Russian-themed fantasy was the hottest thing in YA in the 2010s, of which Leigh Bardugo’s Grisha books are the best known. At least a dozen others were published following the trend, some fantasy, some contemporary, some historical. It’s hard to tell with COVID still hanging around, but the trend may not be over.
Want a character name that sounds exotic and Russian, without it actually being Russian? I randomgenned a list below. (You can also check out my pseudo-Italian and German names.)
Russian Names
| Female
Ashina Damia Elsnira Emerscha Iska Izhanka Kytasja Lainka Mischila Osserina Othia Pabrina Petrinka Shevadra Tasmina Tatmira Tatpa Tytia Verya Vshinka Yaina Zdonya |
Male
Antonady Bravan Elszar Gevscha Ivak Kiraen Ladan Mormir Oshka Patrark Smohadn Steltoi Stralya Svobai Terlentin Tratslav Vorlya Vropav Zarnik Zdavan Zmetzyer Zvaya |
Surnames
Agriev Alyesky Borovka Byakuk Drakaya Dutsova Gretkoy Gruzhuvna Gyudotsova Ivriov Lydyuk Mitrevich Nikolyevich Priev Shmov Stovna Sukslav Trovich Tshyuvrovny Yachuk Yuriev Zhvutov |
