Old Russian female names complete list. Old Russian names for girls

Russian female names, beautiful and sonorous, are a great asset national culture. Centuries-old history naming in Rus' has formed a huge nomenclature of magnificent female names that have become an integral part of Russian history.

The origin of Russian names is very different, but their fate is the fate of Russia, a reflection of the great and long-suffering history of the country, the fullness of its cultural existence. In addition, Russian names have been conquering the cultures of other countries for decades, gradually turning from exotic and rare names into common and familiar names. Short forms of Russian female names are especially popular in the West - Tanya, Lisa, Sasha and others.

Modern beautiful female Russian names reflect the dynamics of development national culture V modern times, combining, on the one hand, Russia’s openness to the world, the influence of other cultures, but on the other hand, the desire to preserve and strengthen the identity of the national culture, its traditions and customs.

Naming traditions in Russia

The history of naming in Rus' is in many ways similar to the history of naming of all European peoples with one significant difference - the patronymic name is included in the Russian naming system. Thus, complete Russian name consists of a personal name, patronymic and surname. In addition, just like many other peoples, there are short forms of names, nicknames, affectionate diminutives, pseudonyms. In addition to the Russian people, patronymics exist among Belarusians, Ukrainians, Icelanders, Bulgarians and Greeks.

Before accepting Christianity Old Russian names were a conglomerate consisting of a family name, nickname, secret name, so it is sometimes impossible to determine which name is personal.

Significant changes in naming practices came with the adoption of Christianity, although for a long time not only peasants, but also princes had two names: one Slavic origin(pagan), the other - received at baptism. Until the 15th century, Russian princes bore Slavic names consisting of two bases - Vladimir, Yaropolk Svyatoslav, Mstislav and others. The words from which princely names were composed most often had meanings associated with the world military glory, valor and honor. Female princely names are also two-part - Pereyaslav, Dobroneg, Yaroslav. Commoners did not have the right to bear princely names, as, however, for a long time they had neither patronymics nor surnames. The first to acquire Christian names as the main name, as well as surname, were princes and boyars, then merchants and the clergy. Peasant surnames are formed only end of the 19th century century.

Origin of Russian female names

With the adoption of Christianity, names Ancient Rus' expanded significantly. According to Orthodox tradition, a person acquired a name only at baptism. For a long time the church was forced to fight the pagans, that is, Slavic names. And although some ancient Slavic names were present in the calendar, most of them were prohibited. Most interesting example such a “forbidden fruit” is the female name Svetlana, which arose as a result literary quest Russian romantics. Until now, many do not even realize that it has become so familiar, it has literary origin. However, the organic sound, its phonetics and positive meaning they force us to consider it almost Old Slavonic. At least, Orthodox Church For a long time she refused to include it in the calendar.

Most of the names of the Orthodox calendar are of ancient Greek and Roman origin. In its turn, ancient greek civilization known as a culture that absorbs the experience and traditions of other countries, and therefore ancient greek names absorbed best names from various regions of the Oikumene. The significance of Hebrew names, known to everyone from the Bible, is especially great.

Petrine reforms, cultural interactions With European countries, primarily France, Germany, and Great Britain, also enriched the corpus of Russian names, Russifying many Western European nicknames. For example, Paulina. Thus, by the end of the 19th century, an impressive name book had developed, incorporating hundreds of beautiful Russian variants of words.

Next turning point in the history of Russian naming there was October Revolution, marking the transition to the Soviet naming system. The role of the saints in the selection was abolished. Names appear that arise as a result of abbreviation. For example, Vladlena - Vladimir + Lenin.

So, Russians by origin female names are divided into:

• Slavic: Alena, Bogdana, Borislava, Vlada, Darina, Zabava, Zarina, Zlata, Lada, Lyubava, Lyudmila, Mila, Milana, Milena, Miloslava, Miroslava, Rada, Radmila, Snezhana, ;
• ancient Greek and ancient Roman: Avdotya, Aurora, Aglaya, Agrippina, Akulina, Alexandra, Antonina, Anfisa, Valentina, Valeria, Varvara, Vasilisa, Venus, Veronica, Victoria, Glafira, Diana, Eugenia, Euphrosyne, Larisa, Lydia, Melania, Natalya, Nina, Pelageya, Polina, Praskovya, Raisa, Sofia, Taisiya, Tamara, Tatyana, and others;
• Hebrew: Anna, Elizabeth, Leah, Martha, Seraphim, Susanna.
• Soviet: Idea, Iskra, Vilena, Vladlena, Ninel, Oktyabrina, Stalin.

Choosing a beautiful modern female Russian name

Currently, only parents choose the child’s name, and no matter how unusual it may be, the registry office is required to register it.

Modern scientists have found that the determining factor in favor of choosing one option or another is its “beauty.” For Russians, this means: the euphony of the name, harmonious compatibility with the patronymic and surname, pleasant cultural and symbolic associations. As practice shows, more and more Russians, when choosing a child’s name, are guided by the Orthodox calendar, which leads to the return of many forgotten names. For example, Varvara, Pelageya, Ulyana and others.

An important factor influencing the choice of a name is its popularity and the fashion for the name. This factor has always mattered. There is a widely known example when, thanks to the genius of A.S. Pushkin, the name Tatyana, once considered common, became fashionable and gained popularity among the nobles. What can we say about our time, when the means mass media shape the tastes and preferences of a multimillion-dollar audience.

As the survey showed, for several years now the most popular and, therefore, beautiful female name for Russians has been the name Anastasia. He is followed by: Sofia, Anna, Alexandra, Maria, Daria, Elizaveta, Polina, Elena, Natalya.

If you make a list of the most beautiful modern Russian female names and their meanings, you will get the following:

Alexandra – protector, reliable;

– noble;

– favor;

Anastasia - resurrected;

Antonina - from the Antoniev family;

Valentina – strong;

Valeria – healthy, strong;

Varvara is a foreigner;

Vasilisa - regal;

Faith - faith;

Veronica - on the personal name of Ptolemy’s wife Ferenice;

– winner;

Galina – calm, serene;

– great fire;

Evgeniya – noble;

Catherine – true, pure;

- solar;

Elizabeth – worshiper of God;

Zhanna – given by God;

Zinaida – divine;

Zlata – golden;

Zoya - life;

Inna - a stormy stream;

Irina – peaceful;

Karina – sweetheart;

Carolina – from male name Charles;

Female Russian names of Slavic origin are distinguished by the presence of two stems. These are like this wonderful names, like Miroslava, Svetlana, Yaroslava. A Russian female name always has good meaning, which can be seen even with the naked eye. Russian Orthodox names are still relevant.

The secret of the two foundations lies in the fact that the Slavs believed in the unity of the name and its owner. A wide circle was given a false name, and only close relatives knew the real one. The child was given a second name already in adolescence, because it was connected with his character, habits and views. Were funny names and downright strong. The tradition has survived to this day, and many parents give their children other names at baptism in order to protect them from the evil eye and damage. Therefore, Russian female names have become popular far beyond the borders of the country.

Origin of female names

The most surprising thing is that most of the names are not Russian at all. The stream that brought new things to the Russian people in names was Christianity. After acceptance new faith culture was enriched by various Byzantine, Greek and Jewish names. It's hard to imagine that many of them that surround us today were once part of someone else's history.

The list of original Slavic names has characteristic meanings:

• Bogdana.
• Wanda.
• Lada.
• Hope.
• Love.
• Faith.
• Mila.
• Vlada.
• Ruslana.
• Svetlana.
• Miroslava.
• Oksana.
• Lyudmila.

Among the Slavic options there are also unusual female names. These are Assol, Vanda, Zabava, Milana, Radmila, Tsvetana, Yesenia, Iskra, Veselina, Berislava, Radosveta.

Many species were borrowed from the Greeks. They predominate among foreign names that have taken root on Russian soil. You might be surprised to look at the list and find such familiar words.

Popular Russian names of Greek origin:

• Vasilisa.
• Zinaida.
• Anfisa.
• Nika.
• Veronica.
• Lydia.
• Raisa.
• Ilona.
• Ksenia.
• Larisa.
• Nina.
• Diana.
• Taisiya.
• Tamara.

Among the rare Greek names that the Slavs used are names such as Avdotya, Agnia, Alevtina, Vasilina, Glafira, Evdokia, Euphrosyne, Nellie, Praskovya, Stefania, Feodosia, Kira. They may seem funny, but in ancient times they were very popular.

Ancient Roman names spread throughout the world. It is not surprising that several of them were drawn to Russia. List of Latin options that Russian girls wear:

• Karina.
• Valeria.
• Marina.
• Regina.
• Rose.
• Lily.
• Antonina.
• Dina.

Amazing latin names, but, unfortunately, rare: , Venus, Vitalina, Carolina, Lana, Lolita, Nonna, Stella, Tina, Pavla.

There are also plenty of Jewish names in the ranks of supposedly Russian ones. These are well known to everyone:

• Martha
• Rimma
• Evelina
• Maryana

Among the rare Jewish variants are Ada, Leah, Seraphim, Susanna, Edita.

Traditional name choice

The Slavs, like other ancient peoples, carefully chose the names of their children. They believed that a name brings meaning to a person’s life, so they tried to name babies favorably. It was a whole ritual with its own characteristics and rules. Today, this ritual is neglected and sometimes given downright funny names. Girls are called whatever the parents want, without worrying about the fate of the child. People think that by naming a child after a celebrity or relative, they are giving him a good destiny.

Despite the fact that there are truly a lot of Russian names, it is sometimes difficult for parents to choose the right one for their beloved daughter. You can choose the first one you come across, but often it just doesn’t fit your tongue. It is worth remembering the nuance of the choice - the rougher it sounds, the more audacity and strength is put into it. Soft names with vowel sounds endow the girl with softness and tenderness.

IN last years There has been a tendency to call girls by old names, which many have already forgotten. These are such wonderful names as Yarina, Lyubomira, Milana, Zlata, Milena. These are mostly Orthodox names.

Russian female names and their meanings

Zlata is gold.

Larisa is a seagull.

Lesya is courageous.

Claudia is lame.

Love love.

Lyudmila is dear to people.

Kira is a mistress.

Margarita is a pearl.

Marina is sea.

Before the advent of Christianity, Old Church Slavonic names for girls were mostly two-part. Parents were happy to give girls names such as Bazhena, Bogumila, which mean gentle, sweet creatures. It should be noted that many such Old Slavonic names for girls have survived to this day, but they are used extremely rarely. Although from time to time the fashion for Old Slavonic names returns. If you want to give your child something unusual, beautiful, old name, then we advise you to study our list of names for girls. At the same time, our list contains not only Old Russian names, but also name books of such Slavic peoples like Bulgarians, Czechs, Serbs, Poles.

We are confident that with the help of our list, you will be able to choose a beautiful Old Church Slavonic name for your daughter. When choosing a name for a girl, remember that it should be consonant with her last name and patronymic. It is also important to know the meaning of the name, since the meaning of the name is reflected in the fate of a person. For example, a girl named Lyubomira will grow up to be a peace-loving, nice girl. Well, if you want your daughter to have character, then we advise you to give her the name Borimira - one who fights for peace. In any case, when choosing a name, pay attention Special attention to its meaning.

Old Slavonic names for girls:

Alena - scarlet

Lyubomyra - peace-loving

Belava - light

Luchezara - radiant

Berislava - chosen by glory

Lana - field, allotment

Bazhena - desired

Ladomila - sweet, okay

Bogumila - dear to God

Lubislava - beloved by glory

Blessed - happy

Lada - harmony, beauty

Branislava - covered in glory

Lyubomila - beloved, dear

Beloslava - bright glory

Ladomira - peace-loving

Bogdana - given by God

Milana - sweetheart

Vereya - tied

Miloslava - sweet glory

Vladimir - who owns the world

Mila - sweetheart

Vlastimira - ruler of the world

Militsa - sweetheart

Vetrana - air

Milava - sweetheart

Velimira - great-worldly

Milorada - sweet and joyful

Vlasta - ruler

Unexpected - unexpected

Veda - knowledgeable

Negomila - gentle and sweet

Velislava - great glory

Hope - hope, expectation

Faith - knowing the light, faithful

Joy - joy

Wanda - praise

Olesya - from the forest

Vlastislava - owner of glory

Olislava - around fame

Videslava - glory of life

Ozara - illuminated

Veselina - cheerful

Ozhana - that which is compressed

Hanna - bird

Beautiful - beautiful

Godislava - in the time of glory

Pereslava - ahead of glory

Gordana - proud

Rostislava - grow glorious

Gostimira - peaceful guest

Radimila - sweet joy

Dushana - soulful

Rada - joy

Virtuous - acting

Radislava - the joy of glory

Draga - dear

Slavyanka - glory

Druzhana - friendly

Svyatava - light

Dobroslava - glorifying goodness

Snezhana - snowy

Dana - given to the world

Svetozara - illuminated by light

Darina - given by God

Svetomira - light of the world

Dobrana - kind

Svetolika - fair complexion

Daromila - sweet gift

Semislava - seven times bright

Yesenia - clear, clear sky

Svetlana - light

Zhdana - desired

Tihosava - quiet glory

Zlatoslava - golden glory

Tomira - multi-world

Zlata - golden

Umila - sweetheart

Krasimira - the beauty of the world

Ulada - getting along well

Beauty - beauty

Khranimir - guardian of the world

Kupava - totality

Chayana - tea

Kraisava - beauty of the earth

Jaromila - young, sweet

Lyuba - love, beloved

Yasinya - clear

Lyudmila - dear to people

Yana - to be born, to be born

Ladoslava - beloved by glory

Yaroslava - shining with glory

Rare female names are heard and remembered more and more often today. Forgotten Slavic variants are returning from the past, and analogues of familiar Russian names are being borrowed from abroad.

Of course, sometimes old names are simply dissonant. But still, they often have strong feminine energy or bring good luck. Therefore, today we have prepared for you a list of rare, but very successful female names.

Ulyana

This rare and beautiful female name, with its soft sound alone, imparts some special beauty to its bearers. Most often you can notice that parents are ready to literally turn up the whole world and throw it at their daughter’s feet, but they need to be careful. Often Ladas grow up to be very capricious because of this.

By nature, Lada usually turns out to be a maximalist in everything, especially in feelings, which is why it is sometimes difficult to come to an agreement with her. This must be taken into account when choosing this unusual name for girl. However, Ladas are determined and persistent, which will help them in career growth. After all, they almost never abandon their goals.

Zlata

Beautiful female name Zlata It is quite easy to interpret even without the help of dictionaries. It is most likely Jewish origin, but could have entered the Russian language through Greek. In this name, the root “zlat” is easily recognizable, of course, reminiscent of gold.

It is not surprising that a woman named Zlata always has her own principles regarding money. She really does not like to borrow, even if she is forced to do so. Zlata is also usually quite thrifty, which, of course, will come in handy throughout her life. Thanks to their natural caution, these women turn out to be good housewives.

I must say that family plays a very important role in Zlata’s life. important role. A girl with this rather rare name can grow into a homebody. She is intellectual and often wants to look into the future. Usually the name gives them such qualities as tact and attentiveness to people, but it can also endow them with some secrecy.

Vasilisa

Vasilisa- a beautiful name for a girl, which was once very common in Rus'. It is of Greek origin, and can be translated into Russian as “royal”. It is also female version male name Vasily. Sometimes it is shortened to Vasya or another option is used, Vasilena.

Girls with this name most often turn out to be very virtuous and sometimes consider their own and other people's problems with the same zeal and desire to help their neighbors. They are charming and good-looking, they know how to be there on time if we're talking about about difficult life situations.

Typically, the shortcomings of these women are attributed to the inability to admit their weaknesses and excessive stubbornness. However, women with the rare name Vasilisa are quite gentle in communication, which makes them very pleasant.

Sofia (Sofia)

Sophia or Sofia considered Russian Orthodox name, which means “wisdom” and everything connected with it. This name is also mentioned in Greece and has the following diminutive forms: Sonya, Sofa, Sofyushka, Sonechka, Sofka, Fiya, Fifi.

In Rus', this name was considered so powerful that initially only the highest classes could receive it, and it was used only in aristocratic society. Later the fashion moved to noble classes. The popularity of such a beautiful and unusual name was constantly growing, and soon girls from any class began to be called Sophia.

Women with beautiful name Sophia have deep inner world who helps them cope with any problem and supports them in Hard time. They bring light, goodness and love into the world and this is what attracts others to them and charges them with positivity. Such women are always open to communication and ready to lend their shoulder. Despite their strong inner core, they are very gentle and passionate natures.

Sofia's temperament plays a role in her personal life main role. She is an excellent housewife and a wonderful wife and mother. Despite the fact that such women dream of becoming the head of the family, they are always pleased when there is a strong man capable of taking full responsibility upon himself. Only with such a husband does Sophia feel as if behind a stone wall and with great pleasure begin to create home comfort.

Angelina

Name Angelina so far it is quite rare, although it is present in the calendar. Literally it means “messenger”. It is of Greco-Latin origin and has many forms and variations in different languages peace. The name Angelina can be shortened to short form Lina, but do not forget that this option is also independent.

Often girls with the unusual name Angelina inherit the character of their mother and grow up to be very stubborn, which is evident from childhood. Therefore, Angelina shows a desire to command. This girl rarely makes concessions. She also wants to achieve everything herself and does not expect help from anyone.

Sometimes Angelina is not very active and may not be at all interested in what is happening at school or even university. But she loves to study on her own. We can say that she has somewhat masculine character traits, and it is difficult to find mutual language. But Angelina is always an interesting and pleasant person.

Diana

Diana is a Catholic and rather unusual female name for our country. On a global scale, it is more common, because the spread of Catholicism greatly affected its popularity. Translated from Latin language Diana is translated as "pertaining to God." This was also the name of the Roman goddess, which means that this name is marked by the patronage of higher powers.

Diana is a very kind, bright and pleasant person. If you ask Diana if she is happy, then 100 percent of the time she will answer you yes.

For a girl this is rare name in our country means success in relationships with boys, which lasts throughout life. Dianas may look ordinary, but after meeting them, no man will remain indifferent to them. They are kind, know how to joke and understand any person, for which they are very loved in any company.

Arina

According to the most common version, name Arina is an obsolete form of the name Irina. Historians believe that earlier in Rus' Irin was called exactly that, after which the name was transformed by replacing the first letter. Now this seemingly unusual female name is coming back again, gaining popularity.

Arina is always interested in something, and very much so. This unusual female name gives its owner good self-control, endurance and resistance to stress. Arins always know what to say, when to remain silent and when to fight back. Despite her strong character traits, Arina is incredibly attractive to men. This one rare feminine item bestows upon those who wear it the gift of easy interaction with the male sex.

Arina often falls in love, but not only with men, but also with her work. A girl with this name always brings the job she starts to the end, without backing down at the sight of problems. This is why Arina is successful and loves her work, which quite often is also her favorite hobby.

Emilia

Many have heard of the Western name Emily, which, according to many scientists, is practically synonymous Emilia. In Russia this name sounded like Emilia- it was a female form Omelyana. One way or another, this form is now forgotten. Translated from Greek language Emilios means “kind” or “affectionate.”

Since childhood, Emilia has loved difficult tasks and everything that is attractive on the outside. She appreciates beauty in people, but not only external, but also internal. This is an unusual name for a girl living in our country, as it is incredibly rare. This has its advantages that all female representatives dream of - individuality, beauty and charm.

When Emilia grows up, her life flows along the course that the girl herself determines. She doesn’t always understand people well, but she feels them well, which is why Emilia is happy in her marriage.

Anita

Anita very often confused with Anna, although there is absolutely no connection between these two names in terms of origin. Anita is a rare female name that supposedly appeared in Spain, although it goes back to old Germanic roots. It means “beautiful”, “graceful”, “gentle”, “sweet”.

Anita's character is complex and incomprehensible to most people. This is why Anita had few friends as a child. If you ask Anita's friend or friend why they are friends with her, you will not hear a clear answer. This is a man of mystery, not only for those around him, but also for himself.

In adult life this beautiful and rare female name gives girls and women many advantages over other representatives of the fairer sex, namely: charm, the ability to see what others cannot see, an irresistible craving for beauty. Anita loves not so much life itself as the beauty of its details.

Taisiya

Name Taisiya widespread both among Slavic peoples and in the West. It's Catholic and christian name, which has Greek origin. Translated, it means “fertile.” This is a very beautiful and unusual female name, but it is often heard. IN Eastern Europe it is very popular, but in Russia it is rarely given to girls.

Taisiya is impulsive and very secretive. Perhaps these are the only qualities that can cause her problems in life. Otherwise, she has all the makings of a strong leader, as well as a self-sufficient and strong personality. Her analytical mind tells her that there is no rush to get married, but her strong intuition does not argue with this. That is why she has children and ties the knot quite late.

This is a man of contrasts, because such strong ladies always have many friends and many enemies. Her character plays a very important role in this, which is very difficult to call simple. Taisiya is secretive and patient, but sometimes she life problems make her explode like atomic bomb. In this case, it is better to run without looking back.

Kira

Name Kira has several versions of origin. Many argue that this word came to us from Greece and is a derivative of the name Kiros, which was assigned to men. It has strong meaning and is associated with words such as “lord”, “lord”, “lord”. Others prove that given name came to us from Persia and means “sun”, “rays of light” and “carrying heat”. The name Kira is given an abbreviated name from such names as: Kirill, Kyriakia, Shakira, Kirra.

With age, Kira will have to face injustice, which will only strengthen her character and instill in her a reserved and secretive nature. However, thanks to such lessons of Fate, directness and determination appear in women with the beautiful name Kira, which helps them move directly towards their ideals, destroying all obstacles in their path. Such women cope well with leadership positions and know how to combine charm and intelligence.

At home, women with such a rare name as Kira make excellent housewives. They always feel warm and cozy, and their doors are always open to family and close friends. Such women become faithful wives who are able to support their husbands in difficult times and inspire them to heroic deeds. Her choice will fall on an attractive man on whom she can rely. And if Kira does not tolerate competition in her career, then in marriage she is ready to agree to a supporting role. This feature of Kira will create a strong alliance based on mutual love, respect and understanding.

Yesenia

Name Yesenia unusual in that different cultures has completely opposite meanings. According to one version, this is a derivative of the word “autumn” and was the name given to girls who were born in the autumn months. According to another legend, girls born in the spring were called “spring ones.” It was this word that was later transformed into Yesenia. There are also several other opinions about where such a rare name came to us. Some argue that this name became popular after the appearance of the Russian poet Sergei Yesenin, while others argue that it is a derivative of the Arabic male name Hasan, which means “beautiful”, or from “stranger” in Greek.

Enya, by nature, grows up to be very kind and loving girl. She is good with animals and loves everything beautiful. Over the years, Yesenia learns to hide her soft character and quite easily achieves her goals. Such women make wonderful leaders and mentors. They are fair and very smart. Such women immediately stand out from the crowd with their relentless zeal to get what they want. If Yesenia is passionate about something, she will definitely see it through to the end.

This independent nature of women influences family life Yes. These women marry only after they can provide for themselves. They value their freedom, but they won’t allow anyone to climb on their necks either. That is why Yesenia mostly has late unions. However, this does not have any negative consequences.

Milana (Milena)

This name has many consonant names, such as Milena. However, they have absolutely different meanings. It is believed that the name Milan originally came from the word "mil", like other similar names. However, they cannot be called diminutives and considered to be the same name. It is important to understand that Miloslava, Militsa, Milonia, Milena are not forms of each other. But if you want to call Milana affectionately, then the following names are suitable for this: Milanka, Mila, Lana, Milunka.

Adult Milana always does what she says. Her character contains a masculine character, which, despite everything, does not deprive her of femininity, but only emphasizes it. Such a rare name rewards its owner with excellent intuition, endurance and a craving for everything mystical. Although Milana prefers loneliness to noisy company, her interests never make her feel abandoned and unwanted. Such women feel people well and always know when they need to be alone with their thoughts.

When we receive a name at birth, we receive character, talents, and abilities. This set makes every name...