Eastern European Names

Tanya with a G.

Vasily is one of many forms of the Greek Basil, all rare in the US.

An accessible Russian nickname...but could "cost ya".

For such a short, simple name, Pela has many possible derivations and meanings. It's most commonly cited as a short form of Penelope, but can also be a nickname for Pelagia, a name related to the sea.

A cross between Ian and a group of atomic particles.

Philippine would be taken as an ethnic identification rather than a name in the U.S. Better try Philippa, though if you don't mind eternally correcting people, Philippine can make an interesting alternative. Pippa can be a short form of Philippine as well as Philippa.

This very popular Armenian name represents a grandson of Noah, considered the father of the Armenian nation.

Unlike Pamela and Melanie, Mela feels fresh and unusual.

This common Russian name has a somewhat effete pencil-thin-moustached image here.

Short form of the Russian Varvara, a feistier version of Barbara.

Makes Jane anything but plain.

Could be used to honor a Joel.