150 Russian Female Names Unveiled: Meanings, Roots, and Modern Trends

Comprehensive Guide to Russian Female Names: Origins, Meanings, and Cultural Notes

From Anastasia to Zhanna: The Fascinating World of Russian Female Names

Anya

Russian Transliteration: Аня
Origin: Russian, diminutive of Anna
Meaning: “Grace,” “favor”
Note: Commonly used as a nickname for Anna in Russian-speaking countries, often used as a standalone name internationally.

Anastasia

Russian Transliteration: Анастасия
Origin: Greek
Meaning: “Resurrection”
Note: A classic and royal name in Russian culture, associated with the daughter of the last Tsar of Russia.

Alina

Russian Transliteration: Алина
Origin: Slavic and possibly Greek
Meaning: “Bright,” “beautiful,” or “noble”
Note: Popular in Russia and other Slavic countries; may have multiple origins.

Alisa

Russian Transliteration: Алиса
Origin: Germanic
Meaning: “Noble kind”
Note: The Russian form of Alice, often associated with warmth and charm.

Alla

Russian Transliteration: Алла
Origin: Old German or Hebrew
Meaning: “Other” or “goddess”
Note: A rare name, yet recognized in Russian-speaking cultures.

Angelina

Russian Transliteration: Ангелина
Origin: Greek
Meaning: “Messenger” or “angelic”
Note: A name associated with beauty and spirituality.

Arina

Russian Transliteration: Арина
Origin: Greek
Meaning: “Peace” (from the Greek name Eirene)
Note: A common variation of Irina in Russia.

Avdotya

Russian Transliteration: Авдотья
Origin: Greek (from Evdokia)
Meaning: “Good will” or “benevolence”
Note: A traditional and now uncommon name in modern Russia.

Bella

Russian Transliteration: Белла
Origin: Latin
Meaning: “Beautiful”
Note: Common in many languages, often used as a standalone or a diminutive.

Bronislava

Russian Transliteration: Бронислава
Origin: Slavic
Meaning: “Glorious protector”
Note: A traditional Slavic name with historical significance.

Christina

Russian Transliteration: Кристина
Origin: Greek
Meaning: “Follower of Christ”
Note: Widely used in Russian and other Christian cultures.

Dasha

Russian Transliteration: Даша
Origin: Russian, diminutive of Daria
Meaning: “Wealthy,” “gift”
Note: Popular as a standalone name in Russia, though technically a diminutive.

Diana

Russian Transliteration: Диана
Origin: Latin
Meaning: “Divine”
Note: Associated with the Roman goddess of the hunt, widely recognized internationally.

Ekaterina

Russian Transliteration: Екатерина
Origin: Greek
Meaning: “Pure”
Note: A formal and traditional name in Russia, often shortened to Katya or Kat.

Elena

Russian Transliteration: Елена
Origin: Greek
Meaning: “Shining light,” “bright”
Note: Commonly shortened to Lena in Russian-speaking countries.

Elvira

Russian Transliteration: Эльвира
Origin: Germanic
Meaning: “Truth,” “white”
Note: A name with both Spanish and Russian popularity.

Emilia

Russian Transliteration: Эмилия
Origin: Latin
Meaning: “Rival” or “industrious”
Note: Similar in usage to the name Amelia, with subtle linguistic differences.

Evdokia

Russian Transliteration: Евдокия
Origin: Greek
Meaning: “Good will,” “benevolence”
Note: A traditional name, less commonly used today.

Evgenia

Russian Transliteration: Евгения
Origin: Greek
Meaning: “Noble,” “well-born”
Note: A classic Russian name with modern diminutives like Zhenya.

Galina

Russian Transliteration: Галина
Origin: Greek
Meaning: “Calm,” “serenity”
Note: A popular name among older generations in Russia, though less common for younger women.

Glafira

Russian Transliteration: Глафира
Origin: Greek
Meaning: “Elegant,” “refined”
Note: A rare and old-fashioned name in Russia.

Irina

Russian Transliteration: Ирина
Origin: Greek
Meaning: “Peace”
Note: Widely used in Russia, with diminutives like Ira.

Inna

Russian Transliteration: Инна
Origin: Slavic or Greek
Meaning: Possibly “strong water” or “innocent”
Note: An ancient name with both pagan and Christian associations.

Isa

Russian Transliteration: Иса
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: “God is salvation”
Note: Rare in Russia, more common as a nickname in other cultures.

Katia

Russian Transliteration: Катя
Origin: Diminutive of Ekaterina
Meaning: “Pure”
Note: Popular as a diminutive and standalone name internationally.

Kira

Russian Transliteration: Кира
Origin: Greek or Persian
Meaning: “Lady,” “ruler,” or “sun”
Note: A versatile name with noble connotations.

Kristina

Russian Transliteration: Кристина
Origin: Greek
Meaning: “Follower of Christ”
Note: A modern and international variation of Christina.

Larisa

Russian Transliteration: Лариса
Origin: Greek
Meaning: Possibly “citadel” or “seagull”
Note: Common in Russian-speaking countries, associated with classical beauty.

Lidia

Russian Transliteration: Лидия
Origin: Greek
Meaning: “Woman from Lydia”
Note: A biblical name with enduring appeal in Russia.

Lika

Russian Transliteration: Лика
Origin: Short form of Angelika or other similar names
Meaning: Derived from “angelic” or “messenger” (if from Angelika)
Note: A diminutive or standalone name, popular for its soft and approachable sound.

Lilya

Russian Transliteration: Лиля
Origin: Derived from Latin lilium (lily flower)
Meaning: “Lily,” symbolizing purity and beauty
Note: Often a diminutive of Lilia or Liliana.

Lyudmila

Russian Transliteration: Людмила
Origin: Slavic
Meaning: “Loved by the people”
Note: A traditional name with historical significance in Slavic folklore.

Margarita

Russian Transliteration: Маргарита
Origin: Greek
Meaning: “Pearl”
Note: A formal name in Russia, with diminutives like Rita.

Maria

Russian Transliteration: Мария
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: “Bitter,” “beloved,” or “wished-for child”
Note: One of the most common and enduring names in Russian culture.

Marina

Russian Transliteration: Марина
Origin: Latin
Meaning: “Of the sea”
Note: Popular and evocative of the ocean’s beauty.

Masha

Russian Transliteration: Маша
Origin: Diminutive of Maria
Meaning: “Bitter,” “beloved,” or “wished-for child”
Note: Endearing and widely used as a nickname in Russia.

Maya

Russian Transliteration: Майя
Origin: Greek, Latin, or Sanskrit
Meaning: “Illusion,” “spring,” or “great”
Note: A name with diverse origins and meanings, often tied to nature.

Milana

Russian Transliteration: Милана
Origin: Slavic
Meaning: “Gracious,” “dear,” or “loved”
Note: A modern and elegant name with growing popularity.

Milena

Russian Transliteration: Милена
Origin: Slavic
Meaning: “Gracious,” “beloved”
Note: A softer and more poetic variation of Milana.

Nadezhda

Russian Transliteration: Надежда
Origin: Slavic
Meaning: “Hope”
Note: A traditional and virtuous name, often shortened to Nadya.

Natalia

Russian Transliteration: Наталия
Origin: Latin
Meaning: “Christmas Day,” “born on Christmas”
Note: A classic Russian name with diminutives like Natasha.

Nina

Russian Transliteration: Нина
Origin: Possibly Greek, Assyrian, or Spanish
Meaning: “Grace,” “dreamer,” or “great-granddaughter”
Note: A widely-used name across cultures, with a simple and timeless charm.

Nika

Russian Transliteration: Ника
Origin: Greek
Meaning: “Victory”
Note: Often associated with the Greek goddess Nike, symbolizing strength and triumph.

Olga

Russian Transliteration: Ольга
Origin: Old Norse
Meaning: “Holy,” “blessed”
Note: A name with deep roots in Russian history and culture.

Polina

Russian Transliteration: Полина
Origin: Greek or Latin
Meaning: “Little stone” or “belonging to Apollo”
Note: A fashionable name in Russia, derived from Apollinaria.

Raisa

Russian Transliteration: Раиса
Origin: Greek or Hebrew
Meaning: “Carefree” or “rose”
Note: Has both Russian and Arabic associations, adding to its global appeal.

Regina

Russian Transliteration: Регина
Origin: Latin
Meaning: “Queen”
Note: A regal and elegant name used internationally.

Rita

Russian Transliteration: Рита
Origin: Short form of Margarita
Meaning: “Pearl”
Note: A chic and modern diminutive often used as a standalone name.

Sofia

Russian Transliteration: София
Origin: Greek
Meaning: “Wisdom”
Note: A highly popular name in Russia and globally, associated with intelligence and grace.

Svetlana

Russian Transliteration: Светлана
Origin: Slavic
Meaning: “Light,” “luminescent”
Note: A traditional Slavic name often shortened to Sveta.

Tatiana

Russian Transliteration: Татьяна
Origin: Roman (Latin)
Meaning: “Belonging to the house of Tatius”
Note: A name of Roman origin with strong ties to Russian culture, often shortened to Tanya.

Uliana

Russian Transliteration: Ульяна
Origin: Latin
Meaning: “Youthful” (a variation of Juliana)
Note: A less common yet elegant name in Russia.

Valeria

Russian Transliteration: Валерия
Origin: Latin
Meaning: “Strong,” “healthy”
Note: A sophisticated and modern name with widespread appeal.

Valentina

Russian Transliteration: Валентина
Origin: Latin
Meaning: “Healthy,” “strong”
Note: A name of endearment and strength, associated with St. Valentine.

Vera

Russian Transliteration: Вера
Origin: Slavic
Meaning: “Faith”
Note: One of the virtuous names in Russia, symbolizing religious devotion.

Victoria

Russian Transliteration: Виктория
Origin: Latin
Meaning: “Victory”
Note: A regal and timeless name, often shortened to Vika.

Violetta

Russian Transliteration: Виолетта
Origin: Latin
Meaning: “Violet flower”
Note: A romantic and artistic name, associated with nature and beauty.

Zhanna

Russian Transliteration: Жанна
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: “God is gracious”
Note: A Russian variation of Jeanne or Joan, often tied to faith.

Alexandra

Russian Transliteration: Александра
Origin: Greek
Meaning: “Defender of the people”
Note: A strong, royal name with diminutives like Sasha.

Alice

Russian Transliteration: Алиса
Origin: Germanic
Meaning: “Noble kind”
Note: A modern and charming name, similar to the English Alice.

Alena

Russian Transliteration: Алёна
Origin: Slavic
Meaning: “Torch” or “shining light”
Note: A diminutive of Yelena, now often used as a standalone name.

Amelia

Russian Transliteration: Амелия
Origin: Germanic
Meaning: “Work,” “industrious”
Note: A name with growing popularity in Russia and internationally.

Angela

Russian Transliteration: Ангела
Origin: Greek
Meaning: “Messenger” or “angelic”
Note: Shares origins with Angelina but is slightly less common.

Anna

Russian Transliteration: Анна
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: “Grace,” “favor”
Note: One of the oldest and most enduring names in Russian culture.

Asya

Russian Transliteration: Ася
Origin: Diminutive of Anastasia
Meaning: “Resurrection”
Note: A playful and affectionate nickname, often used as a standalone name.

Barbara

Russian Transliteration: Варвара
Origin: Greek
Meaning: “Foreigner,” “stranger”
Note: A formal name with diminutives like Varya in Russian.

Clara

Russian Transliteration: Клара
Origin: Latin
Meaning: “Clear,” “bright”
Note: A name with international usage, representing clarity and brilliance.

Eva

Russian Transliteration: Ева
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: “Life”
Note: A simple, elegant name associated with vitality.

Evdokiya

Russian Transliteration: Евдокия
Origin: Greek
Meaning: “Good will,” “benevolence”
Note: A traditional Russian name, sometimes modernized to Avdotya.

Evgenia

Russian Transliteration: Евгения
Origin: Greek
Meaning: “Noble,” “well-born”
Note: Often shortened to Zhenya, a common name with noble connotations.

Galina

Russian Transliteration: Галина
Origin: Greek
Meaning: “Calm,” “serenity”
Note: A name popular in older generations in Russia but still appreciated for its classical sound.

Glafira

Russian Transliteration: Глафира
Origin: Greek
Meaning: “Elegant,” “refined”
Note: An old-fashioned and rare name in modern Russia.

Irina

Russian Transliteration: Ирина
Origin: Greek
Meaning: “Peace”
Note: A timeless Russian name with diminutives like Ira.

Inna

Russian Transliteration: Инна
Origin: Slavic or Greek
Meaning: Possibly “strong water” or “innocent”
Note: An ancient name with both Christian and pagan roots.

Isa

Russian Transliteration: Иса
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: “God is salvation”
Note: Rare in Russia but more common as a nickname elsewhere.

Katia

Russian Transliteration: Катя
Origin: Diminutive of Ekaterina
Meaning: “Pure”
Note: Often used internationally as a standalone name.

Kira

Russian Transliteration: Кира
Origin: Greek or Persian
Meaning: “Lady,” “ruler,” or “sun”
Note: A versatile name with both ancient and modern appeal.

Kristina

Russian Transliteration: Кристина
Origin: Greek
Meaning: “Follower of Christ”
Note: A modern and widely recognized name.

Larisa

Russian Transliteration: Лариса
Origin: Greek
Meaning: Possibly “citadel” or “seagull”
Note: Associated with elegance and classical beauty.

Lidia

Russian Transliteration: Лидия
Origin: Greek
Meaning: “Woman from Lydia”
Note: A biblical and historical name, well-loved in Russia.

Maria

Russian Transliteration: Мария
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: “Bitter,” “beloved,” or “wished-for child”
Note: A classic Russian name with religious and cultural significance.

Milena

Russian Transliteration: Милена
Origin: Slavic
Meaning: “Gracious,” “beloved”
Note: A melodic name often associated with kindness.

Nadezhda

Russian Transliteration: Надежда
Origin: Slavic
Meaning: “Hope”
Note: A virtuous name often shortened to Nadya.

Nina

Russian Transliteration: Нина
Origin: Greek, Assyrian, or Spanish
Meaning: “Grace,” “dreamer,” or “great-granddaughter”
Note: A name with timeless simplicity.

Olga

Russian Transliteration: Ольга
Origin: Old Norse
Meaning: “Holy,” “blessed”
Note: A name deeply rooted in Russian history.

Raisa

Russian Transliteration: Раиса
Origin: Greek or Hebrew
Meaning: “Carefree” or “rose”
Note: A name with both Russian and Arabic ties.

Sofia

Russian Transliteration: София
Origin: Greek
Meaning: “Wisdom”
Note: A highly popular name across cultures.

Tatiana

Russian Transliteration: Татьяна
Origin: Roman (Latin)
Meaning: “Belonging to the house of Tatius”
Note: A strong and historical Russian name.

Valentina

Russian Transliteration: Валентина
Origin: Latin
Meaning: “Healthy,” “strong”
Note: A name of strength and elegance.

Vera

Russian Transliteration: Вера
Origin: Slavic
Meaning: “Faith”
Note: One of the virtuous names symbolizing deep belief.

Victoria

Russian Transliteration: Виктория
Origin: Latin
Meaning: “Victory”
Note: A regal and timeless name with international appeal.

Violetta

Russian Transliteration: Виолетта
Origin: Latin
Meaning: “Violet flower”
Note: A romantic and artistic name symbolizing beauty.

Name	Transliteration	Origin	Meaning	Note
Alexandra	Александра	Greek	“Defender of the people”	Strong, royal name with diminutives like Sasha.
Alice	Алиса	Germanic	“Noble kind”	Modern and charming name similar to the English Alice.
Alla	Алла	Germanic or Hebrew	“Other” or “ascend”	A unique and melodic name.
Alena	Алёна	Slavic	“Torch,” “shining light”	Diminutive of Yelena, often used as a standalone name.
Alina	Алина	Slavic, Greek	“Bright,” “beautiful”	Associated with nobility and charm.
Amelia	Амелия	Germanic	“Work,” “industrious”	Growing in popularity in Russia and internationally.
Anastasia	Анастасия	Greek	“Resurrection”	Elegant and royal, diminutives include Nastya.
Angela	Ангела	Greek	“Messenger,” “angelic”	Related to Angelina, though slightly less common.
Anna	Анна	Hebrew	“Grace,” “favor”	Timeless and widely used in Russian and global cultures.
Anya	Аня	Diminutive of Anna	“Grace,” “favor”	Affectionate and approachable form of Anna.
Arina	Арина	Greek	“Peace”	A variant of Irina, with a softer modern tone.
Asya	Ася	Diminutive of Anastasia	“Resurrection”	A playful and affectionate diminutive often used independently.
Barbara	Варвара	Greek	“Foreigner,” “stranger”	Often shortened to Varya, formal and historical in tone.
Bella	Белла	Italian/Latin	“Beautiful”	Popular, stylish name linked to beauty.
Bronislava	Бронислава	Slavic	“Glorious defender”	Rare and traditional with historical depth.
Christina	Кристина	Greek	“Follower of Christ”	Modern and internationally recognized.
Clara	Клара	Latin	“Clear,” “bright”	Represents clarity and brilliance, often tied to elegance.
Dasha	Даша	Diminutive of Daria	“Possessor of good”	A lively and affectionate diminutive.
Diana	Диана	Roman	“Divine”	Associated with the Roman goddess of the hunt and moon.
Ekaterina	Екатерина	Greek	“Pure”	Formal and classic, often shortened to Katya.
Elena	Елена	Greek	“Shining light,” “torch”	Timeless, often shortened to Lena.
Elvira	Эльвира	Gothic/Spanish	“Truth,” “white”	Elegant and somewhat exotic name in Russian culture.
Emilia	Эмилия	Latin	“Rival,” “industrious”	Gaining popularity in modern times.
Eva	Ева	Hebrew	“Life”	Simple, elegant, and deeply rooted in tradition.
Evdokia	Евдокия	Greek	“Good will,” “benevolence”	Rare and traditional, sometimes modernized as Avdotya.
Evgenia	Евгения	Greek	“Noble,” “well-born”	Often shortened to Zhenya, widely loved.
Galina	Галина	Greek	“Calm,” “serenity”	Classical, popular in older generations.
Glafira	Глафира	Greek	“Elegant,” “refined”	Old-fashioned and rare in modern Russia.
Irina	Ирина	Greek	“Peace”	Timeless name with a strong, serene feel.
Inna	Инна	Slavic or Greek	“Strong water” or “innocent”	Has ancient Christian and pagan roots.
Isa	Иса	Hebrew	“God is salvation”	Rare in Russia, more common as a nickname globally.
Katia	Катя	Diminutive of Ekaterina	“Pure”	Used internationally as a standalone name.
Kira	Кира	Greek or Persian	“Lady,” “ruler,” “sun”	A name with ancient origins and modern appeal.
Kristina	Кристина	Greek	“Follower of Christ”	Common yet stylish in Russia.

Name	Transliteration	Origin	Meaning	Note
Larisa	Лариса	Greek	“Citadel” or “seagull”	Associated with elegance and classical beauty.
Lidia	Лидия	Greek	“Woman from Lydia”	Biblical and historical, timelessly appreciated.
Lika	Лика	Slavic	“Face,” “image”	Often a diminutive of Angelika or Vladislava, sweet and informal.
Lilya	Лиля	Latin	“Lily flower”	A graceful and nature-inspired name.
Lyudmila	Людмила	Slavic	“Loved by the people”	Traditional, often shortened to Mila.
Margarita	Маргарита	Latin	“Pearl”	Elegant and classic, with international appeal.
Maria	Мария	Hebrew	“Bitter,” “beloved,” “wished-for child”	One of the most enduring and religiously significant names.
Marina	Марина	Latin	“Of the sea”	Often associated with calmness and natural beauty.
Masha	Маша	Diminutive of Maria	“Bitter,” “beloved”	A popular affectionate form of Maria.
Maya	Майя	Greek or Sanskrit	“Illusion” or “mother”	Multifaceted origins, often tied to creativity.
Milana	Милана	Slavic	“Gracious,” “dear”	Melodic and modern, with growing popularity.
Milena	Милена	Slavic	“Gracious,” “beloved”	Close in meaning to Milana, with a tender tone.
Nadezhda	Надежда	Slavic	“Hope”	Virtuous name often shortened to Nadya.
Natalia	Наталия	Latin	“Christmas Day”	A widely loved name with diminutives like Natasha.
Nina	Нина	Greek, Assyrian, or Spanish	“Grace,” “dreamer,” or “great-granddaughter”	A simple, timeless choice.
Nika	Ника	Greek	“Victory”	A modern and dynamic name with strong associations.
Olga	Ольга	Old Norse	“Holy,” “blessed”	Deeply rooted in Russian history and tradition.
Polina	Полина	Greek	“Little stone” or “humble”	A variation of Apollinaria, widely used in modern Russia.
Raisa	Раиса	Greek or Hebrew	“Carefree” or “rose”	A name with dual cultural ties and charm.
Regina	Регина	Latin	“Queen”	Regal and sophisticated with international recognition.
Rita	Рита	Diminutive of Margarita	“Pearl”	A friendly and concise version of Margarita.
Sofia	София	Greek	“Wisdom”	A highly popular name symbolizing intelligence and grace.
Svetlana	Светлана	Slavic	“Light,” “luminescent”	A traditional name often shortened to Sveta.
Tatiana	Татьяна	Roman (Latin)	“Belonging to the house of Tatius”	Strong and historical, often shortened to Tanya.
Uliana	Ульяна	Latin	“Youthful”	Elegant and less common, a variation of Juliana.
Valeria	Валерия	Latin	“Strong,” “healthy”	A sophisticated and modern name with wide appeal.
Valentina	Валентина	Latin	“Healthy,” “strong”	A name of endearment and strength, linked to St. Valentine.
Vera	Вера	Slavic	“Faith”	One of the virtuous names symbolizing deep belief.
Victoria	Виктория	Latin	“Victory”	A regal and timeless name with international appeal.
Violetta	Виолетта	Latin	“Violet flower”	Romantic and artistic, symbolizing nature and beauty.
Zhanna	Жанна	Hebrew	“God is gracious”	Russian variation of Jeanne or Joan, tied to faith.