Russian names can sometimes be difficult to pronounce, but they often invoke feelings of strength and resilience. If you’ve ever wondered how Russians name their dogs and what those names might mean, then read on to find out.
Memorializing the Past
Like other countries, Russians typically memorialize important figures of the past by giving their beloved dog their name. That’s why it’s not uncommon to find dogs with the name of Vladimir or Peter.
Because Russia’s culture is built on following a strong man, someone who can defend their country and steer them into the future, they often showcase their appreciation for those figures through naming things after them. A dog that means a lot to someone is the perfect choice for memorializing a figure from the past.
Pop Culture
Just like Americans and Britain have their own pop culture that’s specific to those regions, Russia also has its own pop culture. While everyone likely enjoys something like Game of Thrones, there are region-specific shows, books, plays, and underground cinema that they enjoy as well.
In the case of Russia, you might see dogs named after pop culture references. You may not be surprised if you see a few Jon Snows running alongside their master, but there may be a few names that you don’t recognize simply because you’re not aware of Russian pop culture.
Family Members
One last way that Russians name their dogs is after important members of their family. Russians typically revere the past. Because of that, they like to honor family members that were special to them by naming their dog after them. That’s why you’ll often see a lot of dogs with Russian names.
There’s also those who may have chosen to have a fur baby instead of an actual baby. In that case, they may have given their dog a name that would have been used for their child if they had chosen to have one.
Dog Name Meanings
Additionally, sometimes Russians name their dogs because of the meaning of a name. Here are a few examples of dog names and what the name means.
1. Vadim
Vadim means ‘someone who rules.’ Clearly, this name and meaning invoke feelings of strength, regality, and nobility. Someone who believes that their dog is King of the castle might give them this name.
Certain dogs that are revered in Russia might also take on this name. Those that were the chosen dog of rulers in the past, for example, might be considered a noble breed of dog. Others may choose to use it ironically with a tiny dog.
2. Putin
While the world may have mixed feelings about Vladimir Putin, many Russians appreciate his work as their leader. Because of that, you’ll often find a lot of dogs named Putin. Some might do this ironically as well.
3. Kazak
This name stems from the word ‘Cossack.’ It describes a person who is skilled in military training. This name is perfect for those who are trained to be guard dogs or who tend to be protective of the family.
If you find someone with a dog named Kazak, then you can likely bet that the dog has a tendency to take down intruders and warn their family.
4. Vadik
Another name that means ‘ruler,’ Vadik is also popular among dogs. Russians who discover that their dog has taken the place as the pack leader in the home will likely give their dog this name.
5. Czar
A nod to Russian history, Czar is a name given to dogs to indicate royalty and leadership. It invokes nobility and strength.
The Most Popular Russian Names for Male Dogs
- Gora
- Zhora
- Gosha
- Yegorka
- Nikolai
- Mikhail
- Boris
- Vladimir
- Dmitry
- Alexei
- Rodion
- Sergey
- Maxim
- Ural
- Tamerlane
- Nikita
- Yegor
- Daniil
- Artem
- Aleksandr
- Anton
- Dima
- Evgeni
- Dominik
- Feliks
- Ignat
- Igor
- Dominik
- Gavriil
- Fyodor
- Liev
- Orel
- Yurik
- Luka
- Maks
- Pavlo
- Rodion
- Stefan
- Rasputin
- Danya
The Most Popular Russian Names for Female Dogs
- Anastasia
- Anna
- Maria
- Karolina
- Inessa
- Snezhana
- Monika
- Arina
- Eva
- Milena
- Elena
- Svetlana
- Maria
- Aleksandra
- Polina
- Galina
- Filippa
- Lyubov
- Maria
- Adelina
- Agnia
- Belka
- Fenya
- Calina
- Adelaida
- Lada
- Tasha
- Vanna
- Zina
- Raiya
- Mila
- Pelageya
- Bela
- Larissa
- Rufina
- Ursa
- Matrona
- Lizka
- Pushka
- Matrona
Read more about dog’s name in our article native american dog names.