"battle glory"
Origin: Proto-Slavic
Language: Russian
Boris
Pronunciation: [ b-AWR-ihs ]
Does Boris flow with your last name?
A battle-strong Slavic classic with deep history
Russian
Bulgarian
Eastern European
British
Strong
Classic
Bold
Vintage
Sophisticated
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
"wolf"
Origin: Slavic
Language: Bulgarian
"short form of Bogoris (divine gift)"
Origin: Old Turkic
Language: Bulgarian
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Things to Know About This Name
- Associated with Boris Johnson, the British politician, which may carry political baggage in some contexts
The Story of Boris
Boris likely derives from the Old Turkic name Bogoris or from the Proto-Slavic 'boriti' (to fight). In Bulgarian tradition, Boris was the name of the first Christian king of Bulgaria, Boris I (852–889 CE), who converted the Bulgarian people to Christianity. Some scholars connect it to Old Slavic for 'battle glory' or 'wolf,' making it a name of warrior prestige. The name spread throughout Slavic cultures as Bulgaria expanded its Christian influence across Eastern Europe.
Boris has been a top name in Russia and Bulgaria for centuries. In Britain, it saw a surge of whimsical interest with Boris Johnson's political prominence. In Russia, Boris peaked in the 20th century, carried by figures like Boris Yeltsin and Nobel laureate Boris Pasternak.
Boris is inseparable from Eastern European and Russian history. Boris Godunov's tragic reign as Tsar of Russia was immortalized in Pushkin's play and Mussorgsky's opera. Boris Pasternak gave the world Doctor Zhivago. In Bulgaria, Boris I is venerated as a saint and national hero who brought his nation into Christendom.
Historical Record
Boris first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 3,650 babies have been named Boris in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Boris is past its peak , currently ranked #3,374 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Boris Pasternak was offered the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1958 for Doctor Zhivago but was forced to decline under Soviet pressure
- Boris I of Bulgaria (852–889 CE) is venerated as a saint in the Eastern Orthodox Church for converting Bulgaria to Christianity
Boris in Other Languages
Czech
Boris
German
Boris
English
Boris
Russian
Борис
Serbian
Борис
Bulgarian
Борис
Popularity Over Time
#3,374
Current Rank
Peaked 1962
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Boris
B
Boris Becker
Athlete
1967
German tennis legend who won six Grand Slam titles, becoming the youngest Wimbledon champion in 1985 at age 17
B
Boris Pasternak
Writer
1890
Russian novelist and poet, author of Doctor Zhivago and Nobel Prize laureate forced to decline the award under Soviet pr...
Russian novelist and poet, author of Doctor Zhivago and Nobel Prize laureate forced to decline the award under Soviet pressure
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #3,374
- Total SSA Count
- 35
- Cultural Origins
- Russian Bulgarian Eastern European British
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Common Nicknames
Borya
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, strong style, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, Russian heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, strong style, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, strong style, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, British heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Boris
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Frequently Asked Questions About Boris
What does the name Boris mean?
"battle glory" (from Proto-Slavic). "wolf" (from Slavic). "short form of Bogoris (divine gift)" (from Old Turkic). Boris likely derives from the Old Turkic name Bogoris or from the Proto-Slavic 'boriti' (to fight). In Bulgarian tradition, Boris was the name of the first Christian king of Bulgaria, Boris I (852–889 CE), who converted the Bulgarian people to Christianity. Some scholars connect it to Old Slavic for 'battle glory' or 'wolf,' making it a name of warrior prestige. The name spread throughout Slavic cultures as Bulgaria expanded its Christian influence across Eastern Europe.
What is the origin of the name Boris?
Boris has Proto-Slavic, Slavic, Old Turkic, Russian, Bulgarian, Eastern European, and British origins. In Proto-Slavic, it means "battle glory". In Slavic, it means "wolf". In Old Turkic, it means "short form of Bogoris (divine gift)".
Is Boris a boy or girl name?
Boris is primarily used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Boris?
Boris is pronounced b-AWR-ihs.
How popular is the name Boris?
Boris is currently ranked #3374 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Boris?
Common nicknames for Boris include Borya.
What are good middle names for Boris?
Popular middle name pairings include Boris Alexander, Boris Nikolai, Boris Ivan, Boris Dmitri, Boris Alexei, and Boris Victor.
What are good sibling names for Boris?
Names that pair well with Boris as siblings include Natasha, Olga, Sasha, Dmitri, Katya, and Ivan.
How many syllables does Boris have?
Boris has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Boris a common or rare name?
Boris is an uncommon name, ranked #3374 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Boris
Boris is a boy name with Russian, Bulgarian, Eastern European, and British origins . The name means "battle glory" in Proto-Slavic .
Boris is currently ranked #3,374 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Boris has 2 syllables and is pronounced b-AWR-ihs, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Boris include Borya. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis