Awesome Russian Names

Selena is smooth, shiny, and sensual, a nineteenth-century name that found new life in the Latino community, following the biopic of slain Tejano singer Selena Quintanilla, starring Jennifer Lopez. But you don't have to be Latin to love Selena, which is both distinctive yet in step with stylish modern names such as Seraphina and Celia.

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

This spelling of Sophia is primarily used in Russia and Armenia.

See SONIA.

Susanna is an old and under-appreciated name, perhaps because of the recent overpopularity of Susan, that is certainly due for a comeback.

Popular Russian name, familiar here via author Svetlana Stalin, the dictator's daughter.

Adding a final a to Tamar lends it a more sensual Slavic tone, making it a more popular choice than the original.

Long integrated into the U. S. name pool but still retaining some Slavic flavor, Tanya feels a bit tired; it's ready for replacement by cooler Russian choices like Sasha, Mischa, or parent name Tatiana.

See NATASHA.

Tatyana, an alternate spelling of the lovely Tatiana, definitely has its followers.

Effortlessly stylish, with plenty of sweetness and strength, Valentina feels like a fresh alternative to Valerie, Victoria, or Vanessa.

An interesting and appealingly international spin on Barbara, with a lot of charm and energy.

Vasilisa is the feminine form of Vasili, the Russian translation of Basil.

Vera was the height of fashion in 1910, then was for a long time difficult to picture embroidered on a baby blanket. Now, though, it has come back into style along with other old-fashioned simple names such as Ada and Iris.

This spelling adds a touch of the unusual to Veronica.

The Viktor form of this classic name is widely used throughout Europe and is rising in the US as well.