What does Boris mean?

Boris as a boys' name is pronounced BOR-iss. It is of Russian and Slavic origin, and the meaning of Boris is "small; battle glory". Originally from the Tartar nickname Bogoris, then used as a shortened form of the Russian name Borislav. The name was borne by a ninth century ruler of Bulgaria who converted his kingdom to Christianity. Saint Boris (10th century) is known as the patron saint of Moscow. Russian playwright Pushkin and composer Mussorgsky both based works on the career of the 16th-century czar Boris Godunov, who became cartoon character "Boris Badenov" in "The Rocky and Bullwinkle Show", resulting in a faint comic connotation. Horror-movie actor Boris Karloff; author Boris Pasternak; tennis player Boris Becker.

STARTS WITH Bo-

ASSOCIATED WITH small (little), battle (war), ruler (king), saint, 16th century

Variations

VARIANTS Boriss, Borja, Borris, Borys

How popular is Boris?

Boris is a somewhat popular first name for males (#860 out of 1220, Top 70%) and an even more popular surname for all people (#11158 out of 150436, Top 7%). (2000 U.S. CENSUS)

Similar Names

Boris is alike in pronunciation to Baris. Other recommended sound-alike names are Aris, Arris, Bari, Bemis, Beric, Bernis, Bevis, Blais, Boas, Bodie▲, Bodin, Bogie, Boid, Boni, Borak, Bordin, Borg, Born, Borne, Bowie▲, Bowin, Bri, Brik, Brit, Burnis, Burns, Chris▼, Colis, Cris, Faris, Floris, Idris▲, Jaris, Joris, Kris▼, Louis▼, Moris, Morris▼, Norris▼, Nuris, Paris▼ and Tris. These names tend to be less frequently used than Boris.