Russian Names

Nice, bouncy three-syllable rhythm, à la Jeremy and Barnaby.

In an English-speaking country, stick with Eugenia.

One of the many international variations of the classic Helen.

Madelina is the Madeline equivalent used in many European cultures. While it's a simple and melodic name, like its mother name it can lead to lots of spelling and pronunciation problems. The first syllable may be "may" or rhyme with dad; last two syllables pronounce lee-na, though of course some will inevitably say lye-na. Only a handful of girls received this name in the US last year, making it a distinctive and pretty classic, but don't choose it ignoring its very real down side.

Popular in Poland, Moldova, Romania, and Russia, and familiar in the UK too, Bogdan is a rugged and strong sounding choice with a similar meaning to US favorite Theodore. Made up of the Slavic elements bogŭ and danŭ, it means "gift from God".

A not as appealing variation on an attractive original.

An epithet of Lord Vishnu in Hindu legend.

Better: Irina.