96 Spirited Russian Baby Unisex Names With Meanings

Legacy and modernity through these shortened forms.

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Last Updated on Aug 23, 2024

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The Russian naming system has undergone years of changes and developments. It went from choosing Orthodox names of Saints with origins in Greek, Hebrew, Swedish, and Slavic to names inspired by revolutionary figures. Russian names are often gendered, but with the introduction of ‘short names’ or ‘half names,’ many of these are considered unisex names. For example, the diminutive Sasha is taken from masculine and feminine names, Aleksandr or Alexander and Aleksandra or Alexandra. Other examples of unisex names, such as Zenya or Zheyna, mean ‘welcoming’ or ‘hospitable’ and are taken from the masculine Yevgeniy and the feminine Yevgeniya. Valya, meaning ‘strong,’ ‘vigorous,’ and ‘healthy,’ is a short name of Valentina and Valentin.

The Russian naming structure follows the pattern of a first name, a patronymic name and a surname. Usually, the patronymic name ends with a suffix that denotes the bearer’s gender. For boys, the patronymic name is the father’s name followed by the suffix ‘vich,’ ‘evich,’ or ‘ovich.’ As for girls, the patronymic is the father’s name followed by ‘avna,’ ‘ovna,’ or ‘evna.’ Dive into this versatile list of Russian unisex names to discover the best fit for your baby.

Name	Gender	Meaning
Kira	Girl	Throne; Lord; Young; Humiliator of the enemy; Sunbeam; Ray of light; Sparkling
Kenya	Girl	Mountain of white; The one having stripes; Animal horn; Wise; Intelligent
Aanya	Girl	Compassion; God's favor; Inexhuastible; Gracious; Strength; Power
Yuri	Unisex	Lily; Light
Vanya	Girl	Gracious gift of God
Lukah	Unisex	Bringer of light; Light giving
Mishka	Unisex	Gift of God
Ilya	Unisex	God is my Lord
Kodiak	Boy	Island
Yulian	Unisex	Youthful and light-hearted

Sanya	Girl	Brilliant; Splendid; Defender of men
Elya	Boy	My God is Yahweh; Eagle; Sky; Heaven
Mischa	Girl	Who is like God
Sania	Girl	Brilliant; Splendid; Defending men
Alekai	Unisex	Protector; Defender
Aleks	Boy	Defender of men
Sascha	Boy	Defender; Protector of mankind
Milaya	Unisex	Sweetheart; Darling
Yaroslav	Unisex	Fierce; Glorious
Kamir	Unisex	Perfect

Adya	Girl	First power; Unrivalled; Beyond perception; Epithet of Goddess Kali and Lord Shiva; Serving Yahweh; To relinquish
Sevastian	Unisex	Victorious, honorable, strong
Prim	Girl	First; Very first; First rose
Marlen	Boy	Sea of bitterness; Rebelliousness; Wished for child; Beloved; Love; A woman from Magdala
Dima	Boy	Downpour; Earth mother
Nikol	Unisex	Victorious; People's victory
Zenya	Unisex	Welcoming; Hospitable
Dari	Girl	One who keeps things well; Graceful;
Vitaly	Unisex	Full of life
Zoria	Unisex	Dawn; Morning light

Rodina	Unisex	Family or homeland
Nil	Boy	Cloud; Champion; From the Nile river
Yanina	Unisex	God is gracious
Jeniya	Unisex	God is gracious
Valek	Unisex	Strength, power, protector
Lenaya	Unisex	Light or torch
Mishay	Girl	Who is like God
Kesha	Girl	Innocent; Cinnamon or cassia; Whey; Christian priest
Jenia	Unisex	Noble; Well-born
Senya	Unisex	Bright as the sun; From Japan

Zedd	Unisex	Energetic, innovative, unique
Aizel	Unisex	Unique; Strong
Youri	Unisex	Farmer or earthworker
Nastasha	Unisex	Graceful; Strong; Determined
Olesya	Unisex	Pristine beauty
Alleya	Unisex	Exalted; Sublime
Neia	Unisex	Full of hope
Tosha	Girl	Christmas Day; Flower
Ronya	Girl	True image; Bringing victory; Roman; Song of god; Joy of god
Alesya	Unisex	Noble; Graceful; Beautiful

Nastassia	Unisex	Resurrection or Rebirth
Makara	Girl	Blessed; January; Crocodile; Capricornus constellation
Sochi	Unisex	Blessed; Joyful
Novaya	Unisex	New
Zhanna	Unisex	Gift of God
Onya	Unisex	Honorable
Nadin	Girl	Hope; Noble; Generous
Bubley	Unisex	One who is from Babylon; A surname
Jeramie	Unisex	God will uplift
Jeramy	Unisex	God will uplift

Micha	Unisex	Who is like God
Misha	Unisex	Who is like God
Nika	Unisex	People's victory
Sasha	Unisex	Defender; Helper of mankind
Tanis	Unisex	Serpent lady
Tasha	Unisex	Christ's birthday
Tiana	Unisex	An aunt; Princess
Tonya	Unisex	Priceless
Ira	Unisex	Watchful
Valentin	Unisex	Strength; Health

Valery	Unisex	Strength; Health
Dascha	Unisex	Gift of God
Erlan	Unisex	Son of noble heritage
Go	Unisex	Movement, energy, progress
Rhodie	Unisex	Vibrant, unique, and spirited
Malishka	Unisex	Little one; Small girl
Kiska	Unisex	Pure
Gosha	Unisex	Farmer; Earth worker
Orlyn	Unisex	Eagle; Light
Gresha	Unisex	Watchful; Alert

Zvezda	Unisex	Star
Zhora	Unisex	Dawn; Daybreak
Feya	Unisex	Fairy; Enchanted
Fima	Unisex	Good speech; Well spoken
Zathura	Unisex	Mysterious; Adventurous; Otherworldly
Leika	Unisex	Reward; Gift; Child of heaven
Ulya	Unisex	High; Elevated
Aniska	Unisex	Unique; Mystical; Graceful
Gorky	Unisex	The bitter one
Ellya	Unisex	God is my salvation

Nikel	Unisex	Victory of the people
Sambo	Unisex	God has heard
Ilin	Unisex	Masculine variant of Ilina
Irya	Unisex	Powerful; Energetic
Norvina	Unisex	To work
Ilyena	Unisex	Torch; Bright

Russian unisex names reflect the richness of the country's linguistic diversity. These names provide a glimpse into the dynamic and evolving nature of Russian identity. What is interesting about Russian names is that even if you choose a unisex personal name, the patronymic name can still indicate the bearer's gender through the suffix. These can help provide deeper insights into Russian heritage. Whether you are drawn to the strength of Valya or the hospitality of Zenya, exploring Russian unisex names can be a meaningful journey in the search for your little one’s identity.

Infographic: Russian Unisex Names For Your Malysh

Russian unisex names are derived or inspired by many sources, including other longer names. Firmly rooted in tradition and culture, each Russian name bears an important meaning. Take a look at the Russian names in the infographic below that you can use for your son or daughter.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are some traditional Russian unisex names?

Traditional Russian unisex names, though not common, do exist and often derive from diminutives or variations of more familiar names. Some examples include Sasha, a diminutive of Alexander or Alexandra, meaning ‘defending men,’ Misha, the Russian diminutive of Mikhail, translating to ‘who is like God?’ or Valentin, a form of Valentinus, meaning ‘strong’ or ‘health.’ These names are often used informally and can be affectionate nicknames among friends and family. While the full versions of these names are typically gender-specific, the shortened forms provide a versatile option for use across genders.

2. Who are some famous people with Russian unisex names?

Several famous individuals have Russian unisex names. The most popular Russian unisex name, Sasha, can be found in the middle name of Aleksandra 'Sasha' Igorevna Pivovarova, a Russian model and artist best known as Prada's longest-appearing fashion model. Similarly, the Russian unisex name Misha refers to Dmitri 'Misha' Collins, an American actor best known for his role in the television series Supernatural.

Look Up For Many More Names

Do you have a name in mind and want to know more about it? Or want to find names belonging to a particular origin, religion, or having a specific meaning? Use our search tool below to explore more baby names with different combinations.

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