What does Boris mean and where does it come from?
Boris is a traditional name of Slavic origin, widely used in Russia and Eastern Europe. It has been in use since the 10th century and has various cultural and historical significance. One of the most famous bearers of the name is Boris Godunov, a Tsar of Russia, and Boris Yeltsin, the first Presiden
Cultural significance
Boris has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Russia-speaking communities, where it reflects values of slavic.
Peak popularity
Reached #877 in 1962 — currently #3569 in the US.
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Related Reading
Russia-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Boris?
Boris works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Boris Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Boris Rose
Floral · soft ending
Boris Mae
Sweet · timeless
Boris Claire
French influence · crisp
Boris Jane
Literary · strong
Boris Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Boris right now?
Falling — down 149 spots — currently #3569 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #3569 | 32 | ▼ down 149 · -6% births |
| 2022 | #3420 | 34 | ▼ down 499 · -19% births |
| 2021 | #2921 | 42 | ▼ down 400 · -16% births |
| 2020 | #2521 | 50 | ▲ up 49 · +4% births |
| 2015 | #2570 | 48 | ▲ up 12 · +2% births |
| 2010 | #2582 | 47 | ▼ down 520 · -22% births |
| 2005 | #2062 | 60 | ▼ down 185 · +7% births |
| 2000 | #1877 | 56 | ▼ down 483 · -22% births |
| 1995 | #1394 | 72 | ▲ up 158 · +33% births |
| 1990 | #1552 | 54 | ▲ up 46 · +35% births |
| 1985 | #1598 | 40 | ▲ up 276 · +33% births |
| 1980 | #1874 | 30 | ▼ down 482 · -25% births |
| 1975 | #1392 | 40 | ▼ down 496 · -51% births |
| 1970 | #896 | 81 | ▲ up 114 · +50% births |
| 1965 | #1010 | 54 | — |
The story of Boris
Boris entered American naming records in 1911 and has been in use for over 113 years. With 4,435 total births recorded, Boris remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #1303 in 1915, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #3569 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Boris in 1962:
Boris by decade
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1910s | 213 | |
| 1920s | 373 | |
| 1930s | 238 | |
| 1940s | 112 | |
| 1950s | 287 | |
| 1960s | 595 | |
| 1970s | 479 | |
| 1980s | 400 | |
| 1990s ★ | 603 | |
| 2000s | 579 | |
| 2010s | 506 | |
| 2020s | 50 | |
💎With 4,435 total births, Boris is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Boris?
What names sound and feel like Boris?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Boris also consider these
How is Boris written in other languages?
Macedonian), ბორის
Georgian
Common questions about the name Boris
What does the name Boris mean?
Boris means "Slavic" — a name rooted in Russia tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Boris?
Boris is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Boris?
Boris originates from Russia tradition. Russia names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Boris?
Boris is a two-syllable name pronounced B AO1 R IH0 S. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Boris a common or rare name?
Boris is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.