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Home › Baby Names Directory › Natasha

Natasha

♀ Girl

Pronounced nuh-TAH-shuh /nəˈtɑː.ʃə/High

Meaning: Born on Christmas Day; Russian diminutive of Natalia, from Latin natalis (relating to birth, specifically the birth of Christ)High

In 30 seconds: The Russian diminutive of Natalia meaning 'born on Christmas Day.' Brought to widespread English notice by Tolstoy's Natasha Rostova in War and Peace, it has a luxuriant, slightly exotic warmth.
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Origin HighRussian, Latin
MeaningBorn on Christmas Day; Russian diminutive of Natalia, from Latin natalis (relating to birth, specifically the birth of Christ)
U.S. rank (2025)#1148 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births202 girls (0.01% of U.S. girls)
Peak year1987
Total births (all-time)≈ 97,648

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 198719342025

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Natasha is a Russian hypocoristic (affectionate diminutive) of Natalia, from Latin natalis (of or relating to birth), specifically the phrase dies natalis (day of birth) applied to Christmas. Natalia has been a saint's name since the early church, and Natasha its warm, informal version.

Natasha appeared in English use from the early 20th century, strongly associated with Russian culture and literature. It peaked in the U.S. in the 1980s–1990s and has settled to a classic rank of #933 for girls in 2024.

Did you know? Natasha Rostova of Tolstoy's War and Peace (1869) is often cited as one of literature's most vividly realized female characters — her name became synonymous in Western culture with vibrant, passionate Russian femininity.
Overall data confidence 94%
Behind the Name — Natasha — etymologyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

NataschaNataciaNatasia

Nicknames

NatTashaSasha

Famous Bearers

  • ★Natasha Rostova (fictional)
    Protagonist of Leo Tolstoy's War and Peace (1869), one of literature's most celebrated female characters.

If you like Natasha…

Natalia— the full form from which Natasha derives
Nadia— Russian/Slavic diminutive name with the same warm, exotic feel
Sasha— Russian unisex diminutive name in the same cultural tradition
Katya— Russian diminutive of Katia/Katherine with the same Slavic warmth
Sonya— Russian diminutive (of Sophia) with a similar literary Russian feel

Explore names like Natasha

By themelatinclassicslavicrussianchristmas

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Natasha mean?

Natasha means 'born on Christmas Day,' as the Russian diminutive of Natalia, from Latin natalis (relating to birth, specifically the Nativity).

How do you pronounce Natasha?

It's said nuh-TAH-shuh — three syllables, stress on the second.

Is Natasha a boy or girl name?

Natasha is used as a girls' name.

How popular is Natasha?

Natasha ranked #933 for U.S. girls in 2024.

💬 Ask Nia