Awesome Russian Names
- Viktoriya
- Yana
Origin:
Slavic variation of Jana, feminine variation of JohnMeaning:
"God is gracious"Description:
A Slavic classic, as common as Jane or Joan here. If you live in an Anglophone culture and you want it pronounced with a Y sound at the beginning, use the Y spelling.
- Yekaterina
Origin:
Russian variation of KatherineDescription:
An intriguing, elaborate form of Catherine, although the similar Ekaterina may be more usable in Anglophone countries.
- Yelena
Origin:
Russian variation of HelenMeaning:
"bright, shining one"Description:
One of many international versions of this classic.
- Yelizaveta
Description:
Yelizaveta is the Slavic form of Elizabeth, a feminine name with deep historical roots. Particularly common in Russian, Ukrainian, and Belarusian cultures, this elegant variation maintains the Hebrew origins meaning 'God is my oath' or 'God's promise.' The name carries royal associations throughout Eastern European history, including connection to Russian empresses. Yelizaveta offers numerous nickname possibilities, including Liza, Veta, and Yeya. While maintaining popularity in Slavic countries, it remains relatively uncommon in Western nations, giving it an exotic appeal. The name's rhythmic four syllables create a melodious quality that showcases its Eastern European heritage. For diaspora families, it serves as a meaningful connection to Slavic roots while offering the familiar foundation of the internationally recognized Elizabeth.
- Yeva
Origin:
Russian and Armenian variation of Eve, HebrewMeaning:
"life"Description:
A Top 10 name in Moscow. In Russian, the emphasis is put on the first syllable.
- Yulia
Origin:
Russian, variation of Yuliya, cognate of JuliaMeaning:
"youth"Description:
This is the Armenian version of the familia Julia, which has a rich and evocative sound. Other variations are Iuliya, and the diminitive Yulya.
- Yuliana
Origin:
Russian variation of Juliana, LatinMeaning:
"youthful or sky father"Description:
Julia is a name that's ancient and hallowed enough to not only have many variations, but for its variations to have variations. Juliana has been consistently used in the US and Europe, sometimes spelled Julianna. Yuliana or Yulianna is the Russian version. That Y at the beginning makes the name sound distinctly more exotic in the US.
- Yuri
Origin:
Russian variation of GeorgeDescription:
Common Russian name familiarized here via cosmonaut Yury Gagarin and a character in Dr. Zhivago, but we don't see it ever gaining permanent resident status.
- Zhanna
Origin:
Russian variation of JaneDescription:
Makes Jane anything but plain.
- Zoya
Origin:
Russian and Greek variation of Zoe, GreekMeaning:
"life"Description:
Now that Zoe is getting wildly popular in the U.S. and the U.K. -- one poll puts it at number one in Wales -- parents may start hunting down fresh twists like this.