Holding steady, #3,513 for boys today.
Popularity of Ruslan since 1992
Babies named Ruslan per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1990s | 68 |
| 2000s | 185 |
| 2010s | 222 |
| 2020s | 147 |
Meaning & origin
Ruslan is a Slavic name with Turkic roots, literally meaning 'lion'. In the United States, it first appeared on the charts in 1992 and reached its peak rank of 3,513 in 2025, with an incidence of about 1 in 53,377. Its trajectory has been stable, maintaining a consistent presence without dramatic spikes. The name is most frequently given in Texas, reflecting communities with Eastern European heritage. While not common nationally, Ruslan carries cultural weight from its literary debut in Pushkin's epic poem, making it a meaningful choice for families seeking a name with historical and literary resonance.
Ruslan originated from the Turkic word arslan meaning 'lion'. It entered Slavic languages through Old East Slavic and was popularized by Alexander Pushkin's 1820 poem Ruslan and Ludmila, which established a heroic, legendary aura around the name in Russian culture. Today it is common across Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, and other post-Soviet states, often perceived as a strong, traditional choice.
Where Ruslan is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Ruslan” around the world
Where Ruslan lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Rus, Ruslik
Variants: Rustam
Sibling names for Ruslan
Names that share Ruslan's style, for a brother or sister.
