370+ Russian Dog Names For Your Comrade Canine
Zdravstvuyte! (Hello!)
Russia is a famous land known for it’s beauty, mystery and intrigue. As a proud parent of a furry companion, choosing the perfect name for your pooch can be an exciting, yet daunting task. For dog owners with Russian roots or an interest in Russian culture, incorporating a Russian name into their dog’s identity can add a unique and meaningful touch. Russian dog names not only reflect the language’s rich history and traditions but can also be tailored to suit a pooch’s personality and characteristics.
In this article we will explore the world of Russian dog names and their significance, along with some popular choices and their meanings. Whether you have a Siberian Husky or a Black Russian Terrier, there's a perfect Russian name waiting to be discovered.
Come join us on a journey through a fascinating land of hidden treasures and add a touch of Soviet flair to your furry friend by choosing one of the following badass Russian dog names!
Over the past few years, we have curated more than 20,000 dog names.
In just a few easy steps, you can discover a wide array of wonderful names, each selected to match your dog’s size, color, gender, personality, and beyond. Plus, there's the option to save your top picks and share them with friends or family.
It will only take two minutes and it's completely free!
Female Russian Dog Names
Russian girl dog names have a distinct elegance and charm to them and are some of the most beautiful names in the world. One of the unique features of the Russian names on this list is their musicality and lyrical nature – doesn’t Alexandra have such a poetic feel to it?
Many of these Russian female dog names have a diminutive form, allowing dog owners to create affectionate and endearing nicknames for their beloved female dogs. We adore the nickname “Tati” which is short for “Tatiana”
Adelaida |
Agnia |
Alexandra |
Alina |
Aliona |
Anastasia (popular Russian name) |
Anna |
Annika |
Anya |
Avrora |
Belka |
Calina |
Czarina |
Darya |
Dasha |
Dessa |
Devora |
Doroteya (Russian form of Dorothea) |
Elena |
Elizaveta (Russian form of Elizabeth) |
Eva |
Evgenia (Russian form of Eugenia) |
Fenya |
Feodora (means God’s gift) |
Galina |
Gretta |
Inessa |
Inna |
Iolante |
Irina |
Katerina |
Katya |
Kesha |
Kira |
Klara |
Ksenia |
Laika |
Lidia |
Liliya |
Manya |
Margosha |
Marina |
Mila |
Nadya |
Natalia (popular Russian name) |
Natasha (“Tasha” for short) |
Nesha |
Nika (short for “Veronika”) |
Oksana |
Olga |
Raisa |
Ruf (Russian form of Ruth) |
Sacha |
Serafima |
Sonya |
Stasia (short for “Anastasia”) |
Sveta |
Tanya |
Tatiana (“Tati” for short) |
Teva |
Toma |
Ulyana |
Valeriya |
Vera |
Vladlena |
Yana |
Yasemin |
Yelena |
Yulia |
Zarya |
Zhanna |
Zhenya |
Zia |
Zina |
Male Russian Dog Names
Many of the Russian boy dog names on this list are powerful and striking, evoking a sense of strength, courage and resilience and they make great names for dogs who are loyal and protective companions.
Russian warrior dog names, like “Igor” (meaning warrior of peace) and “Arman” (meaning warrior) are particularly popular among pet owners who want to give their dog a name that reflects their strong and fearless nature. However, regardless of your dog’s personality, you are sure to find the most pawsome name for your male Russian dog here.
Akim |
Alek (short for Aleksandr) |
Alexei (Popular Russian name) |
Anastas |
Anatoly |
Andrei (Russian version of Andrew) |
Anton |
Arman (means “warrior”) |
Artem |
Artur |
Avenir |
Avgust |
Baron |
Bogdan |
Boris (famous name in Russia) |
Daniil |
Dimitri |
Dimka |
Dominik |
Egor |
Erast |
Fedor |
Felicks |
Fima |
Foma |
Fyodor (Russian version of Theodore – means God’s gift) |
Gavriil |
Georgiy |
Gleb |
Grigory |
Ilya |
Iosif |
Joseph |
Kazimir (“Kaz” for short) |
Kir |
Kirill |
Kolya |
Konstantin |
Kostya |
Kuzma |
Liev |
Luka |
Makar |
Matvey |
Maxim |
Mikhail (Russian form of Michael) |
Nazar |
Nikolai |
Oleg |
Orel |
Pasha |
Pavel |
Pavlo |
Puskin |
Pyotr (Russian form of Peter) |
Radomir |
Renat |
Rodion |
Rolan |
Roma |
Savva |
Sergei |
Slava |
Stanislav |
Stas |
Stepan |
Sultan |
Timofey |
Vadim |
Valentin |
Vikenti |
Viktor |
Vlad |
Vladimir |
Vladislav |
Yakov (Russian form of Jacob/James) |
Yarik |
Yaroslav (“Yaro” for short) |
Yevgeny |
Yuli |
Zakhar |
Zinovy |
Funny Russian Dog Names
There are so many incredible Russian words that make great dog names. One of the most common Russian dog names from the former Soviet Union was “Sharik” which means “ball” – we think this is a sweet name for an energetic Russian breed who loves playing fetch!
We adore the name “Babushka” as a nickname for older female dogs and there are no shortage of fun options for male dogs, with “Cosmo”, “Malchik” and “Bystro” being our favorite picks.
If you have a Russian dog who embodies the qualities of a warrior, like strength, loyalty, bravery and speed, then choosing one of these Russian warrior dog names, “Cossack”or “Voin” is the way to go.
Babushka | Russian word for grandmother |
Barhat | velvet |
Baryshnya | young woman |
Bolshoi | big |
Bistro | fast |
Cosmo | cosmonaut |
Cossack | Russian Warrior |
Dama | Russian word for lady or young woman |
Dedushka | grandfather |
Detka | Russian word for “baby” |
Dusha | soul |
Geroy | hero |
Geroinya | heroine |
Grozny | fearsome |
Ivanov | Most common Russian family name |
Kapitan | captain |
Krasota | beauty |
Kukla | doll |
Lapa | means “little paw” – affectionate phrase roughly translating as “sweetie pie” |
Lapti | traditional footwear |
Luba | love |
Luchik | little ray of light (sunbeam) |
Malchik | little boy |
Mechta | dream |
Milaya | sweetheart/darling |
Mir | peace |
Nogi | legs |
Raketa | Russian word for space rocket |
Rebus | puzzle |
Ruble | Russian currency |
Ryzhik | redhead/ginger |
Sakharok | affectionate phrase roughly translating to my sugar |
Shalunya | playful girl/minx |
Sharik | ball |
Shuba | fur coat |
Soviet | For the Soviet Union |
Sputnik | satellite |
Tolstyy | fat/thick |
Ushanka | fur hat |
Valenki | felt boots |
Vityaz | noble knight |
Voin | Russian word for warrior |
Yoshka | Matryoshka Dolls |
Zver | beast |
Unique Russian Dog Names Inspired by Animals
There are some great Russian words for animals that make superb names for your Russian dog. Considering so many Russian dog breeds are huge and tough, names like “Misha”, “Lev” and “Rosomakha” are perfectly suited. Our perfect match is “Ruslan” for a Caucasian Sheperd dog which is a Russian breed similar to a German Shepherd with a distinctly lion-like mane of fur.
Chayka | seagull | Unisex |
Keesa | name meaning “kitten” | Unisex |
Kobel | male dog | Male |
Krolik | rabbit | Unisex |
Laska | weasel | Unisex |
Lev | name meaning “lion” | Male |
Misha | colloquialism for “a bear” | Unisex |
Pantera | panther | Unisex |
Ptitsa | bird | Female |
Pushok | fluffy little kitten | Unisex |
Rosomakha | wolverine | Male |
Ruslan | name meaning “lion” | Male |
Shchenok | puppy | Unisex |
Sobaka | dog | Unisex |
Tigra | tiger | Unisex |
Ursa | name meaning “bear” | Female |
Volk | wolf | Unisex |
Yozhik | hedgehog | Unisex |
Russian Dog Names Inspired by Geography
Russia is a vast country with a wealth of diverse landscapes and landmarks that provide inspiration for dog names. Russian dog names inspired by geography are a popular choice among pet owners who want to give their dog a name that reflect’s this country’s natural beauty.
“Altai”, “Ural” and “Baikal” are popular choices for both your male dog or female dog. These names evoke a sense of adventure and exploration and are ideal for dogs who love the great outdoors.
“Moscow”, “Kazan” and “Saint” (after Saint Petersburg) are great names for Russian dogs who are as vibrant and lively as the cities they are named for.
Altai | mountain range |
Amur | River on Russia’s Southern border |
Baikal | lake |
Baltic | Baltic sea |
Basil | St. Basil's Cathedral |
Belukha | mountain |
Caspian | Caspian sea |
Desna | Russian river |
Dzhimara | Dzhimara mountain |
Elbrus | mountain |
Kaluga | city |
Kama | river |
Kazan | city – “Kaz” for short |
Kirov | city |
Kizel | town |
Kizhi | island |
Kremlin | Presidential Home |
Ladoga | lake |
Lena | River in Eastern Russia |
Mariinsky | The Mariinsky Theatre in Saint Petersburg |
Moscow | Capital City |
Moskva | river |
Nevsky | Alexandre Nevsky Cathedral |
Novo | Novosibirsk city |
Novvi | Veliky Novgorod – city in western Russia |
Ob | river |
Onega | lake |
Pushkin | Pushkin Museum |
Red | Red Square |
Rezh | town |
Ruza | river and a town |
Saint | Saint Petersburg |
Sara | Saratov city |
Shani | Mt. Shani |
Siberia | Region known for extreme cold weather and rugged terrain |
Sochi | city |
Suzdal | Suzdal town |
Tomsk | city |
Topki | city |
Tula | city |
Udin | Udina stratovolcano |
Udina | stratovolcano |
Ural | mountain range extending through Western Russia |
Volga | river |
Zhizdra | river and a city |
Zima | town |
Zverevo | town |
Cool Russian Dog Names Inspired by Colors
Russian words are so fun to say and the words for colors are no different. These Russian names give you the perfect opportunity to honor the color of your dogs coat. We adore the name “Belyy” for a gloriously white and fluffy Samoyed – an exquisite Russian dog breed!
Or what about paying tribute to the stunning eye color of your Siberian Husky with Russian names like “Seryy” or “Siniy”?
We can guarantee you would be a proud mom or dad at the dog park with such unusual and different Russian names.
Apel'sin | orange |
Belyy | white |
Chernyy | black |
Fioletovyy | purple |
Krasnyj | red |
Rozovyy | pink |
Seryy | gray |
Siniy | blue |
Zelenyy | green |
Zheltyy | yellow |
Russian Dog Names Inspired by Drinks
Giving your Russian dog a name inspired by drinks is a fun way to reflect your love of Russian culture. “Vodka” is the perfect name choice for a dog with a strong and distinct name for a male dog.
We also love the name “Sam” for a male dog who is as bold and flavorful as the Russian moonshine he is named for.
Our top pick for a female dog is “Starka” – a truly memorable moniker that reflects a bright and shining personality.
Baltika | Baltika breweries make beer |
Kalmyk | a creamy tea |
Kompot | homemade fruit juice |
Kvass | fermented cereal-based beverage |
Medovukha | Medovukha is a honey-based alcoholic beverage similar to mead |
Raf | coffee raf – espresso, cream and sugar |
Ryazhenka | baked milk |
Samogon | Russian moonshine |
Sbiten | hot honey drink |
Starka | a rye spirit |
Vodka | famous Russian alcoholic beverage |
Yorsh | beer and vodka |
Cute Russian Dog Names Inspired by Food
If you have a love for traditional Russian cuisine, choosing a name inspired by some of the delicious dishes below is certainly a creative way to go about naming your Russian dog. There are so many great ideas here, it is hard to choose our best one. We really have a soft spot for the name “Chak Chak” for a dog as sweet as the delicious fried honey cake is!
Blini | crepes |
Borscht | traditional sour soup |
Bublik | bagels |
Chak Chak | fried honey cake |
Iriska | soft caramel candy |
Kapusta | Cabbage is a popular vegetable in Russia |
Kasha | porridge |
Kissel | fruity dessert |
Olivier | traditional salad |
Pashka | easter dessert |
Pelmeni | dumplings |
Pirozhki | boat shaped buns with various fillings |
Ponchik | doughnut |
Sakhar | sugar |
Shokolad | chocolate |
Sushki | sweet bread rings |
Syr | cheese |
Ukha | fish soup |
Zefir | marshmallow confectionery |
More Dog Name Ideas Inspired by Famous Russians
Russia is a land of rich history, full of action, drama and intrigue and accordingly, there is no shortage of famous Russians to name your dog after. From the royal beginnings to the fierce wars that have been fought, Russia has a number of legendary heroes and notable characters to honor when choosing Russian names.
Which one of these would you name your dog after? We love “Leo” and “Yuri” for a male dog and “Valentina” and “Catherine” for a female dog.
Catherine | Catherine the Great – legendary figure |
Chekov | Anton Chekov – playwright |
Dima | Dima Bilan – eurovision winner |
Gorbachev | former president of the USSR |
Gorky | Maxim Gorky – writer |
Ivan | Ivan the Terrible – grand prince of Moscow and first Tsar |
Kalashnikov | Mikhail Kalashnikov designed these weapons |
Lenin | Vladimir Lenin – politician |
Leo | Leo Tolstoy – novelist – wrote War and Peace |
Maxim | Maxim Gorky – writer |
Nicholas | Czar Nicholas II – ruled Russia from 1868 – 1918 |
Nikita | Nikita Alexandrovich – famous Russian Prince |
Nyusha | singer and songwriter |
Ostrovsky | Alexander Ostrovsky – playwright |
Petrovich | Roman Petrovich – famous Russian Prince |
Rasputin | Grigori Rasputin – legendary figure in Russian history |
Ravil | Ravil Isyanov – Russian born actor |
Roman | Roman Klein – architect |
Stravinsky | Igor Stravinsky – famous Russian composer |
Tchaikovsky | Famous Russian composer (Swan Lake) |
Tolstoy | Leo Tolstoy – novelist – wrote War and Peace |
Trotsky | Leon Trotsky – politician |
Valentina | Valentina Tereshkova – female cosmonaut |
Yeltsin | Boris Yeltsin – former president |
Yul | Yul Brynner – Russian born actor |
Yuri | Yuri Gagarin – cosmonaut – first person from Russia in space |
Zemfira | rock singer |
Unique Russian Dog Names from Movies, TV Shows and Books
Pop culture in Russia is another wonderful source of inspiration for dog names. Here is our selection of the best Russian boy dog names and Russian girl dog names from movies, TV shows and books. We just adore the name “Zoya”, a fictional character in a book written against the backdrop of the Russian Revolution and World War 1 for your elegant female dog.
If you are looking for a name for your regal male dog we recommend “Tsar” – this is a powerful name and will ensure your pup is the leader of the pack!
Aelita | Aelita – science fiction book |
Buratino | The Little Gold Key – book |
Chernava | Sadko – folktale |
Dunno | Dunno – book series |
Kholstomer | Kholstomer – book |
Kolobok | Kolobok fairytale |
Oblomov | Oblomov novel |
Odette | Swan Lake |
Sadko | Sadko – folktale |
Tsar | Zoya by Danielle Steel |
Vasilisa | Vasilisa the Beautiful – fairytale |
Zoya | Zoya by Danielle Steel |
Badass Russian Dog Names from Mythology
Russian names derived from mythology are a popular choice for fantasy fans who find the world of myths and legends as fascinating as we do. Russia does not disappoint in this regard and traditional folklore is full of tales of mythical creatures with mystical powers. Fans of the “Witcher” series will recognize a number of the names on this list.
We think the name “Leshy” suits a mischievous Siberian Husky perfectly and we also quite like the name “Kiki” shortened from Kikimora – a troublesome house spirit, who can be helpful or malevolent depending on the behavior of the house owners. This is perfectly relatable to the world of dogs – we truly believe there are no bad dogs, only inexperienced owners.
Baba Yaga | supernatural being who lives in a hut that stands on chicken legs |
Brosno | Brosno Dragon – lake monster |
Kikimora | house spirit |
Koschei | immortal character from folklore tales |
Lada | goddess of spring and love |
Leshy | mischievous forest spirit |
Moryana | sea spirit with mystical powers |
Polkan | half man, half horse |
Rusalka | evil water being with mystical powers |
Zhar-Ptitsa | the firebird |
Beautiful Russian Dog Names Inspired by Nature
Russia is a land filled with some of the most diverse types of natural beauty. From the ruggedness of the mountains to the icy white of the tundra and the electric beauty of the city – there are so many great options to draw inspiration from for dog names.
We love the name “Noch” for a Black Russian Terrier.
Burya | means “storm” |
Grom | means “thunder” |
Kamen | means “stone” |
Lili | means “lily” |
Metel | means “snowstorm” |
Noch | means “night” |
Oblako | means “cloud” |
Rassvet | means “dawn” |
Roza | means “rose” |
Svet | means “light” |
Veter | means “wind” |
Voda | means “water” |
Voskhod | means “sunrise” |
Vulkan | means “volcano” |
Yagoda | means “berry” |
Zoloto | Means “gold” |
Zvezda | means “star” |
Sporty Names for Your Russian Dog
Russia has a rich sporting history, often dominating the field at the Olympic games for gymnastics and figure skating. If you are an avid sporting fan, it makes sense to honor that when naming your dog.
We have chosen some of our favorite Russian sports stars to get your creative juices flowing.
Adelina | Adelina Sotnikova – figure skater |
Alexander | Alexander Ovechkin – ice hockey |
Bandy | Russia's national sport |
Chicherova | Anna Chicherova – high jumper (“Chich” for short) |
Igor | Igor Akinfeev – soccer star |
Kamila | Kamila Valieva – figure skater |
Khabib | Khabib Nurmagomedov – wrestler |
Kournikova | Anna Kournikova – tennis |
Maria | Maria Sharapova – tennis |
Nijinsky | Vaslav Nijinsky – dancer (“Niji” for short) |
Nina | Nina Romashkova – first person from Soviet Union to win an Olympic gold medal |
Svetlana | Svetlana Khorkina – artistic gymnast |
Vasily | Vasily Artemyev – rugby |
Vitaly | Vitaly Petrov – formula one driver |
Russian Dog Breeds
Russia is home to many unique and fascinating dog breeds, each with its distinct characteristics and purposes. Russia is a vast country, and its diverse landscape has given rise to several dog breeds that are well-suited to the country's harsh and varied climate.
One such breed is the Siberian Husky, which is known for its endurance and ability to thrive in cold weather. Originally bred by the Chukchi people of Siberia, these dogs were used for transportation, herding, and as companions. Today, they are popular as pets and are often used for dog sled racing.
Another notable breed that originated in Russia is the Black Russian Terrier. This breed was developed by the Soviet Army after World War II, with the aim of creating a large, strong, and loyal guard dog. The Black Russian Terrier is an impressive breed, standing up to 30 inches tall and weighing up to 130 pounds. They are protective of their families, making them excellent guard dogs, and are known for their courage and endurance.
Russia is also known for its hunting dogs, with breeds like the Laika and Borzoi being widely used for hunting. Laika dogs are used for hunting small game, such as squirrels and rabbits, and are known for their intelligence, endurance, and loyalty.
The Borzoi, on the other hand, is a large, elegant breed that was originally used for hunting wolves. They are tall and slender, with long, silky coats and graceful movements. Borzois are known for their speed and agility, making them well-suited for the chase. Today, they are popular as pets and show dogs, but they still retain their hunting instincts.
In addition to these breeds, Russia is also home to the Samoyed and the East European Shepherd (the Russian version of the German Shepherd). The Samoyed is a fluffy white breed that was originally used for herding reindeer and pulling sleds.
They are friendly and outgoing dogs, with a playful personality that makes them popular as pets. The East European Shepherd is a versatile breed that is used for a variety of tasks, including police work, search and rescue, and as guide dogs for the blind. They are highly intelligent and loyal, making them excellent working dogs.
Overall, Russian dog breeds are beloved by many and continue to thrive both in Russia and around the world. These dog breeds showcase the country's unique history and relationship with dogs and owning one of these incredible breeds is sure to fill your life with love, joy and companionship.
Final Thoughts
We hope you will agree, Russia is a fascinating land full of hidden wonders and we hope you have enjoyed exploring all it has to offer with us. We have given you a rich trove of Russian dog names to choose from and we would love to hear which ones you love best. Leave a comment down below and let us know what you decided to name your Russian dog.
I’m Shelley, a content creator and copywriter from Wicklow in the Irish countryside. I am a big animal lover, so writing about dogs is a dream come true! I’m the crazy lady who will stop you in the street while you’re out walking your dog to give it cuddles. I adore all dogs, but I would have to say the big slobbery ones are my favorite.