This list includes 28 Russian boy names that start with L, from “Ladislav” to “Lyudvig”. The selection mixes Slavic-rooted names with Christian and European loan forms commonly found in Russia. You can use it when choosing a baby name, writing characters, or researching family records.
Russian boy names that start with L are male given names used in Russia and Russian-speaking communities. Several have Orthodox saint connections, while others reflect Slavic roots or Western influences like “Lyudvig”.
Below you’ll find the table with Name (Latin), Cyrillic, Pronunciation, Meaning/Origin, and Notes.
Name (Latin): The standard Latin transliteration of the name, so you can read and compare forms quickly.
Cyrillic: The original Russian spelling in Cyrillic helps you recognize forms on documents and local records.
Pronunciation: A simple respelling and optional IPA guide so you can pronounce each name correctly.
Meaning/Origin: A concise one-line meaning or etymology that explains the name’s root and cultural background.
Notes: Additional details include common diminutives, historical usage, and variant forms you might consider.
Russian boy names that start with L
| Name | Cyrillic | Pronunciation | Meaning | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lev | Лев | lev (LEHV) (/lʲef/) | lion | Short, classic Russian name; popular historically and today. Common diminutive: Leva. |
| Leonid | Леонид | leh-OH-nid (leh-OH-nid) (/lʲɪɐˈnʲid/) | “lion-like” (from Greek) | Very common Soviet-era name with literary and public figures; diminutive Lenya. |
| Leon | Леон | leh-ON (leh-ON) (/lʲeˈon/) | lion | Classical, pan-European name used independently or as short form of Leonard or Leonid. |
| Leonard | Леонард | leh-OH-nard (leh-OH-nard) | “lion-strong” (Germanic) | Borrowed Germanic name, rare in Russia; sounds aristocratic. |
| Leopold | Леопольд | leh-OH-pold (leh-OH-pold) | “brave people” (Leo + bold) | Aristocratic, old-fashioned name historically found in nobility. |
| Leontiy | Леонтий | le-ON-tee (leh-ON-tee) | lion (Greek origin) | Old Orthodox name used in church and literature; diminutives Leont, Tyoma (rare). |
| Leont | Леонт | le-ONT (leh-ONT) | lion | Very rare, archaic variant of Leontius/Leontiy; appears in historical and ecclesiastical texts. |
| Luka | Лука | LOO-kah (LOO-kah) | from Latin Lucius (“light/bright”) | Biblical and Orthodox name; popular, friendly, with literary presence. |
| Lukyan | Лукьян | look-YAN (look-YAHN) | from Lucian | Old Russian name, found in saints’ lists and literature; archaic but recognizable. |
| Lukian | Лукиан | loo-kee-AN (loo-kee-AHN) | from Lucian | Greek-derived ecclesiastical name, used historically by clergy and writers. |
| Lazar | Лазарь | LAH-zar (LAH-zar’) | God has helped (Hebrew) | Biblical/Orthodox name with longstanding use; moderate modern visibility. |
| Lavr | Лавр | lavr (LAH-vr) | laurel | Ancient, church name derived from laurel plant; rare, hagiographic usage. |
| Lavrentiy | Лаврентий | lav-REN-tee (lav-REN-tee) | “laurelled” (from Laurentum) | Traditional name; historical figures include statesmen and clergy; diminutive Lavr. |
| Lyudvig | Людвиг | lyood-VIG (lyood-VIG) | “famous warrior” (Germanic) | Germanic borrowing (Ludwig); used by nobility and minorities; uncommon now. |
| Lyubomir | Любомир | lyoo-boh-MEER (lyoo-boh-MEER) | love + peace/glory | Slavic compound name used across Slavic countries; occasional use in Russia. |
| Levan | Леван | leh-VAHN (leh-VAHN) | Georgian cognate of Lev (“lion”) | Common Georgian name widely used among Georgians living in Russia. |
| Levon | Левон | leh-VON (leh-VON) | Armenian form of Lev (“lion”) | Armenian-origin name common among Armenian-Russian communities. |
| Lado | Ладо | LAH-doh (LAH-doh) | short form of Lad (harmony, tradition) | Georgian male name often heard in Russian-speaking Georgian circles. |
| Ladislav | Ладислав | lah-dee-SLAHV (lah-dee-SLAHV) | glory + rule (Slavic) | Pan-Slavic name occasionally used in Russia; formal and traditional tone. |
| Larion | Ларион | lah-REE-on (lah-REE-on) | cheerful (from Hilarion) | Orthodox name appearing in hagiography and classical literature. |
| Logvin | Логвин | log-VIN (log-VIN) | possibly from Longinus (uncertain) | Archaic Russian name seen in historical records and saints’ calendars. |
| Longin | Лонгин | lon-GIN (lon-GIN) | from Longinus | Early Christian name; rare but attested in Orthodox tradition. |
| Linar | Линар | lee-NAR (lee-NAR) | Tatar origin (regional male name) | Tatar-Turkic name used in Volga and Ural regions; modern and regional usage. |
| Latif | Латиф | lah-TEEF (lah-TEEF) | gentle, kind (Arabic) | Common among Muslim peoples in Russia (Tatars, Bashkirs); Arabic origin. |
| Lukman | Лукман | look-MAHN (look-MAHN) | wise (from Arabic Luqman) | Used by Muslim communities in Russia; associated with wisdom in folklore. |
| Loris | Лорис | LOH-ris (LOH-ris) | from Armenian “Lori” (region) | Armenian male name used among Armenian-Russians; known in arts and sports. |
| Levi | Леви | LEH-vee (LEH-vee) | joined; Levite (Hebrew) | Biblical/Jewish name used historically among Russian Jews and in modern contexts. |
| Lyuboslav | Любослав | lyoo-boh-SLAHV (lyoo-boh-SLAHV) | love + glory (Slavic) | Rare Slavic compound name found in records; occasional modern revival. |