10 Common Russian Women Names and How to Pronounce Them

Russia and Ukraine are full of beautiful women with equally beautiful names. For your convenience, I’ve listed 10 common Russian and Ukrainian women names below, complete with pronunciation guides and a few fun facts. Many of the women on Bridesofukraine have been blessed with one of the following names, so read on and prepare to meet a lovely Ukrainian lady today.

 1.  Elena

•    Pronunciation: (eh LAY nah); (eh LEH nah); (yell YEH nah) 

•    Origin: Greek

•    Meaning: Bright, light, or torch

•    Famous Elenas: Elena Yakovleva (film and stage actress), Elena Vesnina (tennis player),

2.  Olga

•    Pronunciation: (OL gah); (AWL gah)  

•    Origin: German, Polish

•    Meaning: hale, hearty; blessed, holy

•    Famous Olgas: Olga Knipper-Chekhova (stage actress), Olga Kurylenko (Ukrainian actress)

3.    Anna

•    Pronunciation: (AN ah)

•    Origin: Hebrew, Latin

•    Meaning: Grace, favor

•    Famous Annas: Anna Kournikova (tennis player), Anna Anisimova (billionaire heiress)

4.    Svetlana

•    Pronunciation: (sveht LAH nah); (sfeet LAH nah)

•    Origin: Russian

•    Meaning: Light, clean, holy

•    Famous Svetlanas: Svetlana Khorkina (Russian gymnast), Svetlana Lunkina (ballerina

5.    Natalia

 

•    Pronunciation: (nah TAL yah)

•    Origin: Italian

•    Meaning: Christ’s birthday, Christmas

•    Famous Natalias: Natalia Vodianova (Russian model), Natalia Makarova (ballerina)

6.    Tatiana

•    Pronunciation: (taht ee AHN ah); (tah TYAH nah)

•    Origin: Russian, Latin

•    Meaning: Uncertain

•    Famous Tatianas:  Tatiana Korsakova (model), Tatiana Golovin (tennis player)

7.    Oksana

•    Pronunciation: (akh SAH nah)

•    Origin: Greek, Ukrainian

•    Meaning: Welcoming, hospitality

•    Famous Oksanas: Oksana Baiul (Ukrainian figure skater), Oksana Pochepa (Russian pop singer)

8.    Inna

•    Pronunciation: (EEN a)

•    Origin: Greek

•    Meaning: Chaste

•    Famous Innas: Inna Korobkina (actress), Inna Ulyanova (actress)

 

9.    Anya

•    Pronunciation:     (AHN ya); (AWN ya)

•    Origin: Russian

•    Meaning: Favor, grace

•    Famous Anyas: Anya Monzikova (model/actress), Anya Seton Chase (author)

 

10.    Tanya

•    Pronunciation: (TAN yah)

•    Origin: Russian, Latin

•    Meaning: Unknown

•    Famous Tanyas: Tanya Andreeva (matryoshka doll artist), Tanya Pesnya (musician)

 

For a full list of Russian and Ukrainian womens name click here