularity charts, Kima has seen occasional usage as both a given name and nickname, appreciated for its simplicity and cross-cultural resonance.

One of those truly international names, with a similar feel to Roman, Arthur, and Artem, without the popularity, in the US at least. The name is in fact in the Top 50 in Armenia and Bosnia, while it also features in the UK Top 800.

Melor is the name of a Breton saint who in legend was also a prince, suggesting he was the son of a Cornish king (Mylor is the Cornish variation of the name). Melor was said to have a foot and hand made of silver,

The Greek form of Elijah.

Pavel may be widespread in the former Soviet Union, but it has a somewhat impoverished image here.

Strong and attractive form of Cyril.

Unisex name in Israel, ideal for a Hanukkah baby.

A sweet and gentle-sounding Russian name with a sunny meaning, typically nicknamed Tolya in Russia. It can also be written as Anatoli or Anatoliy.