Bear-strong yet poetically nuanced, Russian male names carry the weight of tsars, cosmonauts, and literary giants. Perennial favorites like Alexander (defender) and Nikolai (victory of the people) coexist with Soviet relics (Vladlen - Vladimir Lenin). Our definitive guide explores 120+ robust options, from Orthodox classics (Dmitri) to Slavic revivals (Bogdan - gift of God). Learn how naming patterns honor grandfathers, why certain nicknames persist (Sasha for Alexander), and which names transition well abroad (Maxim). Discover military-inspired names (Vyacheslav - great glory), nature picks (Boris - snow leopard), and the current trend toward prerevolutionary elegance (Gleb). Whether seeking a name with imperial heft, Soviet pragmatism, or modern Russian cool (Artyom), this collection showcases a naming tradition where every consonant carries history.
🎁 Match Your Baby’s Name with Their Birthstone
Every baby’s name holds a story—and so does their birthstone. Discover the perfect gemstone to match your baby's birth month, energy, and name style:
1. Ivan
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Origin: Hebrew via Russian
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Meaning: “God is gracious”
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Description:
Ivan is a name of ancient power. Simple yet unshakable, it has crowned kings and carried farmers through storms alike. An Ivan often embodies reliability, quiet pride, and unwavering spirit. He teaches us that grace is not about softness—it’s the courage to endure with dignity, again and again.
2. Alexei
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Origin: Greek via Russian
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Meaning: “Defender,” “Protector”
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Description:
Alexei is heart-centered strength. He leads with empathy, loves with presence, and protects through intuition. A modern Alexei may walk between gentleness and fire with soul awareness. He reminds us that to defend something sacred, you don’t always need a sword—sometimes, you only need loyalty.
3. Nikolai
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Origin: Greek via Russian
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Meaning: “Victory of the people”
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Description:
Nikolai is noble rebellion. Sharp-witted and poetic, his name carries both revolutionary fire and regal weight. A Nikolai may be a visionary, artist, or protector of truth. He teaches us that true victory is not about conquest—it’s about lifting others as you rise.
4. Dmitri
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Origin: Greek via Russian
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Meaning: “Follower of Demeter,” “Of the earth”
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Description:
Dmitri is grounding spirit. Rooted in nature, tradition, and emotional intelligence, a Dmitri often feels ancient even when young. He offers calm, reason, and quiet leadership. He reminds us that to lead others, you first have to learn how to stand still in your own roots.
5. Mikhail
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Origin: Hebrew via Russian
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Meaning: “Who is like God?”
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Description:
Mikhail is spiritual power. Warrior and mystic in one name, he carries the grace of faith with the discipline of a protector. A Mikhail often shines as a guide, teacher, or deep soul. He teaches us that strength is not just physical—it’s what you carry when you choose love over fear.
6. Yaroslav
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Origin: Slavic
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Meaning: “Fierce and glorious,” “Bright fame”
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Description:
Yaroslav is blazing light. His name feels like fire running through snow—passionate, bold, and unforgettable. A Yaroslav may pursue excellence with poetic fervor and strong ideals. He reminds us that fame is not the goal—but the glow that follows a life lived with courage.
7. Leonid
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Origin: Greek via Russian
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Meaning: “Lion-like”
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Description:
Leonid is noble strength. There’s a quiet royalty in his gaze, and a storm behind his silence. A Leonid often embodies deep loyalty and unshakable resolve. He teaches us that to be lion-hearted is not about pride—it’s about protecting what matters without needing applause.
8. Vasily
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Origin: Greek via Russian
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Meaning: “Kingly,” “Royal”
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Description:
Vasily is everyday nobility. Whether farmer or philosopher, his name carries the dignity of those who stand tall in their own truth. A Vasily may not chase attention, but others follow him anyway. He reminds us that royalty is not inherited—it’s earned through how you carry yourself, especially in hardship.
9. Oleg
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Origin: Norse via Russian
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Meaning: “Holy,” “Blessed”
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Description:
Oleg is sacred silence. Wise, strategic, and spiritually grounded, he moves with intention. An Oleg often holds the space for others’ transformation. He reminds us that holiness is not showy—it’s felt in the way you hold space, listen deeply, and speak only when it matters.
10. Sergei
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Origin: Latin via Russian
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Meaning: “Servant,” “Attendant,” “Protector”
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Description:
Sergei is graceful service. His strength comes from his capacity to support others—not with noise, but with deep commitment. A Sergei may be a builder, leader, or quiet lover. He teaches us that true grea
Baby Names A–Z
11. Anatoly
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Origin: Greek via Russian
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Meaning: “Rising sun,” “Eastern”
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Description:
Anatoly is dawn in human form. His soul arrives like the soft gold of morning—steady, slow, and certain. Often introspective, gentle, and thoughtful, an Anatoly reminds us that transformation doesn’t come in thunder—it comes in light that slowly chases away the dark.
12. Roman
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Origin: Latin via Russian
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Meaning: “Citizen of Rome,” “Strong,” “Powerful”
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Description:
Roman is bold refinement. A natural leader with a poetic core, he blends ambition with romanticism. He may walk into a room with presence and leave behind inspiration. He teaches us that strength isn’t domination—it’s the ability to move others through presence, not force.
13. Timofey
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Origin: Greek via Russian
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Meaning: “Honoring God”
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Description:
Timofey is sacred humility. His name carries the weight of devotion, the quiet rhythm of service. Often spiritual, loyal, or curious, a Timofey is a heart-led guide. He reminds us that honoring something greater doesn’t mean losing yourself—it means becoming more fully who you were meant to be.
14. Vadim
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Origin: Slavic
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Meaning: “Ruler,” “Knowing one,” or “To argue”
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Description:
Vadim is electric intellect. He’s sharp but soulful, quick to debate but grounded in thought. A Vadim may challenge systems, seek truth, or break ground others fear to step on. He teaches us that disruption, when aligned with purpose, is a sacred act of progress.
15. Ilya
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Origin: Hebrew via Russian
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Meaning: “My God is Yahweh”
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Description:
Ilya is devotion in motion. A soul connected to the divine, often emotional, artistic, or spiritually inclined. An Ilya brings clarity where there’s confusion, warmth where there’s cold. He reminds us that belief doesn’t need to be shouted—it can live in art, kindness, and courage.
16. Artyom
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Origin: Greek via Russian
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Meaning: “Safe,” “Sound,” “Unharmed”
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Description:
Artyom is inner protection. Stoic, loyal, and trustworthy, he may be the kind of soul who holds others’ storms without ever revealing his own. An Artyom teaches that true safety isn’t control—it’s the quiet presence that lets others exhale.
17. Yevgeny
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Origin: Greek via Russian
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Meaning: “Well-born,” “Noble soul”
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Description:
Yevgeny is elegance in shadow. Often philosophical, poetic, or melancholic in the most beautiful way. A Yevgeny may feel deeply, write softly, and lead without need for titles. He teaches us that nobility is not status—it’s how you treat beauty, grief, and love with equal reverence.
18. Kirill
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Origin: Greek via Russian
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Meaning: “Lordly,” “Masterful”
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Description:
Kirill is spiritual charisma. There’s something magnetic and priestly about him—he walks like a man who’s known both silence and song. A Kirill is often a teacher, artist, or emotional mirror. He teaches that mastery is not about perfection—it’s about staying loyal to your own truth long enough to embody it fully.
19. Stepan
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Origin: Greek via Russian
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Meaning: “Crown,” “Honor”
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Description:
Stepan is everyday royalty. He doesn’t seek to rule—but his character reigns quietly. Strong work ethic, enduring values, and humble grace often mark a Stepan. He teaches us that to wear a crown doesn’t require gold—it only requires integrity.
20. Fyodor
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Origin: Greek via Russian
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Meaning: “God’s gift”
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Description:
Fyodor is soulful weight. This name holds echoes of Dostoevsky—depth, morality, and quiet intensity. A Fyodor often walks with gravity, yet with fierce compassion. He teaches us that the greatest gifts are not flashy—they’re the souls that stay, think deeply, and choose to love again anyway.
21. Valentin
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Origin: Latin via Russian
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Meaning: “Strong,” “Healthy,” “Brave”
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Description:
Valentin is poetic courage. His strength is romantic, lyrical, and full of passion. He might love fiercely, fight gently, and protect what’s fragile. A Valentin teaches us that strength is not always armor—it’s the tenderness you refuse to give up, even when it hurts.
22. Bogdan
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Origin: Slavic
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Meaning: “Given by God”
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Description:
Bogdan is destiny wrapped in love. His presence often feels like a living prayer—grounded, wise, and deeply loyal. A Bogdan may walk with faith in places others feel lost. He teaches us that being chosen doesn’t mean perfect—it means being willing to rise when it’s your turn to carry light.
23. Lev
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Origin: Russian/Hebrew
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Meaning: “Lion” or “Heart”
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Description:
Lev is compact power. Simple yet deeply symbolic, this name speaks of courage and compassion in equal measure. A Lev may be fiercely independent but emotionally rich. He reminds us that to be lion-hearted is to feel deeply, love bravely, and live honestly.
24. Rodion
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Origin: Greek via Russian
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Meaning: “Heroic,” “Of Rhodes”
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Description:
Rodion is wounded brilliance. His name carries fire and complexity, often seen in souls who question, rebel, and search for meaning. A Rodion may walk a nonlinear path—deep, artistic, philosophical. He teaches us that being broken isn’t weakness—it’s what makes your light more visible through the cracks.
25. Andrei
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Origin: Greek via Russian
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Meaning: “Manly,” “Brave,” “Strong”
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Description:
Andrei is classic courage. Steady, protective, and deeply moral, he is often the one others turn to when the wind changes. A modern Andrei may be a father figure, mentor, or builder. He reminds us that being strong doesn’t mean never falling—it means choosing to rise with grace.
26. Igor
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Origin: Old Norse via Russian
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Meaning: “Watchful,” “Protected”
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Description:
Igor is ancient vigilance. With roots in Viking strength and Slavic stillness, his name evokes protection and legacy. An Igor may feel ancestral, with deep intuition and stoic power. He teaches us that presence can be a fortress—and watching over others is an act of holy service.
27. Pavel
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Origin: Latin via Russian
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Meaning: “Humble,” “Small”
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Description:
Pavel is quiet greatness. His name teaches us that being “small” is not about shrinking—it’s about being grounded, gentle, and impactful without fanfare. A Pavel may move slowly but sees everything. He teaches us that humility is not self-erasure—it’s a form of soul clarity.
28. Grigori
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Origin: Greek via Russian
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Meaning: “Watchful,” “Awake”
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Description:
Grigori is conscious presence. Awake in every room, perceptive in every silence. A Grigori often moves with deep purpose, spiritual energy, or quiet leadership. He reminds us that to be “awake” is not just about intellect—it’s about living in deep alignment with what is real.
29. Savva
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Origin: Greek via Russian
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Meaning: “Old man,” “Wise one,” “Saintly”
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Description:
Savva is ancient knowing. A name that carries elder energy—even in a child. A Savva often feels timeless, deeply intuitive, and slightly otherworldly. He teaches us that youth isn’t about age—and that some souls are born already remembering everything.
30. Gennady
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Origin: Greek via Russian
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Meaning: “Noble,” “Generous”
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Description:
Gennady is soul generosity. He gives without needing recognition, serves without pride, and leads with an open heart. A Gennady may be a peacemaker, a creative, or a spiritual mentor. He reminds us that nobility is not inherited—it’s how you treat others when no one is watching.
31. Semyon
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Origin: Hebrew via Russian
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Meaning: “God has heard”
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Description:
Semyon is a name of answered prayers. Humble, patient, and introspective, he walks through the world like someone who has witnessed both miracles and silence. A Semyon may carry great love in quiet ways. He teaches us that to be heard is sacred—but to truly listen, even more so.
32. German (pronounced "GYEHR-mahn")
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Origin: Latin via Russian
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Meaning: “Brother,” “Of the same clan”
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Description:
German is loyal legacy. His name carries the energy of kinship, honor, and shared belonging. A German might be a protector of traditions, a quiet defender of those he loves. He reminds us that brotherhood is not blood—it’s who you choose to walk beside with your heart wide open.
33. Rostislav
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Origin: Slavic
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Meaning: “To grow glory,” “One who builds honor”
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Description:
Rostislav is a builder of legacies. With a name that evokes kings, scribes, and founders, he often channels ambition through service. A Rostislav teaches that glory is not inherited—it’s crafted through choices that echo across generations.
34. Eduard
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Origin: Old English via Russian
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Meaning: “Wealthy guardian,” “Protector of prosperity”
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Description:
Eduard is measured strength. With refinement and responsibility in his soul, he often balances intellect with care. A modern Eduard may manage, lead, or guard what others hold dear. He teaches that wealth isn’t just material—it’s what you protect when no one else knows how.
35. Stanislav
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Origin: Slavic
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Meaning: “One who achieves glory”
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Description:
Stanislav is bright purpose. A soul destined to stand out—not for attention, but for integrity. A Stanislav may be charismatic without trying, naturally drawn to excellence. He reminds us that greatness isn’t about applause—it’s about living in a way your ancestors would whisper about with pride.
36. Arkady
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Origin: Greek via Russian
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Meaning: “Of Arcadia,” “Peaceful,” “Utopian”
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Description:
Arkady is dream-space. His name evokes poetry, tranquility, and inner sanctuary. A spiritual idealist, artist, or nature lover, Arkady brings peace in his presence. He reminds us that heaven is not a place—it’s a feeling we can offer others when we live in tune with grace.
37. Gavriil
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Origin: Hebrew via Russian
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Meaning: “God is my strength”
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Description:
Gavriil is angelic courage. His name echoes with divine protection, soulful clarity, and warrior spirit. A Gavriil may act with conviction and speak with clarity, standing between chaos and peace. He teaches us that true strength is not noise—it’s unshakable faith in what is right.
38. Nikita
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Origin: Greek via Russian
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Meaning: “Unconquered,” “Victor”
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Description:
Nikita is gentle resilience. Despite his warrior name, his spirit often blends empathy with independence. A Nikita may surprise others with how deeply he feels and how far he’ll go to defend love. He reminds us that victory isn’t always over others—sometimes it’s the battle to remain kind in a hardened world.
39. Miron
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Origin: Greek via Russian
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Meaning: “Myrrh,” “Fragrant oil,” “Peaceful”
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Description:
Miron is sacred stillness. A name rich with healing and ancient ritual, it often belongs to those who bring comfort and deep inner calm. A Miron may be an old soul, a listener, or a quiet protector. He teaches us that peace is not absence—it’s the presence of something too holy to be shaken.
40. Valentinian (variant of Valentin)
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Origin: Latin via Russian
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Meaning: “Strong,” “Healthy,” “Valiant”
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Description:
Valentinian is royal fire. His name feels historic, deeply principled, and passionately alive. A Valentinian often seeks truth, protects the weak, and carries love like a shield. He teaches us that nobility isn’t about power—it’s about fighting for tenderness in a world that forgets it matters.
41. Aleksei (alternative spelling of Alexei)
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Origin: Greek via Russian
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Meaning: “Defender”
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Description:
Aleksei is compassionate bravery. He’s someone who will stand between someone and the storm, even if he’s trembling inside. A born protector, Aleksei teaches us that courage is not fearlessness—it’s choosing to act with love, even when afraid.
42. Veniamin
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Origin: Hebrew via Russian
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Meaning: “Son of the right hand,” “Beloved son”
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Description:
Veniamin is sacred affection. His name holds tenderness, legacy, and deep emotional depth. A Veniamin may be poetic, observant, or family-centered. He teaches us that to be beloved is not privilege—it’s the responsibility to carry love into the world with care.
43. Rodion
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Origin: Greek via Russian
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Meaning: “Heroic,” “Of Rhodes”
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Description:
Rodion is brave complexity. A name wrapped in literary brilliance, it holds the tension of thought and soul. A Rodion may struggle, question, or transcend in dramatic beauty. He reminds us that being human is not easy—but it is sacred when lived honestly.
44. Yulian
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Origin: Latin via Russian
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Meaning: “Youthful,” “Downy,” “Soft”
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Description:
Yulian is delicate strength. He brings lightness to heavy spaces, joy to stillness. A Yulian may carry innocence without ignorance, humor without cruelty. He teaches us that youth is not an age—it’s the trust in life that never dies inside us.
45. Germanus (literary form)
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Origin: Latin via Russian
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Meaning: “Brotherly,” “Sincere”
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Description:
Germanus is honorable warmth. He walks with loyalty, depth, and the rare gift of truly seeing others. A Germanus may write, guide, or heal. He teaches us that sincerity is rare because it’s brave—it’s choosing to speak truth wrapped in kindness, always.
46. Filipp
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Origin: Greek via Russian
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Meaning: “Lover of horses”
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Description:
Filipp is soul instinct. Often drawn to nature, animals, or open skies, he carries freedom in his step. A Filipp may be creative, sensitive, and deeply loyal. He reminds us that connection is not a trick—it’s what happens when the wild recognizes the wild in another soul.
47. Iosif
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Origin: Hebrew via Russian
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Meaning: “God will increase,” “He will add”
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Description:
Iosif is patient abundance. His soul carries the slow-growing blessing, the rooted dream. An Iosif may work quietly for years and bloom when no one expects. He teaches us that growth doesn’t come with noise—it comes with devotion, and love that lasts.
48. Slava (short for Vyacheslav or Yaroslav)
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Origin: Slavic
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Meaning: “Glory,” “Fame”
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Description:
Slava is radiant truth. Joyful, expressive, and full of charm, he often moves through life with brightness and belief. A Slava doesn’t seek attention—but his light naturally draws others near. He teaches us that to live gloriously is not about fame—it’s about never hiding your spirit.
49. Makar
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Origin: Greek via Russian
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Meaning: “Blessed,” “Happy”
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Description:
Makar is quiet joy. His name holds peace, contentment, and presence. A Makar often brings emotional balance, spiritual laughter, and comfort. He reminds us that blessedness isn’t grand—it’s the ability to be exactly where you are and find beauty in it.
50. Svyatoslav
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Origin: Slavic
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Meaning: “Holy glory,” “Sacred fame”
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Description:
Svyatoslav is light in armor. Sacred and strong, his name echoes with warrior kings and spiritual fire. A Svyatoslav may carry deep intuition, protect others fiercely, and walk a path of honor. He teaches us that holiness is not stillness—it’s the way you carry the divine into everything you do.
