As many names as there are in the world, they all come from a culture or region, which is also something you may want to consider when naming your child. Let’s focus on the Russian culture right now and those of male identity!
From old folk tales to more modern names, here some Russian Boy names for your little son.
Slavic Given Name Meaning: Russian Names for Boys
1. Lyosha: An intricate and common name found among Russian folk tales meaning “one who helps people” and “defending men”. Have your son feel like the kind and strong hero he is with this historical name. Similar names include Alexsei/Alexsey and are used as a nickname for Lyosha at times, Alexsei symbolizing “defender”.
2. Pyotr and Petya: Both older names symbolizing the steady and all mighty rock. Found as a Russian alternative to the name Pete and Peter. Even while being a more common name in North America, it is still linked back to Russian roots.
3. Faddey and Feodar: Faddey being a beautiful classic name meaning “A gift given by God”, and Feodar a “powerful ruler of people”. While not so common names North America, Faddey and Feodar create a very unique presence with its spelling and diversity. This ancient name goes back generations, and has the nickname Fedya, as well as the additional spelling of Fedyor. An English alternative to the name Frederic and Fred.
4. Grisha: A strong name meaning “to be awake and watchful”, giving your child this inner spirit of watchfulness and observation. Similar names include Greogorii, and a very equivalent English name Gregory, Gregorian and Greg.
5. Matvey: With the divine significance of “god rewarded”, Matvey represents this beautiful gift and the child that you’ve had. With the English alternative of Mathew, Matvey creates a lovely difference to the English name by adding uniqueness and simplicity. With a Russian nickname of Motveyka, and an English one of Matt.
6. Ruslan: The strong and proud name Ruslan, symbolizing the majestic “Lion Man”. Nicknames include Rusa, as a simpler and gentler version. Going back centuries, this ancient name dates back to many years ago, and is recognized in the famous Russian poets Pushkin’s poem Ruslan and Liudmila.
7. Alexander/Sasha: While being a very well known name in Russian and English, the name Alexander represents “protector of humanity”, giving this name much care and significance. The name giving anyone a strong presence, as well as many similar names and adjustments, also giving the name considerable flexibility. Nicknames also include Shura and Alex.
8. Vladimir and Volodya: Everybody wants to rule the world, so why wouldn’t you want to have your name mean something as strong as “ruler of the world”. This powerful name shows dignity and stability, and helps anyone feel steady and able. Several nicknames include Vova, Vovchik and Vlad. While being a more traditional and Russian name, Vladimir is still seen and used by North Americans. Have your son feeling like a leader and hold the name of some powerful men that had an impact on our world, like Vladimir Lenin and Vladimir Putin.
9. Yevgeniy: The longer version of the name Geina, and holding the English name of Eugene. Having the gentle and regal meaning “of noble descent”, the name carries a feeling of calm and beauty and holds a sense of patience. While losing popularity as Eugene, the name Yevgeniy is still used often enough as a name. As well as being a male name, by adding an “a” at the end, Yevgeniy turns into the name Yevgeniya, changing to the name Eugenia or Virginia in English.
10. Stanislav: Why not have your son feel like a pop star by giving the spirit and ambition of “becoming famous” with the serious name of Stanislav. With a nickname of Stas, Stanislav makes an important and representable name, known well among the Russian community and even in the English!
With so many options existing in the world, it’s important not to get overwhelmed and make a decision from the heart. It’s important to remember that you can never go wrong with a name and that any name you pick will fit your child!
