Looking for the perfect Russian girl name?
Whether you’re expecting a little princess, creating a character, or simply love Slavic names, Russian names are timeless, meaningful, and often melodious.
From classic and traditional to unique and modern, this guide provides over 120 name ideas, with origins and brief meanings to help you choose.
Why Choose a Russian Girl Name?
Russian names carry:
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Rich history and cultural heritage
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Melodic sounds and elegant pronunciation
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Beautiful meanings (grace, light, wisdom, etc.)
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Versatility—from sweet diminutives to formal full names
Tips for Picking the Right Name
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Match the meaning to your hopes (e.g., light, joy, wisdom)
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Consider pronunciation for international use
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Use diminutives lovingly, like “Sasha” for “Alexandra”
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Blend tradition and uniqueness for a timeless yet fresh name
Popular Russian Girl Names
Classic choices beloved in Russia and beyond:
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Anastasia – “Resurrection”
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Maria – “Wished-for child”
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Olga – “Holy,” “blessed”
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Elena – “Shining light”
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Natalia – “Born on Christmas Day”
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Ekaterina – “Pure”
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Irina – “Peace”
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Anna – “Grace”
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Daria – “Possessing goodness”
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Tatiana – “Fairy queen” or “fairy mom”
Traditional Russian Girl Names
Deep-rooted in Slavic and Orthodox traditions:
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Elizaveta – “God is my oath”
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Vera – “Faith”
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Lyudmila – “People’s love”
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Galina – “Calm, tranquility”
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Marina – “From the sea”
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Vasilisa – “Queenly”
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Nadezhda – “Hope”
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Svetlana – “Spiritual light”
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Yelena – Variant of Elena
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Feodora – “Gift of God”
Modern & Stylish Russian Names
Contemporary yet rooted in heritage:
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Arina – Variant of Irina
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Galiya – “Calm, serenity”
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Milana – “Gracious”
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Veronika – “Bringer of victory”
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Alina – “Bright, beautiful”
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Ksenia – “Hospitable”
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Polina – Short for Apollinaria
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Olesya – “Forest girl”
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Elisa – “God is my salvation”
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Yelisa – Variant of Elisa
Unique Russian Girl Names
Less common but beautiful and meaningful:
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Zlata – “Golden”
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Alisa – Form of Alice
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Lidiya – “From Lydia”
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Vlada – “Rule, power”
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Arisha – Diminutive of Arianna
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Inna – “Strong water”
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Radmila – “Happy, gracious”
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Sveta – Diminutive of Svetlana
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Yanina – “Jehovah is gracious”
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Zoya – “Life”
Classic But Less Common Names
Timeless names that stand out:
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Ekaterina, Elena, Irina, Larisa, Marfa, Militsa, Nina, Raisa, Tamara, Yulia
Sweet & Cute Diminutives
Charming nicknames used affectionately:
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Sasha (Alexandra)
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Masha (Maria)
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Nastya (Anastasia)
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Katya (Ekaterina)
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Lena (Elena)
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Olya (Olga)
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Dasha (Daria)
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Tanya (Tatiana)
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Vika (Victoria)
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Yana (Yanina)
How to Choose the Perfect Russian Girl Name
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Start with meaning—pick something that inspires you
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Say it out loud—does it flow well with the surname?
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Think nicknames—are they cute or easy to shorten?
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Check uniqueness—you may want something less common
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Try blending—e.g. Elena-svetlana combinations for middle names
Conclusion
Russian girl names are a treasure trove of beauty, history, and meaning. Whether you choose a classic like Anastasia, a modern gem like Milana, or a unique pick like Zlata, these names offer timeless elegance and heartfelt significance.
Use this guide to explore beyond the ordinary and find a name that sings—just like her future story.
FAQs
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What’s a timeless Russian girl name?
Ones like Anastasia, Olga, or Svetlana have stood the test of time. -
Can Russian names work internationally?
Absolutely—many have easy pronunciation and beautiful meanings. -
Are diminutives only for informal use?
Usually yes, but many are used as formal given names outside Russia. -
How do I choose a Russian name with meaning?
Focus on meanings you love—faith, light, peace, hope, or life. -
What’s a unique Russian name with strong meaning?
Zlata (“golden”) and Radmila (“happy, gracious”) are lovely unique picks.

I’m the creator of PickGoodName, where I dive into the world of unique and creative name ideas for online platforms, games, pets, and more. Naming things is my passion, and I love helping people find the perfect name that stands out. If you’re looking for something cool, funny, or meaningful So you can explore my amazing articles with unique ideas!