Old Russian names and their meanings. Ancient names for children: traditions or a tribute to modernity? The meaning of Slavic names for boys and girls

Every name once invented by people carries a meaning. Old Russian female names They are distinguished by their beauty and uniqueness, because they appeared in different periods of the long-suffering history of Ancient Rus'. The wealth of female names has appealed to modern parents, and many girls already have beautiful old names. Melody and deep meaning attract not only Russians, but also other peoples.

It is impossible to find out the origin of absolutely all ancient names, but research does not stop. Names are a source of history and traditions; with their help you can learn about the life of your ancestors, their views, and look at the world through their eyes. Names help contemporaries know how their ancestors treated people.

It is even more difficult to research Old Russian female names, because they usually had several meanings and interpretations. U different regions one name could mean various phenomena and things. Therefore, today there are several versions of one name.

Names and traditions

In the old days, children were called by names that characterized their habits or appearance. This was an ancient tradition, because people have long believed that the name contains a fateful code. This is how the girls’ names appeared: Krasava and Razumnitsa.

It is worth noting that such a tradition was not only among the Slavs. The Indians and Chinese also named children according to traditions. In India they gave characteristic names, like Ayashi (small), Evoti (great). The Chinese tried to give the child terrible name, because they believed that bad spirits could covet a beloved child, and if they named him almost offensively, the spirits would think that they did not love this child. This was more true for boys, although girls were sometimes given strange names.

The Slavs gave great importance family and occupation, some names are even associated with the order of birth of children. So Lydia will mean “first”. The name Pervusha was popular.

The Slavs believed that the name is the key to inner world and gave the girls two names. This is how the tradition of choosing a name for people and for the family arose. The first was told to everyone, but the second was known only to those closest to them, and it kept a secret good meaning. The first was usually ugly and repulsive, but it made it possible to protect the true from bad tongues.

The second name was given only at a certain age, when the teenager showed character. However, the tradition did not take root - usually the girl was as her first name characterized her. The second name, due to not being used, lost its meaning.

Church calendars

After the adoption of Christianity, names were entered into church calendars, and as if they were giving the child to the protection of a guardian angel. As you know, not all Slavs willingly accepted the customs of Christianity, so for a long time children, in parallel with Christian names, were given old pagan nicknames. Later, many of them became modern surnames.

However, the pressure of Christianity was great. Closer to the 17th century, many Old Russian female names went out of use. They were replaced by the names of states that spread Christianity or were influential at that time - Byzantium, Egypt, Greece, Italy, Syria. Many names were transformed into the Russian style, and, for example, instead of Avdotya it turned out to be Evdokia. Today, many people would be surprised at how their names sounded in the original.

Only the names of the saints remained unchanged. Ancient tradition Giving a child two names also took root in Rus', but the second name given at baptism was usually not used. The second name was often Greek.

The church list provides a choice a large number of female names. Both Christian believers and atheists can choose names. Moreover, the calendar allows you to select a name by month and even birthday. To name a child according to the Saints means to give him protection from the saint revered on this day. There is another tradition, choosing a saint on the eighth day after birth. If there are no Saints on the birthday, then choose the name of the saint honored on the fortieth day. Previously, it was on this day that a child was baptized.

It is also allowed to use a male name if there is no female name according to the Saints. That's why there are so many genderless names (Evgenia, Alexandra, Yaroslav, Vyacheslav).

Types of Russian names

The Slavs definitely loved beautiful two-basic names. For example, Svetozar, Miroslav, Lyubomir, Dobrognev, . Often girls were called names that emphasized certain traits of their character. This is how the names Arina (calm), Dobrava (kind), Varvara (wild), Svetlana (bright), Arsenia (courageous) appeared. Since the Slavs revered the cult of animals and plants, many girls’ names are taken from the world of flora and fauna. These are Azalea, Akulina, Pike.

There were names borrowed from the gods. The famous one was considered the goddess of the dawn, Apollinaria - the goddess of the sun (about ancient Greek god sun of Apollo), goddess of beauty and love Lada. Some original Russian names were modified participles (Bazhena). IN separate group included names for princely children (Vyacheslav).

Today you can find old Slavic names, which in reality had only a Slavic root. There were names that translated Greek and Roman.

It is impossible to compile a complete list of beautiful names of antiquity, but here are a few of the most popular:

– summer.

– giving.

Agnes is chaste.

Vesta is the keeper of the hearth.

– chosen one.

Bela is beautiful.

Ada – decorating.

- serene.

Bogdana – given by God.

Agnia is immaculate.

Dobrava - kind.

- reigning.

Beatrice - blessing.

Eupraxia is a virtue.

Kazimira - showing the world.

Ariadne - sleeping.

– protector.

Joy is joy.

Svetlana is bright.

Milana is sweet.

Joy - joy.

Goluba is meek.

Mstislava - revenge and glory.

Lyubomila - love and peace.

- cold.

Ladoslava - okay.

Lubomudra is loving wisdom.

Ognevlada is bright.

Arrow - arrow.

Mlada – young.

Snow White - snow-white.

Milonega – sweet and gentle.

Diva - divine.

Domoslava - glorifying the house.

Chaslava - aspiring to glory.

Radmila is a sweet joy.

Slavunya – glorifying.

Lyubogneva – who loves to be angry.

Rusana is fair-haired.

Delight – sweet.

Beautiful - beautiful.

Virtue - one who does good.

Vesnyana – spring.

Zhdana – desired.

Jaromila - Yarlu's sweetheart.

In the 19th century many old Russian names were half forgotten. Russian versions of foreign names have come into use:

- someone else's.

- comforting.

Ursula is curious.

Irma is neat.

- black-eyed.

Nellie is inattentive.

– honest.

The history of the emergence of Slavic, Old Russian names has finally become interesting to those who decided to return to their Family and remember their Roots. The choice of rare Slavic names for girls and boys at the birth of children has even become a kind of fashion trend. Well, for those who wish to accept the naming from or find out the meaning of the Old Russian name already given during the perfect ritual of returning to the Family, it will be all the more interesting to find the basis for its compilation and interpretation. We will be glad if you do this on our Slavic information portal “Veles”, which grew out of an online store of goods from the best Russian Masters.

Naming an Old Russian name among the Slavs: Native Traditions

In Ancient Rus' the name had special meaning among the Slavs. The ancestors believed: giving a person a name is fateful and influences events in his life and the outcome of each of them, attracts good luck, gives strength, and has a protective meaning. That is why the Slav had from three to twelve names, depending on his activity and time spent in Yavi.

Let’s make a reservation right away - all the names given by people and the Family were Nicknames. Even now, the tradition of calling a person with any word that most accurately defines him to identify a person in society has been preserved. All chosen by himself and the Gods Old Russian names were true and sacred.

The meaning of the Old Russian name and its role in the life of a Slav

The child received his first Slavic name immediately at birth or even long before it. It was given by the Father of the Family and had the property of being tied to the Family, an instrument for the Elders to protect their Descendant. All rituals to nourish, cleanse, and heal the child took place through this name. Such Old Russian names most often looked like a characteristic and wish for those character traits or physical virtues that, in the opinion of the Parents, were needed or had already been reflected in their sons and daughters. Milolika, Zabava, Bogodar, Svetomir - all these and many other ancient Russian names reflect the emotions and kind message of the Elders of the Family to their child.

The ritual of the Slavic naming of the Native Gods was carried out on children when they reached twelve years of age. A girl or boy was accepted into the Family as its full members, leaving the full paternal protection, although they remained forever bound by the Roots of the Tree. This sacrament was performed using the Power and Knowledge of the priest. With the help of a special ritual and turning off the internal dialogue, turning to the Gods, he looked through the emerging character, destiny and heard the name that was given to the person from above.

This is Slavic, ancient Russian name was the most important thing for a boy or girl throughout his life, and was not subject to disclosure. It was communicated by the priest tête-à-tête during the purification of the child in the river and initiation into the Family, and was then used only when communicating with the Gods or performing magical or egregorial rituals for personal protection, health, strength, and good luck. In the world, a person continued to call himself by a community name, a nickname by birth.

A separate ancient Russian name was chosen or given to a person when he was initiated into any profession, when he began to engage in a particular activity: agriculture, architecture, cattle breeding and other craftsmanship areas. The process of naming in this case, as a blessing and protection, bestowing prosperity and success, consisted of communicating with the Native Gods themselves or with the help of a wise priest.

Priests also received unique Slavic names when they began serving the Pantheon. Moreover, the name itself often contained a root that reflected the essence and name of the Native God whose patronage he chose. Often there were several Patrons, therefore one sorcerer, priest or sorcerer also had several ancient Russian names. They served as an energetic link between Slavi’s worlds. Reveal and Prav, made it possible to safely and unhinderedly perform rituals and ceremonies at the temples with.

The same few personal Slavic names were given for ancient Russian warriors. The first is when making a decision to protect your Motherland and Family. The second and subsequent ones are before decisive battles and campaigns. Each of these ancient Russian names contained a powerful information and energy message to the Gods, their support and protection in combat. For example, for a shield warrior, inflexibility of spirit, body and will was important; for a scout - a quiet step and the ability to be invisible, fast, and for a commander - the ability to lead an army and draw up a wise plan of attack or defense.

The history of the creation of male and female Old Russian names

The formula and the history of the creation of Slavic names for girls, boys, men, women, and priests are also very interesting. Fairly believing that a Slavic name directly affects a person’s entire life and can protect against enemies or Dark forces, our Ancestors showed ingenuity in naming themselves and their Descendants.

The common name and nickname at birth sometimes sounded a little ominous and not at all attractive - Zloba, Krivda, Nekras, Kriv. This is how those Parents named the child because they did not want to attract the attention of evil beings and unkind eyes that could cause the child Bad and Bad. The main category called girls and boys names that expressed the degree of attachment and love for their child, in order to have a closer connection with him before the onset of adolescence and performing the ceremony of the main naming.

Historians identify several groups of Old Russian names used by our ancestors. Almost every Slav had each of their types - it was predetermined and predetermined, born and created...

Names of Slavic origin had:

Roots from the signs and elements of Nature, names of plants or animals: Bunny, Wind, Dawn, Svetoch, Yar, Sedge, Walnut, Pike, Berry, Trees, Colors, Wolf, etc.

Roots from the emotions and qualities of a Slav: Lyubava, Uslada, Zabava, Blaginya, Sineoka, Smeyana, Strength, etc.

Roots named after native Gods: Lada, Yarilo, Magus, Volos, etc.

All these Slavic Old Russian names could consist of either one root, personifying a man of words, or produce new words by adding suffixes and endings. Most often: ending (-neg, -lo, -ta, -tka, -sha, -yata, -nya, -ka).

The same suffixes and endings, softening or strengthening the energy message of the name, were also applied to two-part names. These include all the beautiful Slavic names ending with:

- peace, - glory, - gift, - love, - boron, - vlad, - view, - ved, - zar, - sweet, - wise, - given.

And other roots that determine the essence and direction of a person’s activity, his role and destiny: Jaromir, Vsevlad, Ratibor, Dobrolyub, Miroslav, Svetovid, Bogdan, Velomudr, Svetozar, Lyubomila, etc.

Examples of beautiful Slavic names of Ancient Rus': meanings

Below we will give you examples of old, now rare and beautiful Slavic names with their meaning and influence on the Fate, Event and Character of the Brothers and Sisters of the Old Russian Family. Look how simple, melodic and energetic they are. They will help you correct past mistakes, find good luck and the protection of the Native Gods in a just and just cause. Old Russian names act no worse than ordinary ones, they protect and harmonize in the same way as. Comprehend and absorb the Spirit of Knowledge and Wisdom of our Ancestors!

Slavic names for boys:

Belogor - related to the heights of the spirit
Beloslav – white, glorify
Belozar - enlightened
Belomir – pure in thoughts
Beloyar - furious
Bogdan – given by the gods
Bratimir – striving for peace
Vedamir (Vedomir) – in charge
Veleslav - led - (great, great) and slav - (glory)
Vladislav - owner of glory
Gradimir - creator of the world
Daromir - the giver of peace
Dobrynya - kind, good
Zhizneslav - glorifying life
Krasibor – the chosen one
Lubomir - beloved by the world
Lyubomil - beloved
Miloslav - dear, glory
Miroslav – peace, glory – young
Mstislav - revenge, glory, irreconcilable
Overexposure - very light
Pereslav - very wise, nice
Radimir – care, peace
Radislav – take care, glory
Ratibor – to protect
Ratislav - famous in battle
Ratimir - defender of peace
Rostislav - grow, glory
Svetoslav (Svyatoslav)
Svetomir - the carrier of the world
Svyatogor – saint, mountain, height
Jaromir – striving for peace
Yaroslav - bright glory
Yaropolk - a fierce warrior

Slavic names for girls:

Agnia - fiery, enlightened
Alla is highly spiritual
Bazhena - desired
Bela - white, clean
Beloyara - light-colored
Borislava - fighting for glory
Boyana - fighting, courageous
Bratislava - taking glory
Beloslava - glorifying purity
Belyana - enlightened, spiritualized
Bogolyuba - loving her gods
Vlasya - long-haired
Velena - commanding
Vesnyana - spring
Vlada - okay, slim
Velmira (Velemira) - ruler of the world (people)
Vedana (Vedeneya, Vedenya) - in charge
Velimira - very peaceful, balanced
Faith - knowing Ra (sun, primordial Light)
Vseslava - glorifying everything
Gala - soulful
Galina - feminine, earthy
Dana (Danuta) - given
Daryana (Daria) - courageous
Dragomira (Dorogomila) - dear, dear to the world (society)
Zlata (Zlatana) - golden, golden-haired
Zvenislava - calling on glory
Zlatoyara - ardent, strong like the sun
Inna (Inga) - feminine
Lyubava (Lyuba, Lyubima, Lyubusha) - beloved
Luchezara - radiant, illuminating with light
Lyuboyara - loving Yarila
Lyudmila - sweet to people, humane
Mila (Mlava, Militsa) - sweetheart
Mira (Mirava, Mirana, Mirona, Mireta) - peaceful, reconciling
Olesya - forest
Olga (Olyana) - playful
Ogneslava - glorifying Fire
Polada - flexible
Pereyaslava - which took over the glory of its ancestors
Rusya - fair-haired
Rita - born in accordance with the Law of the Family
Svetana (Sveta, Svetla) - light
Snezhana (Snezhina) - snowy, white-faced
Svetlana (Svetlena) - bright, pure soul
Tsvetana - blooming, tender
Jadwiga - nurse
Yaroslava - glorifying Yarila the sun

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Before the advent of Christianity in Rus', there were male names that reflected the qualities of people, their various properties, for example, speech characteristics or physical disabilities. Also, Slavic male names reflected the attitude of parents towards children or the order of their appearance in the family. All this was expressed directly common nouns or figuratively, in comparison with animals, plants, etc. The child could be named Wolf, Cat, Sparrow, Pea, Birch, Ryaby, Buyan, First, Tretyak, Bolshoi, Malenshiy, Zhdan, Nezhdanny. Subsequently these male names reborn into modern surnames Nezhdanov, Tretyakov, Volkov, etc.

After Christianity was introduced in Rus', such male names () were gradually replaced by church names that came from Byzantium. Among them there were not only Greek, but also ancient Roman names, and Hebrew, and Syrian, and Egyptian. Each of them has his own native language had a certain meaning, but in Rus' they became proper names, not denoting anything else. So, once upon a time in Byzantium the best Greek names and names that were used in neighboring countries were collected. All of them were canonized, that is, officially legitimized, becoming church names.

Brought to Russian soil, church male names did not immediately replace the old ones. The fact that new names gradually entered Russian life is evidenced by the fact that until the 17th century, Russians, along with church Christian names, also gave worldly names, which were more familiar and understandable. It was they who eventually turned into nicknames. Ancient chronicles contain rather complex names of people, sometimes compound ones: “Fedot Ofonasyev’s son, nicknamed Cucumber,” “Alexey, nicknamed Budil, Semyonov’s son,” “Ostashko, nicknamed Pervushka,” “boyar Theodore, called Doroga.”

Old Russian names gradually fell into oblivion, and by the 18th-19th centuries. Only Christian male names remained. However, they too have undergone changes, succumbing to the influence of the peculiarities of Russian pronunciation, word formation and inflection. So Diomede became Demid, Jeremiah became Eremey, Ioannikios became Aniceus, etc. A number of names even began to be used in two versions - church and civil. Church male names resembled the Greek original, while civil or folk names were more adapted to Russian pronunciation. So Sergius became Sergei, Agapius - Agap, Elijah - Elijah, Zachary (Zacharia) - Zakhar.

Let's see list of the most popular male names, and also find out their meanings. We hope that from the presented list you will find the most suitable name for your boy.

So, you recently found out that you will soon become happy parents. little boy. Doubts about the gender of the unborn child have been dispelled, and all that remains is to come up with a name for him. Some parents know in advance what their beloved son will be called, some have saved for this the name that was borne by a grandfather or other respected relative, and some seriously think about this important issue.

Most parents try to give their sons strong sonorous names. IN Lately, the number of unusual rare names has increased as never before. If you are going to name your child original interesting name, remember a few simple tips, following which you can successfully choose a name for a boy.

So, what name should you choose for a boy?

To begin with, imagine how the chosen name will be combined with the middle name and surname. It should be an easy-to-pronounce and harmonious design. A win-win option is to choose a name whose consonants coincide with some consonants in the patronymic and/or surname. Second point: think about what you will affectionately call your son. There are quite beautiful names, but some of them, alas, cannot be appropriately reduced. And one last piece of advice. Think carefully about what your child's peers will call your child in the future. Avoid names that could be mimicked or offensively distorted. A poorly chosen name can be jokingly misrepresented by other children in school age and turned into a not very pleasant nickname. For all these reasons, it is worth taking a very responsible approach to choosing a name.

If you set out to choose something beautiful for your future son, unusual name, Slavic male names and their meanings are offered to help you. It is not only, as they say now, stylish, fashionable, youthful, but also patriotic.

Male Slavic names

Bazhen- desired son.
Bezson- cheerful, sleepless.
Beloslav- famous for good deeds.
Berimir- concerned about peace.
Berislav- the one who takes the glory.
Blagoslav- one who blesses kindness.
Bogdan- God's gift.
Bogomil, Bogumil – the one whom God loves.
Bogolyub- one who loves God.
Boguslav- glorifying the gods.
Boleslav- the most famous.
Borimir- peacemaker.
Borislav- famous for fighting.
Branimir- scolding the world.
Bronislaw- Defends nicely.
Bryachislav, Brachislav – boasting of glory.
Budimir- peacemaker.
Vadim- discordant.
Velimir- Big world.
Velimudr- one who knows a lot.
Velislav- the most famous.
Wenceslaus– dedicated/dedicated to glory.
Faith lover- defender of the faith.
Veselin- cheerful, cheerful.
Vladimir- the one who owns the world.
Vladislav- the one who owns fame.
Vlastimir- ruling over the world.
Voeneg- one who enjoys combat.
Vojislav- a glorious warrior.
Volibor- fighter for freedom.
Vsevolod- owning everything.
Vsemil- everyone's favorite.
Omnismysl- thinking about everything.
Vseslav– famous.
Vysheslav- the one whose glory is higher than others.
Vyacheslav- the most glorious.
Gorazd- capable, skillful
Gorislav- burning in glory, fiery.
Gostemil– dear to others, from “dear to guests.”
Gradimir- protecting the world.
Gradislav- the one who keeps the glory.
Granislav- improving fame.
Gremislav- famous, one whose fame “thunders.”
Daryon- gifted.
Dejan- a man of action.
Dobrogost- good guest (merchant).
Dobrolyub- loving and kind.
Dobromil- sweet and kind.
Dobromir(Dobrynya) – peaceful and kind.
Dobromysl- who means well.
Dobronrav- possessor of a good disposition.
Dobroslav- glorifying kindness.
Domozhir- a man from a rich house.
Dragomir- the one who is more valuable than the whole world.
Dubynya- indestructible, strongman.
Zhdan- the one they were waiting for.
Zvenimir, Zvonimir - proclaiming peace.
Izyaslav- the one who gained fame.
Istislav- glorifying the truth.
Krasimir– peaceful and beautiful.
Luchezar- similar to the first ray of dawn.
We love you- Darling.
Lubomir- one who loves peace
Mieczyslaw- famous for his sword.
Milan- Cute.
Milovan- caring.
Milorad– joyful and sweet.
Miroslav- glorious in peace.
Molchan- talkative.
Mstislav- the one who takes revenge for glory.
Peresvet- the one who fights for the light.
Peredrag- the most precious.
Putimir- peaceful and reasonable.
Radogost- caring about others.
Radimir- the one who cares about the world.
Radislav- caring about glory.
Radogor– strong as a mountain.
Ratibor– defender.
Ratmir- one who fights for peace.
Rostislav- the one whose fame increases.
Svetovid- insightful.
Svetozar- illuminating with light.
Svyatogor- the one whose holiness is indestructible.
Svyatopolk- leading the sacred army.
Svyatoslav- the one whose glory is holy.
Stanimir- the one who established peace.
Stanislav- the one who establishes glory.
Stoyan- persistent, unbending.
Tverdimir- unyielding in the pursuit of peace.
Tverdislav– relentlessly glorifying.
Khotimir-wishing peace.
Brave- brave.
Caslav- desiring fame.
Cheslav- glorified by honor.
Jaromir– powerful world.
Yaropolk- leader of a powerful army.
Yaroslav- most glorious.

Until the end of the 10th century, the Russian people had not yet accepted Christianity and worshiped several gods. Accordingly, Old Russian names for children were pagan. After the adoption of Christianity, a confrontation began between common and Christian names.

Naming

The most important rite in Christianity is baptism. After the birth of a child, he must be baptized and given Orthodox name some saint. Old Russian names are gradually being replaced by Christian ones.

But church names are not originally Russian in origin. They came from ancient Greek, Hebrew, Roman languages. For a long time the church prohibited names in every possible way Old Russian origin. After all, they were pagan, and the state was Christian.

Worldly name

Still, it is difficult to re-educate people right away, so along with the name given at baptism, children were given familiar Old Russian names. It turned out that the child had church name and the so-called worldly. This was the name the baby was given in a narrow family circle. Gradually, with the strengthening of the position of the church and the faith of people, household names turned into nicknames.

There are several examples of such double names. The boyar, who received the name Fedor at baptism, was called Doroga at home, or the prince, bearing the name Mikhailo, was called Svyatopolk at home. Such examples are often found in ancient books or novels of Russian classics.

Names in pre-revolutionary Russia

IN pre-revolutionary Russia Old Russian names generally fell out of use. Within a week after birth, parents were required to baptize the child and give him a name according to the church calendar.

But for kids from a rich, influential family, the name was chosen by the parents, depending on the euphony and their preferences. The Church did not want to spoil relations with its benefactors and did not want to lose charitable contributions.

And when the baby from poor family, the clergyman could choose a name from church book, depending on the time of birth. The parents’ opinion might not even be taken into account, and the name did not always sound beautiful and euphonious.

Exists interesting fact, associated with the name and well-being of the family. Historians have found that by name it was possible to determine belonging to the class. So, in peasant families girls were often called Vasilisa, Fedosya, Fekla. Noble families never named their daughters that way. Rich and ruling families gave their daughters names such as Elizabeth, Olga, Alexandra, Catherine. It was impossible to find such names in peasant families.

Old Russian names and their meaning

As a rule, when you hear an Old Russian name, you can understand what it means without translation.

Old Russian male names

• Here, for example, is Svyatoslav. It is clear that the name is formed from the words “holy” and “glory”.
• Vsevolod is a man who owns everything.
• Bohumil - it’s immediately clear what kind of name this is. Child Bogumil - dear to God.
• Or Vsemil means dear to everyone.

Very interesting were the names that children received depending on their position in the family. For example, if a third son was born into a family, he was given the name Trajan. The first son was called First, and the second was Second.

With names for girls, everything is also almost always clear.

• Just like the boy Bogumil, the girl was called Bogumil.
• Bliss is happy, and Bazhena is desirable. By the way, now you can sometimes come across the name Bazhen.
• Darina - given by God.
• Krasimira is the beauty of the world.

But not everything is so clear

For example, the name Ostromir. The association “sharp world” immediately arises. But this somehow does not fit into the understanding. Or the name Zhiroslav. It is clear that he is glorifying something. But what?

This is where a dictionary of the Old Russian language comes to the rescue. Thus, the word "fat" meant wealth and abundance. It is now clear that the name Zhiroslav means “glory to wealth.”

The word "ostro" means "brave", therefore, Ostromir - "brave world". Although, of course, with modern understanding Sounds a little strange.

1. Radomir;
2. Vladimir;
3. Ratimir;
4. Gostimir and many similar ones.

Old Russian names are coming back

After October revolution Old Russian pagan names gradually began to return into use. This is due to the fact that young parents wanted to move away from the Saints and give the baby a beautiful name.

But at the same time, the revolution and electrification brought their own changes - Vseslav, Jaromir, Ogneslav, Zarina and Liliana were now running through the streets.

Of course, period Soviet power made some adjustments. Names associated with ideology, such as Turbina or Dazdraperma, became fashionable. But still, reason prevails - the Russian people want to return to their roots.

Children began to be born, who were given beautiful ancient Russian names. It sounds beautiful when the girl’s name is not Revolution, but Lyubava or Militsa. Names such as Muse, Nellie, Rosalia, Svyatoslav and Jaromir became fashionable.

Of course, not all names have returned; many are unlikely to take root. Not every parent now wants to name their child, for example, Stoppolsvet or Octo-Eyes. But still, for the most part, Old Russian names are very beautiful, and most importantly, it is clear to a Russian person what they mean. Without translation, it becomes clear that Vladlena is the ruler, and Lyubomira is the darling of the world.

Name as a characteristic of a person

IN ancient Rus' the name was given great importance. Parents tried to name the child in such a way as to highlight his belonging to the clan and family. Names could be given that defined any qualities desired for the child. Also, a person’s name determined his position in society.

In ancient times, a name could stick to a person even in mature age. So, if a person had certain physical features, the name could personify them. You can easily guess what people with the names Kudryash, Mal, Chernysh were like.

Or names like these, pointing to certain character traits: Clever, Kind, Silent, Brave.

As already written above, depending on the number of children in the family, he was given a name: Pervyak or Tretyak, Elder, Menshak.

In the literature you can often find names indicating a profession. Especially popular names Kozhemyaka, Warrior and Villager. After reading this, you might think that these are nicknames or nicknames. But people were actually called that way, and this is confirmed by documents available to historians. Although at that time in Rus' there was not much difference between a name as such and a nickname.

What about the girls?

Studying ancient Russian names, you can find a lot of nicknames for men. But with girls everything is a little different. Why?

It's all about the position of women in society. No matter how often girls do not fight for their rights, their influence on the life of the state is always belittled. And accordingly, there are not many historically recorded facts of famous female names.

Old Russian female names as independently formed names were very rare. As a rule, they came from men.

• Gorislav - Gorislava;
• Vladimir - Vladimir;
• Vladlen - Vladlena;
• Svyatoslav - Svyatoslav.

This is partly the fact that women were to some extent deprived; girls gradually began to be given more christian names. If in the case of men there were often double names, for example, Svyatoslav-Nikola, then the girls had only one thing - Olga, Elizaveta, Anna.

In addition, over time, patronymics are gradually being used on behalf of the father. At first, in order to determine family affiliation, the child could be called Pantelei, Miroslav's son. Then the suffix “-ich” was added to the name. At first, such freedom was allowed only to noble people. But soon this tradition took root everywhere.

IN modern society It is no longer possible to do without a patronymic. Especially at special and official events, this is even a necessity. But at first such a privilege was given only upper class. Only after the abolition of serfdom was an ordinary peasant allowed to give and bear a patronymic.