93 Spirited Russian Baby Unisex Names With Meanings

Legacy and modernity through these shortened forms.

Written by Benidamika J Latam, MA, MSc Specialty: Psychology and RelationshipsExperience: 2 years

Benidamika holds a masters degree in Counseling Psychology from Assam Don Bosco University and another masters degree in English Literature from North Eastern Hill University. At MomJunction, Benidamika writes on human psychology and relationships.

Read full bio of Benidamika J Latam

Edited by Shikha Thakur, MBA Specialty: Relationships and Baby NamesExperience: 7 years

Shikha is a writer-turned-editor at MomJunction, with over seven years of experience in the field of content. Having done a certification in Relationship Coaching, her core interest lies in writing articles that guide couples through their courtship to marriage and parenthood.

Read full bio of Shikha Thakur

Fact-checked by Shinta Liz Sunny, M.Tech Specialty: Health & WellnessExperience: 4 years

Shinta is a biotechnologist who is highly intrigued by science and technology. She holds a master's degree in Biotechnology from Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences and a PG Diploma in cellular and molecular diagnostics from Manipal University.

Read full bio of Shinta Liz Sunny

Last Updated on Nov 26, 2024

Illustration: MomJunction Design Team

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
Vada	Girl	Famous ruler; Snow-capped; High cliff; Evening; Knowledge
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	Earthworker; Farmer; Lily; Permanence; Village; Dawn
Vanya	Girl	Gracious gift of God
Kodiak	Boy	Island
Sanya	Girl	Brilliant; Splendid; Defender of men
Elya	Boy	My God is Yahweh; Eagle; Sky; Heaven
Veera	Unisex	A strong and brave person; Faith

Mischa	Girl	Who is like God
Sania	Girl	Brilliant; Splendid; Defending men
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
Kodak	Unisex	Island
Sevastian	Unisex	From Sebaste; Venerable

Prim	Girl	First; Very first; First rose
Marlen	Boy	Sea of bitterness; Rebelliousness; Wished for child; Beloved; Love; A woman from Magdala
Aveera	Unisex	Air; Spirit; Treetop; Father of many; Elf ruler
Dima	Boy	Downpour; Earth mother
Dari	Girl	One who keeps things well; Graceful;
Yul	Boy	Downy-bearded; Spirit; Heart
Mosha	Unisex	Gift from God; Mother; Rebellious; Sea of bitterness
Rollins	Unisex	Famous land; Renowned land
Rodina	Unisex	Family or homeland
Nil	Boy	Cloud; Champion; From the Nile river

Vira	Unisex	Strong and powerful; Faith; Friendly; Agreeable
Renya	Unisex	Queen; Lotus; Night
Sinay	Unisex	Holy mountain
Jeniya	Unisex	God is gracious
Valek	Unisex	Strength, power, protector
Deshan	Unisex	Yahweh is gracious
Vannia	Unisex	God is gracious; Son of Bani
Mishay	Girl	Who is like God
Kesha	Girl	Innocent; Cinnamon or cassia; Whey; Christian priest
Rem	Unisex	Revolution; Famous Counsel; Famous Advice; Famous Decision; Twin; In place; Good

Senya	Unisex	Many nights; Listening; Foreign voice; Hospitality
Talik	Unisex	Intimacy; Delight; Enjoyment
Veira	Unisex	A strong and brave person; Faith
Vlada	Unisex	To rule and control
Tosha	Girl	Christmas Day; Flower
Ronya	Girl	True image; Bringing victory; Roman; Song of god; Joy of god
Akeema	Unisex	Yahweh will establish; Yahweh raises up; Wise
Iraa	Unisex	Hero; Fern; Wind; Earth; Speech; Watchful; Peace
Akima	Unisex	God will establish; Autumn; Truth; Genuine
Makara	Girl	Blessed; January; Crocodile; Capricornus constellation

Onya	Unisex	Honorable
Vaniya	Unisex	God is gracious; Of the woods; Of the forest; Greenish
Nadin	Girl	Hope; Noble; Generous
Babo	Boy	Grandmother; Foreign; Shining; Splendor;
Chayan	Boy	Unintelligible speakers; Life; Moonlight; Moon; Picking; Selection; Collecting; Hope; Expectation; Aspiration; Dream; Scorpion
Kashin	Boy	Brilliant; Lord of Kashi
Raya	Boy	Warrior; Happy; Queen; Fragrance; Night orchid; Wife or beloved; Celebration
Akula	Boy	Shark
Alyosha	Unisex	To defend or help
Ayuka	Girl	Bear cub; Walking fragrance; Walking flower

Bubley	Unisex	One who is from Babylon; A surname
Doro	Girl	Gift of god; Gift of Isis
Misha	Unisex	Who is like God; Smile
Neta	Unisex	Plants; Shrub; Chaste
Nika	Unisex	People's victory; Pure, crystal water; Chosen
Nikita	Unisex	Many hopes; Winner; Victorious; Habitation
Romil	Unisex	Heartfelt; Hairy; Filled with fur or fiber; Rome
Saasha	Girl	A defender of mankind; To help
Sasha	Unisex	Defender; Helper of mankind
Shasha	Boy	One who defends men; Hare; Spots of the Moon

Sitka	Girl	People on the outskirts of Baranof Island
Tati	Girl	Fairy queen; Date palm; Brave and strong
Ilja	Girl	Yahweh is my God; Silent; Quiet
Valera	Boy	Strong; Valiant
Trava	Unisex	Grass; Fresh grass
Valeri	Boy	To be strong
Valery	Unisex	Strong
Fanya	Girl	Bearer of good news; Crown; Wreath
Lika	Unisex	My God is an oath; Angelic
Milika	Unisex	Gracious; Dear

Susha	Unisex	Defending men; Rose
Chili	Unisex	Cold; Seagull
Zathura	Unisex	Mysterious; Adventurous; Otherworldly
Leika	Unisex	Reward; Gift; Child of heaven
Larka	Unisex	Cheerful
Aniska	Unisex	Unique; Mystical; Graceful
Gorky	Unisex	The bitter one
Ellya	Unisex	The other Aenor; Torch; Moon; Eagle; Heaven
Aziya	Unisex	East
Vila	Unisex	Fairy; Hero; Brave; Courage

Inya	Unisex	God's gift; Yin; Small
Zek	Unisex	Prisoner; Member of the canal army
Mirsha	Unisex	God's blessing; Peaceful girl

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.

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.

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.

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.