Slavic male names: how to choose the right Old Russian name for a boy. Ancient Slavic names and their meaning

As is believed in many cultures, the name given to a person at birth, to some extent determines it future fate. This belief was also widespread among the ancient Slavs, whose female names we will talk about below.

Naming traditions in Ancient Rus'

So reverent and serious attitude the name often led to the fact that a person was named twice. One name was known to everyone and served only for communication, while the other, genuine, was not given out to anyone except the closest people, relatives and friends. Old Russian female names were also selected in accordance with this rule. Keeping them secret helped protect girls from the influence of evil spirits and harmful witchcraft. Moreover, often the first name was, as it is now called, negative. That is, it reflected any negative traits or concepts. This type includes such old Russian female names, like Zloba, Nekrasa, Crooked and so on. It was believed that if you call a girl this way, then the property of the name will leave her. And in life the opposite will prevail, positive value. They were given this name at birth. The second naming occurred when the child reached adulthood (by ancient standards). That is, this naming was part of the initiation of a person into adult life, into society. The name was most often chosen on the basis of the personal qualities that the girl possessed. Examples here include such Old Russian female names as Veselina and Golub.

Sources of names

The Slavs had a huge variety of names. In general, all Old Russian female names known today, as well as male names, can be divided into five groups. The first includes those that are the names of representatives of the animal world or plants. For example, according to this principle, a girl could be called Pike, Lebeda, and so on. The second group includes a list of Old Russian female names that are numerals. That is, the girl could be called serial number her birth in the family - Pervusha, Osmaya, etc. The third group assumes that the name was given to the child in honor of some goddess. For example, in honor of the goddess of beauty, the baby could be named Lada. The fourth type includes names based on a person's personal qualities. We gave examples of this type above. And finally, the fifth group is the most beautiful Old Russian female names, since they consist of two bases. What makes them especially capacious, sonorous, intricate and filled with deep meaning. Vivid examples here are the names of Yaroslav, Tihomir, Radimir. From this group, through transformation and reduction, a subgroup of simpler names arose. Svyatosha, Milonega, Yarilka are typical examples of this kind. From all of the listed groups, Old Russian female names for the child were freely chosen, although hypothetically the Magi could have some influence on the choice.

Old Russian names after Christianization

The Church, expanding its influence in the Slavic lands, passionately fought against everything pagan. It is not surprising, therefore, that after Christianization most of the original Russian names were forgotten and replaced by Greco-Roman and Jewish variants. There were even lists of names prohibited by the church and subject to oblivion. First of all, it included, of course, the names of pagan gods (Lada, for example). In addition, those worn by the leaders of the pagan opposition were prohibited from use. This was done so that the memory of them would be erased. After all, if no one names a child after the disgraced sorcerer, then after the death of the hero, no one will remember the oppositionists. Unfortunately, today original Slavic names in Russia are very rare. Old Russian women's names, like men's names, have not yet come out of the shadows. Although traditional Christian variants have been replaced by Soviet ones, Western European forms are now actively penetrating.

Old Russian female names and their meanings

Below we provide a list of the main Slavic female names. Due to centuries of oblivion, not all Old Russian female names have reached us. Therefore, it will not be possible to compile a complete list. But those that remain will be quite sufficient for our article.

B

Bazhena. This name means a desired child.

Beloslava. A name consisting of two bases - “white” and “glory”. Accordingly, its meaning is “white glory.”

Berislava. Means “taking glory.”

Blagoslava. Means a woman glorifying goodness, kindness. Can be shortened to Blagan, Blagin.

Bogdana. Literally means “given by God.” The short form is Bozena.

Bozhidara. Almost the same as Bogdana, only not given, but given by God.

Boleslav. This beautiful name must be understood as “glorious.”

Borislava. This is what they call a woman fighting for fame.

Boyana. In the old days, this word was used to describe storytellers who told legends and myths.

Bratislava. The name is based on two roots: “to fight” and “to praise.”

Bronislava. Means "defender of glory."

Bryachislava. The first root in the name is closely related in meaning to the modern verb “to rattle.” Accordingly, the meaning of the name is “to jingle,” that is, “to sing praises on a musical instrument.”

IN

Velimira. The name comes from the concept of “big world”.

Velislava. Literally, “most glorious.” Shortened versions: Vela, Wieliczka.

Wenceslas. “Crowned with glory” or “wearing a wreath of glory.”

Faith. A name preserved by tradition. Doesn't need translation.

Veselina. It speaks of the cheerfulness and cheerful disposition of its bearer. Female form of the name Veselin. The name Vesela has the same meaning.

G

Gorislava. Means "burning in glory."

Gradislava. Given name means a woman guarding glory.

Granislava. The literal meaning is “improving glory.”

D

Darena. Means "gifted". Darina, Dara are shortened versions of this name.

Dobromila. Obviously, he speaks of a kind and sweet woman.

Dragomira. Literally - “she who is dearer than the world.”

Dobroslava. This name can be interpreted as “glorifying kindness.” An alternative meaning is "good fame".

AND

Zhdana. The name means expected child.

Z

Zvenislava. In modern Russian it means “declaring glory.”

Golden blossom. Short form - Zlata. Obviously, it semantically correlates with the color gold.

AND

Spark. Derived from the word “sincere.”

Languor. Talks about longing. It is assumed to reflect the fact of a difficult birth of a child.

TO

Casimir. This name is common in Poland today. Means “showing the world.”

Krasimir. “A beautiful and peaceful woman” is how this name is understood today. It will be abbreviated as Krasa.

L

Lada. The name of the goddess of beauty, love, marriage and peace.

Love. The name is still popular in Russia today. The Lyubava form is also known. No comments needed.

Lyubomir. It says that the bearer of the name loves the world.

M

Malusha. Another form is Mlada. Means small or junior.

Milana. Simply means a nice woman. Such forms as Milena, Milava, Umila, Militsa, Milada are also known.

Mstislava. Denotes a woman who glorifies revenge.

Miroslava. This is the name of a woman who glorifies the world.

N

Hope. The Nadezh form is also known. The name is still quite well known today.

Nekras. A striking example"negative" name. Means an ugly woman.

P

Putislava. The meaning of the name is “glorifying wisely.”

Putimir. This name consists of two stems: “world” and “put” (meaning “mind”). Accordingly, it can be understood as “a woman who has a peaceful mind.”

R

Radislava. Translated as “concerned about glory.”

Radmila. This is the name of a sweet and caring woman.

Rodislava. This name means “glorifying the family.”

WITH

Svetislava. A name that means "glorifying the light." An alternative form is Svetoslava.

Svetlana. A common name even today. He speaks about the spiritual lordship of his bearer.

Svetozara. Literal meaning: illuminating with light.

Stanimira. A name that is translated into modern Russian as “establishing peace.”

T

Tverdimir. Obviously, the name comes from the phrase “solid world,” which can also be understood as “stronghold of the world.”

Tverdislav. Similar to the previous name, but with a shift from the concept of “world” to the concept of “glory”.

Tvorimira. This is the name of a woman who creates, creates the world.

H

Caslava. It means a woman hoping, that is, waiting for glory. Another known form of this name is Czeslava.

Chernava. This is what they call a black-haired or dark-skinned woman. Another form of the name is Chernavka.

I

Yaroslav. This name is not forgotten today, although it is found mainly in male uniform. Means a woman glorifying Yarilo - the sun god.

Jaromir. The interpretation of the name gives the concept of the solar world or the world of Yarila.

A name determines a person's destiny. This is the key to his inner self. After all, it is not without reason that in Rus' a person had two names, one - false, for everyone, and the other - secret, only for the person himself and his very close people. This tradition existed as protection from unkind spirits and unkind people.
Often the first Slavic name was deliberately unattractive (Kriv, Nekras, Zloba), for even greater protection from evil ones. After all, without the key to the essence of a person, it is much more difficult to cause evil. The rite of the second naming was performed in adolescence, when the main character traits were formed. The name was given based on these traits. Slavic names were replete with their diversity; there were groups of names:
1) Names from the animal and plant world (Pike, Ruff, Hare, Wolf, Eagle, Nut, Borscht)
2) Names by birth order (Pervusha, Vtorak, Tretyak)
3) Names of gods and goddesses (Lada, Yarilo)
4) Names by human qualities(Brave, Stoyan)
5) And the main group of names is two-basic (Svyatoslav, Dobrozhir, Tihomir, Ratibor, Yaropolk, Gostomysl, Velimudr, Vsevolod, Bogdan, Dobrogneva, Lyubomila, Mirolyub, Svetozar) and their derivatives (Svyatosha, Dobrynya, Tishilo, Ratisha, Putyata, Yarilka , Miloneg).
From the listed names, it is easy to trace the process of creating a derivative name: the second part is cut off from the two-base one and a suffix or ending is added (-neg, -lo, -ta, -tka, -sha, -yata, -nya, -ka).
Example: Svyatoslav: Svyato + sha = Svyatosha.
Of course, people's names carry significant part culture and traditions of all people. In Russia with the advent of Christianity Slavic names almost completely fell into oblivion. There were lists of Slavic names prohibited by the church. Why this happened is not difficult to guess. One part of the names (Lada, Yarilo) were the names of Slavic gods, the owners of the second part were people who, even after the Christianization of Rus', tried to restore the cult and traditions (magi, heroes). Today in Russia only 5% of children are given Slavic names, which certainly impoverishes the already meager Slavic culture.

LIST OF SLAVIC NAMES

Bazhen is a desired child, desired. The names also have meaning: Bazhai, Bazhan. From these names arose the surnames: Bazhanov, Bazhenov, Bazhutin.
Bazhena - female uniform named after Bazhen.
Beloslav - From BEL - white, turn white and SLAV - to glorify. Abbreviated names: Belyay, Belyan. From these names arose the surnames: Belov, Belyshev, Belyaev.
Beloslava is a female form named after Beloslav. Short name: Beliana
Berimir - caring for the world.
Berislav is the one who takes glory, who cares about glory.
Berislava is the female form of the name Berislav.
Blagoslav - glorifying kindness.
Blagoslava is the female form of the name Blagoslav. Abbreviated names: Blaga, Blagana, Blagina.
Fornication - dissolute, unlucky. One of the "negative" names. From this name arose the surname: Bludov. Historical figure: Blud - governor of Yaropolk Svyatoslavich.
Bogdan - child given by God. The name also has meaning: Bozhko. From these names arose the surnames: Bogdanin, Bogdanov, Bogdashkin, Bozhkov.
Bogdana is the feminine form of the name Bogdan. Short name: Bozena.
Bogolyub - one who loves God. From this name arose the surname: Bogolyubov.
Bogomil - dear to God. The name also has meaning: Bohumil.
Bozhidar - gifted by God.
Bozhidara is the female form of the name Bozhidar.
Boleslav - illustrious. Historical figure: Boleslaw I - Polish king.
Boleslava is the female form of the name Boleslav.
Borimir is a peace fighter, a peacemaker.
Borislav is a fighter for glory. Abbreviated names: Boris, Borya. From these names arose the surnames: Borin, Boriskin, Borisov, Borisikhin, Borichev, Borischev. Historical figure: Boris Vseslavich of Polotsk - Prince of Polotsk, ancestor of the Drutsk princes.
Borislava is the female form of the name Borislav.
Borsch is one of the personified names of the plant world. In literal translation: Borscht is plant tops. The surname Borshchev came from this name.
Boyan is a storyteller. The name was formed from the verb: bayat - to speak, tell, sing. The names also have meaning: Baian, Bayan. From these names came the surname: Bayanov. Legendary personality: songwriter - Boyan.
Boyana is the feminine form of the name Boyan.
Bratislav - From BROTHER - to fight and SLAV - to glorify.
Bratislava is the female form of the name Bratislava.
Bronislav is a defender of glory, protecting glory. The name also has meaning: Branislav. Short name: Armor.
Bronislava is the female form of the name Bronislav.
Bryachislav - from BRYACHI - to rattle and SLAV - to glorify Historical figure: Bryachislav Izyaslavich - Prince of Polotsk.
Budimir is a peacemaker. From this name came the surnames: Budilov, Budishchev.
Velimir is a big world.
Velimira is the female form of the name Velimir.
Velimudr - knowledgeable.
Velislav - great glory, most famous.
Velislava is the female form of the name Velislav. Abbreviated names: Vela, Velika, Wieliczka.
Wenceslaus - dedicator to glory, crowned with glory.
Wenceslaus is the female form of the name Wenceslaus.
Faith is faith, true.
Veselin - cheerful, cheerful.
Veselin is the female form of the name Veselin. The name also has a meaning: Vesela.
Vladimir is the ruler of the world. The name also has meaning: Volodymer. From this name came the surnames: Vladimirov, Vladimirsky, Volodimerov, Volodin, Volodichev. Historical figure: Vladimir I Svyatoslavich Red Sun - Prince of Novgorod, Grand Duke Kyiv.
Vladimir is the female form of the name Vladimir.
Vladislav is the owner of glory.
The name also has meaning: Volodislav. Short name: Vlad. Historical figure: Volodislav is the son of Igor Rurikovich.
Vladislava is the female form of the name Vladislav. Short name: Vlada.
Vojislav is a glorious warrior. Abbreviated names: Voilo, Warrior. From these names came the surnames: Voeikov, Voinikov, Voinov. Historical figure: Voin Vasilievich - from the family of Yaroslavl princes.
Voislava is the female form of the name Voislav.
Wolf is one of the personified names of the animal world. From this name came the surname: Volkov.
Raven is one of the personified names of the animal world. From this name came the surnames: Voronikhin, Voronov.
Vorotislav - returning glory.
Vsevolod is the ruler of the people, who owns everything. From this name came the surnames: Vsevolodov, Vsevolozhsky. Historical figure: Vsevolod I Yaroslavich - Prince of Pereyaslavl, Chernigov, Grand Duke of Kiev.
Vsemil - beloved by everyone.
Vsemil is the feminine form of the name Vsemil.
Vseslav - all-glorifying, famous. The name also has meaning: Seslav. From this name came the surname: Seslavin.
Historical figure: Vseslav Bryachislavich of Polotsk - Prince of Polotsk, Grand Duke of Kiev.
Vseslav is the female form of the name Vseslav.
Vtorak is the second son in the family. The names also have meaning: Second, Second. From these names came the surnames: Vtorov, Vtorushin.
Vyacheslav is the most famous, the most glorious. The name also has meaning: Vatslav, Vysheslav. From these names came the surnames: Vysheslavtsev, Vyacheslavlev, Vyacheslavov. Historical figure: Vyacheslav Vladimirovich - Prince of Smolensk, Turov, Pereyaslav, Vyshgorod, Grand Duke of Kiev.
Vyachko is a legendary personality: Vyachko is the progenitor of the Vyatichi.
Godoslav - The name also has a meaning: Godlav. Historical figure: Godoslav is the prince of the Bodriči-Rarrogs.
Goluba is meek. From this name came the surnames: Golubin, Golubushkin
Gorazd - skillful, capable. The surname Gorazdov came from this name.
Gorislav is fiery, burning in glory.
Gorislava is the female form of the name Gorislav.
Gorynya - like a mountain, huge, indestructible. Legendary personality: hero - Gorynya.
Gostemil - dear to another (guest). From this name came the surname: Gostemilov.
Gostomysl - thinking about another (guest). Historical figure: Gostomysl - Prince of Novgorod.
Gradimir - guardian of peace.
Gradislav - guardian of glory.
Gradislava is the female form of the name Gradislav.
Granislav - improver of glory.
Granislava is the female form of the name Granislav.
Gremislav - famous.
Gudislav is a renowned musician, trumpeting glory. Short name: Gudim. From these names came the surname: Gudimov.

Daren - gifted.
Darena is the feminine form of the name Daren. The names also have meaning: Darina, Dara.
Nine is the ninth son in the family. From this name came the surnames: Devyatkin, Devyatkov, Devyatov. Dobrogneva
Dobrolyub - kind and loving. From this name came the surname: Dobrolyubov.
Dobromil is kind and sweet.
Dobromila is the feminine form of the name Dobromil.
Dobromir is kind and peaceful. Abbreviated names: Dobrynya, Dobrysha. From these names came the surnames: Dobrynin, Dobryshin. Legendary personality: hero - Dobrynya.
Dobromira is the female form of the name Dobromir. Dobromysl is kind and reasonable. From this name came the surname: Dobromyslov.
Dobroslav - glorifying kindness.
Dobroslava is the female form of the name Dobroslav.
Domaslav - glorifying relatives. Short name: Domash - our own, dear. From this name came the surname: Domashov.
Dragomir is more valuable than the world.
Dragomir is the female form of the name Dragomir.
Dubynya - like an oak, indestructible. Legendary personality: hero - Dubynya.
Druzhina is a comrade.
It also matters common noun: Friend. From these names came the surnames: Druzhinin, Drugov, Drunin.
Ruff is one of the personified names of the animal world. From this name came the surname: Ershov.
Lark is one of the personified names of the animal world. From this name came the surname: Zhavoronkov.
Zhdan is a long-awaited child. From this name comes the surname: Zhdanov.
Zhdana is the female form of the name Zhdan.
Zhiznomir - living in the world.
Hare is one of the personified names of the animal world. From this name came the surname: Zaitsev.
Zvenislava - announcer of glory.
Winter is harsh, merciless. From this name came the surname: Zimin. Legendary personality: Ataman Winter from Razin’s army.
Zlatomir is a golden world.
Zlatotsveta - golden-flowered. Short name: Zlata.
Anger is one of the “negative” names. From this name came the surnames: Zlobin, Zlovidov, Zlydnev.
Izyaslav - the one who took glory. Historical figure: Izyaslav Vladimirovich - Prince of Polotsk, ancestor of the Polotsk princes.
Sincere - sincere. The name also has meaning: Iskra.
Iskra is the feminine form of the name Iskren.
Istislav - glorifying the truth.
Exhaustion - languid (possibly associated with difficult childbirth). From this name came the surnames: Istomin, Istomov.
Casimir - showing the world.
Kazimir - the female form of the name Kazimir.
Koschey is thin and bony. From this name came the surnames: Koshcheev, Kashchenko.
Krasimir - beautiful and peaceful
Krasimira is the female form of the name Krasimir. Short name: Krasa.
Kriv is one of the “negative” names. From this name came the surname: Krivov.
Lada - beloved, dear. The name of the Slavic Goddess of love, beauty and marriage.
Ladimir - one who gets along with the world.
Ladislav - praising Lada (love).
Swan is a personified name for the animal world. The name also has meaning: Lybid. From this name came the surname Lebedev. Legendary personality: Lybid is the sister of the founders of the city of Kyiv.
Luchezar - a ray of light.
We love - beloved. From this name came the surname: Lyubimov.
Love is beloved. The name also has meaning: Lyubava. From these names came the surnames: Lyubavin, Lyubimtsev, Lyubavin, Lyubin, Lyubushin, Lyubimin.
Lyubomila - beloved, dear.
Lubomir - loving world.
Lyubomir is the feminine form of the name Lyubomir.
Inquisitive - someone who loves to think.
Luboslav - lover of glory.
Lyudmil is nice to people.
Lyudmila is the female form of the name Lyudmil. Historical figure: Lyudmila - Czech princess.
Mal - small, junior. The name also has a meaning: Small, Mladen. From these names came the surnames: Maleev, Malenkov, Maltsov, Malyshev. Historical figure: Mal - the Drevlyan prince.
Malusha is the female form of the name Mal. The name also has meaning: Mlada. From these names came the surname: Malushin. Historical figure: Malusha is the wife of Syatoslav Igorevich, the mother of Vladimir Svyatoslavich.
Mieczysław - glorifying sword.
Milan is cute. The name also has meaning: Milen. From these names came the surnames: Milanov, Milenov.
Milana is the female form of the name Milan. The names also have meaning: Milava, Milada, Milena, Militsa, Umila. From these names came the surname: Milavin. Historical figure: Umila - daughter of Gostomysl.
- affectionate, caring.
Milorad is sweet and joyful. From this name came the surname: Miloradovich.
Miloslav - sweetly glorifying. Short name: Miloneg.
Miloslava is the female form of the name Miloslav.
Peaceful - peace-loving. From this name came the surname: Mirolyubov.
Miroslav - glorifying the world.
Miroslava is the female form of the name Miroslav.
Molchan - taciturn, silent. From this name came the surname: Molchanov.
Mstislav - glorifying revenge. Historical figure: Mstislav Vladimirovich - Prince of Tmutorakan, Grand Duke of Kiev.
Mstislava is the female form of the name Mstislav.
Hope is hope. The name also has meaning: Nadezhda.
Nevzor is one of the “negative” names. The surname Nevzorov comes from this name.
Nekras is one of the “negative” names. From this name came the surname: Nekrasov.
Nekrasa is the female form of the name Nekras.
Eagle is one of the personified names of the animal world. From this name came the surname: Orlov.
Osmoy is the eighth child in the family. The name also has meaning: Osmusha. From these names came the surnames: Osmanov, Osmerkin, Osmov.
Peredslava - The name Predslava also has meaning. Historical figure: Predslava - wife of Svyatoslav Igorevich, mother of Yaropolk Svyatoslavich.
Overexposure - very light. Historical figure: Peresvet - warrior of the Battle of Kulikovo.
Putimir - reasonable and peaceful
Putislav - glorifying intelligently. The name also has meaning: Putyata. From these names came the surnames: Putilov, Putilin, Putin, Putyatin. Historical figure: Putyata - Kyiv governor.
Radiohost - caring about another (guest).
Radimir is someone who cares about the world. The name also has meaning: Radomir. Short name: Radim. From these names came the surnames: Radilov, Radimov, Radishchev. Legendary personality: Radim - the progenitor of the Radimichi.
Radimir is the female form of the name Radimir. The name also has meaning: Radomira.
Radislav - one who cares about fame. The name also has meaning: Radoslav.
Radislava is the female form of the name Radislav.
Radmila is caring and sweet.
Radosveta - sanctifying joy. Joy - joy, happiness. The name also has meaning: Rada.
Reasonable - reasonable, reasonable. From this name came the surname: Razin. Historical figure: Razumnik - student of Cyril and Methodius.
Ratibor is a defender.
Ratmir is the defender of peace.
Rodislav - glorifying family.
Rostislav - growing glory. Historical figure: Rostislav Vladimirovich - Prince of Rostov, Vladimir-Volynsky; Tmutarakansky; The ancestor of the princes of Galicia and Volyn.
Rostislava is the female form of the name Rostislav.
Svetislav - glorifying light. The name also has meaning: Svetoslav.
Svetislava is the female form of the name Svetislav.
Svetlana is bright, pure in soul.
Svetlana is the female form of the name Svetlana.
Svetovid - seeing the light, perspicacious. The name also has meaning: Sventovid. The name of the Western Slavic God.
Svetozar - illuminating with light.
Svetozar is the female form of the name Svetozar. The name also has meaning: Svetlozara.
Svyatogor - indestructible holiness. Legendary personality: Svyatogor is an epic hero.
Svyatopolk is the leader of the sacred army. Historical figure: Svyatopolk I Yaropolkovich - Grand Duke of Kiev.
Svyatoslav - sacred glory. Short name: Saint. Historical figure: Svyatoslav I Igorevich - Prince of Novgorod and Grand Duke of Kiev.
Svyatoslav is the female form of the name Svyatoslav.
Slavomir is a peace-glorifying person.
Nightingale is a personified name for the animal world. From this name came the surnames: Solovey, Soloviev. Legendary personality: Nightingale Budimirovich - a hero from epics.
Catfish is the personified name of the animal world.
Snezhana is white-haired and cold.
Stanimir - establisher of peace.
Stanimira is the female form of the name Stanimir.
Stanislav - establisher of glory. From this name came the surname: Stanishchev. Historical figure: Stanislav Vladimirovich - Prince of Smolensk.
Stanislava is the female form of the name Stanislav.
Stoyan - strong, unbending.
Tverdimir - from TVERD - solid and MIR - peaceful, peace.
Tverdislav - from TVERD - solid and SLAV - to glorify. From this name came the surnames: Tverdilov, Tverdislavov, Tverdislavlev.
Tvorimir - the creator of the world.
Tihomir is quiet and peaceful. From this name came the surname: Tikhomirov.
Tikhomira is the female form of the name Tihomir.
Tur is the personified name of the animal world. Legendary personality: Tur - founder of the city of Turov.
Brave - brave.
Caslav - aspiring to glory.
Chaslava is the female form of the name Chaslav. The name also has meaning: Cheslava.
Chernava is dark-haired and dark-skinned. The name also has meaning: Chernavka. From these names came the surnames: Chernavin, Chernavkin.
Pike is the personified name of the animal world.
Yarilo is the sun.
Yarilo - God of fruits in the form of the sun. From this name came the surname: Yarilin.
Jaromir is a sunny world.
Yaropolk - leader of the solar army. Historical figure: Yaropolk I Svyatoslavich - Grand Duke of Kiev.
Yaroslav - glorifying Yarila. From this name came the surname: Yaroslavov. Historical figure: Yaroslav I Vladimirovich - Prince of Rostov, Prince of Novgorod, Grand Duke of Kiev.
Yaroslava is the female form of the name Yaroslav.

Old Russian two-part names (composite names) are well known to us from chronicles - not least because they were originally the names of the Old Russian elite. Apparently, they were the basis of many Old Russian one-compound names known to us: Vadim - Vadimir, We love you - Lyubimir, Ratsha - Ratislav (Ratslav), Saint - Svyatoslav.

Actually, such two-part names are characteristic not only of the Old Russian language, but also of Slavic languages ​​in general. Moreover, in the Czech, Serbian, Croatian, Bulgarian and Polish languages, much more such names have been preserved, and they are still actively used: for example, Vojislav Kostunica (Prime Minister of Serbia), Czeslaw Sabinsky (Polish director) Jaromir Jagr (Czech hockey player) Radoslav Bachev (Bulgarian football player), etc. This happened partly because very few Old Russian names were included in the calendar of the Russian Orthodox Church. After the adoption of Christianity in Rus', the custom persisted for quite a long time. give the child two names - the “native” Slavic and baptismal, taken from church calendar. Therefore, in ancient Russian sources a double name is often found: " Prince Theodore and Mirsky Mstislav", “Joseph, and worldly Ostromir,” “named him Vasily in holy baptism, but his worldly name Rostilo”. Yaroslav the Wise wore christian name Georgiy , his sons Vyacheslav, Izyaslav, Svyatoslav And Vsevolod- respectively Mercury, Dimitri, Nikola (Nikolai) And Andrey , and the son of Izyaslav Svyatopolk, founder of Mikhailovsky Golden-Domed Monastery in Kyiv - Michael . And only a few princes who fell into Orthodox calendar, managed to “drag” along the original names - Vladimir(Vladimir the Great, in baptism - Basil), Boris And Gleb(sons of Vladimir, in baptism - Novel And David ). But the half-brother of Boris and Gleb, Yaroslav the Wise, officially entered the calendar only in 2005 with the blessing of Patriarch Alexy II.

(By the way, the custom of double naming existed among Eastern Slavs until the 17th century: for example, Hetman Bohdan Khmelnytsky bore the Christian name Zinovy, therefore in sources he sometimes appears as Bohdan-Zinovy ​​Khmelnytsky).

Many two-component Slavic names found their way into the Russian calendar from other Slavic sources: martyr Lyudmila Cheshskaya, saint Vladislav Serbsky(although in the Old Russian language there was a similar name Volodislav). By the way, some names that we today consider traditionally Polish, Czech or Serbian were also common in Ancient Rus': Stanislav(one of the sons of Vladimir the Great), Boleslav(daughter of Grand Duke Svyatoslav Vsevolodovich), Miroslav(Miroslav Gyuryatinich, mayor of Novgorod), etc. However, these names were not included in the calendar of the Russian Orthodox Church, although some of them are present in Catholic calendars.

Peaceful or glorious?

Usually the meaning of Old Russian names is clear without translation: Svyatoslav - “saint” + “glory”, Vsevolod - “owner of everything”. But then we come across the name Ostromir - what kind of “sharp world” is this? And, by the way, who should a man named Zhiroslav praise? Why does Gostibor fight with guests and what does the first component of the name Izyaslav mean?

To get answers to most of these questions, it is usually enough to look into the dictionary of the Old Russian language and find out that “izyati” means “to take”, “guest” is not only a guest in the usual sense, but also a foreigner, and the word “fat” meant wealth, abundance.

The issue with Ostromir is not so easy. From the dictionary we learn that "ost" means "brave, decisive." Accordingly, Ostromir is a “brave world”? Quite a paradoxical name. Although, on the other hand, there are a lot of names with “-mir” in the Old Russian name book: Vladimir, Gostimir, Ratimir, Radomir... True, sometimes for some reason they were written with “yat”: Volodymer, Gostimer, Ratimer, Radomer and were pronounced accordingly Volodymer , Gostimer , Ratimer , Radometer . Even if we make allowances for the pronunciation of an unstressed vowel, you will agree that “peace” and “mer” are two big differences.

There is a version that the component world/mer was borrowed from German-Scandinavian marr/mer, meaning "glorious, famous." Moreover, in parallel with the Slavic name Vladimir, there was a Scandinavian Valdemar/Valdimarr- "glorious ruler." Vladimir is a princely name, the first bearer of this name known to us is Prince Vladimir Svyatoslavovich (Vladimir the Great), a descendant of the notorious Varangian Rurik. Perhaps Prince Svyatoslav gave youngest son Scandinavian name Valdemar, adapted to Slavic pronunciation: Volodymer. Moreover, to Russian ears it sounded like an ordinary two-part name - “owning the world.” Therefore, Slavicized world/mer easily took its place among other name-forming components: -slav, -bor, -love. At the same time, it is possible that some names were not formed from borrowed world/mer, and directly from Old Russian "peace"(world).

New life of ancient Russian names

The fashion for pagan ancient Russian names, like any fashion, goes away and returns with the constancy of a pendulum. The first sign can be considered famous poet Velimir Khlebnikov, who at one time was keen on the ideas of Pan-Slavism (like many representatives of the Russian intelligentsia) and took the pseudonym Velimir instead of his passport name Victor. Once again "resurrected" pagan names after October revolution, when young parents, eager to “break with the old world” by all means, began to look for any names for their children that were not associated with the traditional calendar. True, the Jaromirs and Vseslavs were significantly inferior in popularity to the Vladlens, Revolutions and Electrifications, but still the tradition was laid down seriously and for a long time.

Today Russian-speaking countries are experiencing new wave fashion for Old Russian and Slavic names. Partly - because of the massive attempt to “return to the roots”, partly - because Western names like Zhanna, Eduard or Angela have already become boring. Nowadays children are given not only Old Russian, but also Bulgarian, Czech, Serbian, and Polish names: Snezhana,Milan,Krasimir,Boleslav,Bratislava.

Slavic names are not only borrowed, but also invented. They are successfully invented by the authors of the now fashionable “Slavic fantasy”, and numerous groups of neo-pagan Rodnovers who are trying to revive Slavic paganism as a modern religious cult also contribute to the common cause. Rodnovers, undergoing a rite of passage, change their passport names to “native” ones: Mlad, Ogneslav,Veleslav. Many Rodnoverian names are either borrowed from the Book of Veles, which most Slavic experts recognize as a fake, or are modeled after real-life composite names using Slavic and pseudo-Slavic roots: Goemysl - “one who comprehends the vital force ("goe" - the power of life and fertility)" (hereinafter the interpretations are given according to the “Slavic Name Book” by A.V. Trekhlebov - author’s note. ), Vladduh- “twice-born - in body and spirit, i.e., owning a deuconic (spiritual) body)”,OctoEyes- "eight eyes, all-seeing"Rostichar- "increasing the gifts of sacrifices ("chara" - sacrificial bowl: "cha" - cup, life force, "Ra" - sun)",Pillarposvet- “a torch, i.e. a person who has a powerful energy channel of communication with the ancestral and spiritual egregor”,Bozhedom- "the dwelling place of God."(By the way, in Dahl’s dictionary the word “bozhedom” is interpreted in a slightly different way: “bozhedom, god-domka - a wretched person despised in an almshouse”).

Of course, most of the Rodnoverian names are unlikely to catch on in widespread use: few parents have the courage to name their child Pillar of Light or Vladdukh, no matter what these names mean. However, real-life Slavic names are becoming increasingly popular among us, and for good reason - for the most part they are very beautiful and, unlike names of foreign origin, are understandable without translation.

About the list of names posted on this site

Why two-part names?

In fact, there are quite a lot of Old Russian names recorded in medieval sources - only one “Dictionary of Old Russian personal names” by N.M. Tupikova gives several hundred of them. The problem is that it is very difficult to distinguish personal names given at birth from nicknames. Moreover, in official sources both could be used as a name with equal success: cf. Kornilko Fool, peasant of Yazholobitsky churchyard And Fool Mishurin, Moscow clerk . At that time, a child could actually be called the name Fool - there was a custom to specifically give children names with a negative meaning in the hope that evil forces would not be tempted by such a “low-quality” child and would not take him away from his parents, sending him illness or some kind of misfortune. The only question is whether the peasant Kornilko the Fool was given this name at birth along with the Christian Korniliy (Kornilko) or is this a nickname he earned already at a conscious age for his unprecedented intellectual abilities?

Why are there so few names on the list?

Why are there so few female names?

Science of proper names called onomastics. This term is associated with the Greek word onoma - name. The names of people are part of the history of peoples. They reflect everyday life, beliefs, aspirations, fantasy and artistic creativity peoples, their historical contacts. Any word that was used to name a person began to be perceived by those around him as his personal name, and, therefore, any word could become a name

The formation of the system of Russian personal names began in the pre-Christian period of the history of Rus', but the name book changed radically with the adoption of Christianity.

Among the modern Russian-speaking population, names are used
calendar (: Ivan, Andrey, Yakov, Yuri, Tatyana, Maria, Avdotya, Elizaveta), ancient Slavic (Stanislav, Radomir, Dobromila, Rada),
Old Russian (Zhdan, Peresvet, Lada, Lyubava),
newly formed (Vilen, Avangard, Ninel, Era),
borrowed in the 20th century from Western European and Eastern languages ​​(Albert, Ruslan, Zhanna, Leila).

95% of the Russian-speaking population of the USSR in the 1980s were bearers of calendar names

Among the Old Russian names the following groups stand out:

Numeric names:
First and First, Secondary, Tretyak, Chetvertak, Fifth and Pyatak, Shestak, Semoy and Semak, Osmoy and Osmak, Nine, Tenth. They reflect the order of birth of children in the family.

Names based on external features, hair and skin color:
Chernysh, Chernyai, Chernyava, Bel, Belyai, Belyak, Belukha.
There were also names associated with body features: Mal, Malyuta, Maloy, Dolgoy, Sukhoi, Tolstoy, Golova, Golovach, Loban, Bespaloy.

Names associated with character traits, habits and behavior:
Zabava, Istoma, Krik, Skryaba, Molchan, Neslyba, Bulgak (restless), Smeyana and Nesmeyana.

Names that reflected the desirability or undesirability of having a child in the family, the attitude of the parents towards the child:
Bogdan and Bogdana, Bazhen (desired), Golub, Lyubava, Zhdan and Nezhdan, Khoten, Chayan and Nechay.

Names associated with the time of year in which the child was born:
Veshnyak, Winter, Frost, Letnik.

Names associated with animals and flora: Bull, Wolf, Pike, Cat, Cat, Stallion, Cow, Sorrel (from sorrel), Grass, Wheatgrass. It is believed that such names may reflect remnants of the totemic beliefs of the ancestors of the Slavs.

Names associated with beliefs that “bad” words are able to ward off evil spirits, illness, death:
Goryain, Nemil, Nekras, Nelyuba, Neustroy, Zloba, Tugarin (from Tuga - sadness).

Names associated with neighboring nations: Chudin (from the name of the Finno-Ugric tribe Chud), Karel, Tatar, Kozarin (from the name Khazars), Ontoman (from the name of the Turks - Ottomans). The history of the origin of this group of names is unclear: perhaps they were protective names (given so as not to quarrel with neighbors) or desirable ones (so that the child was somewhat similar to the one in whose honor the name was given); perhaps these names are associated with mixed marriages.

When a person enters independent life, into a wider social circle, his name was often supplemented (and sometimes replaced) by another.
For a significant number of such nicknames, it is impossible to establish the reasons for the naming: they were given in connection with specific cases, for some specific reason.
However, among social and everyday names, some groups also stand out: those associated with crafts (Shuba, Lozhka, Dulo, Kuznets), with social status (Prince, Tsarevich, Baryshnik), with origin (French, Tula), with character traits, sometimes with the use words in figurative meanings(Truth, Flea, Crow), as well as with appearance (Big, Beznos).

Among pre-Christian names, they stand apart names ruling dynasty Rurikovich and nobility. These names are distinguished by the fact that almost all of them are two-prime, and to form these names words were used that were sublime in meaning, symbolizing power, glory, and military valor. Such names include Vladimir, Yaroslav, Izyaslav, Yaropolk, Ostromir, Svyatoslav, Svyatopolk, Vyacheslav, Vsevolod, etc. The number of such names is small, and they had limited use, as a rule, only among people of the noble classes; and each branch of the Rurikovichs had their own set of similar names. Some of these names after the canonization of the Russian Orthodox Church their bearers are included among Christian names; others were forgotten for a long time and only in the 20th century re-entered the Russian nomenclature.

The pre-Christian period in the history of Russian names includes first borrowed names in Old Russian language. They are also associated with the Rurik dynasty: these are the names Oleg, Igor, Gleb, Olga and some others. All these names were borrowed from Scandinavian languages ​​and, being names of the nobility, also had limited use.

Most of the Old Russian names gradually fell out of use under pressure from the church. Even in the families of the Rurik family, they gradually abandoned their traditional dynastic names in favor of Christian ones.
At baptism, Prince Vladimir Svyatoslavich was given the name Vasily,
Olga - Elena (957)
The sons of Vladimir Svyatoslavich, Boris and Gleb, respectively received the names Roman and David.
Prince Vsevolod - Gabriel.
The great-grandson of Vladimir Monomakh, Mstislav Rostislavovich, received the name Georgy.
However, only pre-Christian names have been preserved in history, which are still in use today.

In our century, educated parents are paying more and more attention to Old Church Slavonic names, giving them to their children. Thus, they return to the original Russian traditions that have existed in Rus' since ancient times in naming.

Old names in new times

New sound in modern world acquire the names Vsevolod and Milana, Mstislav and Darina. Such a keen interest of modern residents in rare, long-unused ancient Slavic names is not surprising. When looking for a name for their child, parents strive to make it original and unusual. In addition, they want the baby’s name to be sonorous and poetic. In addition to the above, modern parents do not forget about the content and semantics of the name.

The Slavs used to give their children names with meaning. In this case, the name must have only positive energy. Ancient Slavic names meet all these requirements. Russian people intuitively understand their meaning, and the beauty with which they sound will not leave anyone indifferent. Ancient Slavic names (male and female) today are considered by many parents as best names for your children.

Double naming

A name determines a person's destiny. It serves as the key to his inner world. Ancients Slavic tribes adhered to the tradition of double naming, which was based on the belief in the mystical connection between the name and the person to whom it was given. It is no coincidence that in Rus' a person had two names: one was false - for everyone, and the other secret - for himself and his closest friends. Names were supposed to serve as protection from evil spirits and bad people. Often the first false Slavic name was given to those who were purposefully unattractive (Zloba, Kriv, Byaka, Nekras, Likho).

It was believed that a name is the key to a person, and without knowing the essence of an individual, it is much more difficult to harm him. The rite of secondary naming was performed upon reaching adolescence, when all the main character traits have already been formed, and it is already possible to judge which of them have become predominant. Based on these traits, the name was given.

The meaning of ancient Slavic names

Let's analyze the ancient Slavic names and their meanings.

According to its meaning Old Slavonic names conditionally divided into several groups:

• Names that repeat the names of various representatives of flora and fauna (Raven, Eagle, Walnut). These days such names are not used.
• Old Slavonic names reflecting various traits of human character. For example, Veselin can mean “cheerful”, and the name Khrabr means “courageous”; Dobrolyub means “loving and kind.” In the modern world, the names of this group have become widespread.
• Names relating to various mythical characters. These were mainly the names of the ancients Slavic deities. So, Lada is the Slavic goddess of love, Yarilo is Slavic god sun.
• Interesting ancient Slavic names indicating the order in which a child was born in the family. The logic was completely simple. The first son received the name Pervush, the second son was called Vtorak, the third - Tretyak, and so on.

For a more detailed study of Slavic names and their meanings, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with the following lists.

Men's names

Ancient Slavic names of boys and their meaning:

1. Bajan. It means "desired child."
2. Belogov. It means "enlightened".
3. Borislav. It is believed that this is interpreted as "fighting for glory."
4. Vsevolod. The interpretation of this name is “knowing everything.”
5. Radiant. Means “radiant, luminous.”
6. Radimir. The meaning of the name is “rejoicing in the world, caring for the world.”
7. Svyatopolk. This means “commands the holy regiment.”
8. Trojan. The meaning is "third".
9. Chedomir. Derived from two words: “peace” and “child”.
10. Yarema. Explained as “bearing a yoke.”

Women's names

Ancient Slavic female names and their meanings:

• Bogdana means “given by God himself”;
• Faith. It means “keeping faithful”;
• Dalina. Means "far";
• Christmas tree. The name comes from the name of the tree - spruce;
• Zlata. Interpreted as “gold-colored”;
• Lana. Means "sweetheart";
• Lyubina. It is derived from the word “love”;
• Milada. Interpreted as “sweetheart”;
• Stanislava. The meaning is "holy glory";
• Yuna. Derived from the word “young”.

Two-basic Slavic names and their meaning

One of the largest groups of Slavic names are names with two stems. Until the era of Christianity began, the names of this group were most widespread.

Many names used by the Slavs are made up of 2 basics. For example, the name Lubomir is considered to be a derivative of two words - “to love” and “peace”, and Boguslav is a derivative of “glory” and “god”. It sounds very beautiful and at the same time the name has an absolutely clear meaning. It is thanks to this that Slavic names have received a second life in our time, becoming very popular among their contemporaries. Most often, these names are given to children born in Poland, Ukraine, Serbia, Bulgaria and the Czech Republic.

These names are divided into two subgroups. The main group includes two-basic names (Tikhomir, Svyatoslav, Ratibor, Dobrozhir, Gostomysl, Yaropolk, Velimudr, Vsevolod, Bogdan, Lyubomila, Dobrogneva), and the second group contains names that are derived from the names of the main group (Dobrynya, Svyatosha, Ratisha, Tishilo , Yarilka, Putyata, Miloneg).

History of Slavic names

Without a doubt, a significant part is connected with the names of people cultural life and formation folk traditions. In Russia, with the advent of Christianity, ancient Slavic names were almost completely forgotten. There were even lists of ancient Slavic names that were prohibited by the Christian Church. It is quite easy to guess the reasons for what is happening. Some of the names (Yarilo, Lada) were the names of ancient Slavic gods. Some of them formed a group of people who, after the baptism of Rus', tried to promote the restoration of the Old Slavic cult and traditions.

Today in Russia Slavic names are not in fashion. They are called only 5% of babies born. This makes Russian culture poorer. Although ancient Slavic names (male) are undoubtedly truly Russian.

Propaganda of Slavic names is of great importance. People are trying to preserve ancient Slavic female names, full list which can be found in special publications.

Some of the names are very popular. Let's talk about two of them.

The meaning of the name Bogdan

Bogdan often becomes the late and only boy, the fruit of long expectations. Parents, sometimes regardless of their wishes, call those children who were born after great anxieties and fears this way. In infancy, Bogdan is prone to colds. At the same time, the mother, concerned about her son’s health, does not deny him anything.

The role of the father in upbringing is almost not felt. The child becomes attached to his mother, jealous of almost everyone. He lacks sociability, so he doesn’t get along very well with his peers. IN school years Bogdan is friends with children who enjoy authority among his comrades and who are able to stand up for him. The grades in the subjects are not very good. Despite the presence of abilities, natural laziness, to which Bogdan is prone, interferes. True, laziness becomes dull over time.

In adulthood, Bogdan is a calm man with good self-esteem. He strives to get well in life and make a career. A man is capable of achieving heights in any specific specialty that does not require improvisation.

In the family, Bogdan wants to be the unquestioned leader. He likes his wives to be submissive and allow him to show his power. Such categoricalness manifests itself not only in relationships with his wife, but also in communication with colleagues and acquaintances. Having had too much alcohol, Bogdan can get involved in an argument about any issue, without listening to his opponent’s arguments. At the same time, he has many character traits that turn him into good husband. For example, he shows persistence in seeking additional income, being frugal in his expenses. Bogdan likes to spend money only on vacations for the whole family.

The meaning of the name Radmila

Parents continue to choose Radmila - this is one of the most popular names. It combines two words: joyful and sweet. Despite the fact that the girl has a calm character, you should not leave her alone. Because of her developed imagination, it is not easy to predict what will come to her mind when she is left to her own devices.

Predisposed to colds and other infectious diseases. She is absolutely not afraid of dogs. Regardless of the size of the animals, he boldly approaches them and pets them.

Radmila asks adults a lot of different, sometimes unchildish questions that can confuse them. He enjoys communicating with strangers, since parents are sometimes tired of answering numerous questions. Radmila retains her sociability throughout her life. Radmila does not always experience pleasure when she finds herself in the center of someone else's attention. She is characterized by authority, but this trait makes her a potential leader.

Such ancient Russian names have become widespread in this moment. Names have long story, and, apparently, it will not end soon.