Russian Names for Boys

This short form of Ivan just could join the other Russian nickname names coming into fashion, and it does have the Chekhov connection.

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

Musical association with Igor Stravinsky, but also Dr. Frankenstein's right-hand man.

Alternative form of Basil that might suit the adventurous.

Well used in Russia, this is a distinctive and undiscovered choice here. Rodion Romanovich Raskolnikov is the fictional protagonist of Crime and Punishment by Feodor Dostoyevsky.

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

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.

The most famous Vlad was nicknamed "the Impaler." Enough said.

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.

Worldly, artistic and attractive Slavic version of the name of the Greek god of fertility and farming.

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.

Redolent of Khrushchev and la femme.

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

For jet-setting parents or those with many cultural backgrounds, a name that is workable across various languages is often a priority. Natan is a great option, as it is a familiar name in many European countries. It is currently most popular in Poland but seeing significant use in Israel as well.

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.

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

A variation of Alex used in a number of languages, Alek has the cool, solid feel of Erik and Axel. It can also be a name of Greenlandic origin, meaning "harpoon line".

Light and cheerful as its meaning but with plenty of substance, Ilari is the Finnish form of Hilarius and Hillary.