Ancient Slavic female names and their meaning. Ancient Old Slavonic female names Names from the surrounding natural world
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. At the same time, 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. The ancient 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 ritual of secondary naming was performed upon reaching adolescence, when all the main character traits had already been formed, and it was already possible to judge which of them had 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 their meaning, Old Church Slavonic names are conventionally 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 ancient 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:
- Bajan. It means "desired child."
- Belogov. It means "enlightened".
- Borislav. It is believed that this is interpreted as "fighting for glory."
- Vsevolod. The interpretation of this name is “knowing everything.”
- Radiant. Means “radiant, luminous.”
- Radimir. The meaning of the name is “rejoicing in the world, caring for the world.”
- Svyatopolk. This means “commands the holy regiment.”
- Trojan. The meaning is "third".
- Chedomir. Derived from two words: “peace” and “child”.
- Yarema. Explained as “bearing a yoke.”
Women's names
Old 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 composed 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 of cultural life and formation is associated with the names of people. 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 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 Slavonic 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. During his school years, Bogdan makes 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 a 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 at the moment. Names have a long history, and it doesn't seem to be ending anytime soon.
Previously, there were a lot of names in the Slavic name book. Currently, most Slavic names are completely forgotten.
Old Slavic names- this is not only a return to one’s roots, to one’s origins, but it is also an opportunity to improve one’s family. After all, the vibrations of a name influence a person’s character, his destiny, his future offspring.
The name plays a very important role not only in the life of an individual person, but also of all humanity, the entire Earth.
Our new book "The Energy of the Name"
Oleg and Valentina Svetovid
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Forgotten Slavic names. Ancient Slavic female names and their meaning
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Ancient Slavic female names.
Bazhena is the female form of the name Bazhen.
Belogora - enlightened.
Beloslava is a female form named after Beloslav.
Berislava is the female form of the name Berislav.
Blagoslava is the female form of the name Blagoslav.
Bogdana is the feminine form of the name Bogdan.
Bogumila - dear to the Gods.
Boleslava is the female form of the name Boleslav.
Borislava is the female form of the name Borislav.
Boyana is the feminine form of the name Boyan.
Bratislava is the female form of the name Bratislava.
Bronislava is the female form of the name Bronislav.
Vedana (Vedeneya, Vedenya) - knowledgeable.
Vedislava - glorifying knowledge.
Velizhana is polite, pacifying her feelings.
Velizara - multi-light, illuminated.
Velimira is the female form of the name Velimir.
Velislava is the female form of the name Velislav.
Wenceslaus is the female form of the name Wenceslaus.
Faith is faith, true.
Veselina (Vesela) is the female form of the name Veselin.
Vladimir is the female form of the name Vladimir.
Vladislava is the female form of the name Vladislav.
Voislava is the female form of the name Voislav.
Omniscient - omniscient.
Vsemil is the feminine form of the name Vsemil.
Vseslav is the female form of the name Vseslav.
Goluba is meek.
Gorislava is the female form of the name Gorislav.
Gradislava is the female form of the name Gradislav.
Granislava is the female form of the name Granislav.
Darena (Darina, Dara) is the female form of the name Daren.
Dzvenislava - glorified.
Dobrovlada - possessing kindness.
Dobrogora - exalting good.
Dobrolyuba - loving goodness.
Dobromila is the feminine form of the name Dobromil.
Dobromira is the female form of the name Dobromir.
Dobroslava is the female form of the name Dobroslav.
Dragomir is the female form of the name Dragomir.
Zhdana is the female form of the name Zhdan.
Zhivoroda is the priestess of Zhiva.
Zvenislava - proclaiming glory; glorifying.
Zlatotsveta (Zlata) - golden-flowered.
Zoremira - illuminating, enlightening the world.
Iskra is the feminine form of the name Iskren.
Kazimir - the female form of the name Kazimir.
Krasimira is the female form of the name Krasimir.
Lada - beloved, dear. Goddess of love, mother of the Gods.
Ladomila - dear to the goddess Lada, merciful.
Ladomira is the female form of the name Ladomir.
Ladoslava - glorifying Lada.
Luchezara - radiant, illuminating with light.
Lyubava (Love) - beloved.
Lyubomila - beloved, dear.
Lyubomir is the feminine form of the name Lyubomir.
Lyuboyara - loving Yarila.
Lyudmila is the female form of the name Lyudmil.
Ludomira - reconciler of people.
Milada - dear to the goddess Lada.
Milana (Milena) is the female form of the name Milan.
Miloslava is the female form of the name Miloslav.
Miroslava is the female form of the name Miroslav.
Mstislava is the female form of the name Mstislav.
Hope is hope.
Nekrasa is the female form of the name Nekras.
Ogneslava - glorifying Fire.
Ogneyara is the female form of the name Ogneyar.
Peredslava (Predslava) – preceding glory. Historical figure: Predslava is the wife of Svyatoslav Igorevich, the mother of Yaropolk Svyatoslavich.
Peresvet is the female form of the name Peresvet.
Radmila - pleasing with sunny mercy.
Radimir is the female form of the name Radimir.
Radislava is the female form of the name Radislav.
Radmila is caring and sweet.
Radosveta - sanctifying joy.
Joy (Rada) - joy, happiness, sunny.
Rostislava is the female form of the name Rostislav.
Svetislava is the female form of the name Svetislav.
Svetlana is the female form of the name Svetlana.
Svetozara (Svetozara) is the female form of the name Svetozar.
Svetogor is the female form of the name Svetogor.
Svetoyara - sunny.
Snezhana is white-haired and cold.
Stanimira is the female form of the name Stanimir.
Stanislava is the female form of the name Stanislav.
Tikhomira is the female form of the name Tihomir.
Chaslava (Cheslava) is the female form of the name Chaslav.
Chernava - dark-haired, dark-skinned; avesha mara.
Pike is the personified name of the animal world. The earthly incarnation of the ROD.
Jaromila - dear Yarile.
Yaroslava - female form named after Yaroslav
Male names:
Bazhen (Bazhan) - desired child, desired.
Belozar - white dawn, enlightened.
Belogor is highly enlightened.
Beloslav - From BEL - white, turn white and SLAV - to glorify.
Belyan - walking the path of light and spiritual improvement.
Berimir - caring for the world; or the conqueror of it.
Berislav - one who takes glory, who cares about glory.
Blagoslav - glorifying kindness.
Bogdan (Bozhko) is a child given by God.
God-knower - one who knows the gods.
Bogodar (Bogadar) - gifted by the gods.
Bogolyub - lover of the Gods.
Bogomil (Bogumil) - dear to one of the Gods.
Bogumir - interaction of the Gods and the world.
Boleslav - glorifying the forest deity.
Borimir is a fighter for peace (or in the world), a peacemaker.
Borislav is a fighter for glory or a glorious fighter. (Judeo-Christian abbreviation “Boris”).
Boyan is a divine storyteller.
Bratislav - From BRATI - to fight and SLAV - to glorify or glorify brotherhood (brother).
Bronislav (Branislav) - a famous warrior or one who glorifies battle.
Bryachislav - from BRYACHA - to rattle and SLAV - to glorify.
Budimir is a peacemaker or peacemaker.
Vedagor - knowledgeable about the highest, knowledgeable.
Vedislav - glorifying knowledge (knowledge).
Veleslav - glorifying Veles. Veligor - great sublime.
Velimir (Velemir) - the great world or embodiment of Veles.
Velimudr (Velemudr) - knowledgeable or wise, like Veles.
Velisvet (Velesvet) - the great enlightened one; light of Veles; interaction between Veles and Svetovit.
Velislav - great glory, most glorious.
Wenceslaus - dedicator to glory, crowned with glory.
Veselin - cheerful, cheerful.
Vladimir is the ruler of the world (a cursed name in Rus' due to its bloody baptism).
Vladislav (Volodislav) - owner of glory.
Vojislav is a glorious warrior or truly glorious.
Wolf is one of the personified names of the animal world or a partial embodiment of Perun.
Raven is one of the personified names of the animal world or a dark embodiment.
Vorotislav - returning glory.
Vsevid (Vseved) - all-seeing; omniscient.
Vsevolod is the ruler of the people, who owns everything.
Vsemil - beloved by everyone.
World - universal, i.e. capable of penetrating all worlds.
Vsesvet - all-worldly, i.e. capable of perceiving all lights (worlds).
Vseslav - all-glorifying, famous.
Vyshezor - one who sees (sees) higher worlds, i.e. the worlds of Rule and Glory.
Vysheslav - glorifying the elder RELATIVES (Gods).
Vyacheslav is the most famous, the most glorious.
Vyachko is a legendary personality: Vyachko is the progenitor of the Vyatichi.
Godoslav (Godlav) - Historical figure: Godoslav is the prince of the Bodrichi-Rarogs.
Gorazd - skillful, capable, good.
Gorislav - fiery, burning in glory or highly revered.
Gorynya - mountain-like, huge, indestructible; fiery.
Gostemil (Gostomysl; Gostemysl) - dear to another (guest). Historical figure: Gostomysl - Prince of Novgorod.
Gradimir - guardian of the world or his city.
Gradislav - protecting the glory or glorifying the city (or glorified in it).
Granislav - improver of glory.
Gremislav - famous.
Gudislav is a renowned musician, trumpeting glory.
Dalemir is far (secluded) from the world (society).
Darimil - giver of mercy, abundantly merciful.
Daren - gifted.
Dzvenislav - glorified.
Dedoslav is a glorifier of ancestors, the keeper of family traditions.
Dobrovest - one who talks about goodness.
Dobrovlad - possessing kindness and non-violence.
Dobrogor - exalting good.
Dobrolyub - kind and loving.
Dobromil is kind and sweet.
Dobromir (Dobrynya, Dobrysha) - kind and peaceful.
Dobromysl is kind and reasonable.
Dobroslav - glorifying kindness.
Domaslav - glorifying relatives.
Dragomir is more valuable than the world.
Drevoslav - glorifying antiquity, the heritage of ancestors, the family tree.
Tree world - associated with the family tree and nature.
Dubynya - like an oak, indestructible. Druzhina is a comrade.
Ruff is one of the personified names of the animal world.
Lark is one of the personified names of the animal world.
Zhdan is a long-awaited child; expected.
Zhivomir - living in the world or the embodiment of Zhiva.
Zhivorod (Zhivarod) is the healer’s path to ROD.
Zimovit - harsh, merciless; winter orbit - the prototype of “Santa Claus”.
Zlatomir is a golden world.
Iskren - sincere; sparkling.
Casimir - showing the world.
Koschey is thin and bony.
Krasimir is beautiful and peaceful.
Kriv is the leader of the tribal union, which later began to be called “Children of Kriv” or “Krivichi”.
Kudeyar is the sorcerer of Yarila.
Ladimir (Ladomir) - living in harmony with the world; sorcerer of Lada.
Ladislav - glorifying Lada (love), the embodiment of Lada.
Swan is a personified name for the animal world; one of the incarnations of Mara.
Radiant - radiating dawn.
We love - beloved.
Lubodar - giver of love.
Lyubomir - loving the world or beloved in the world.
Inquisitive - someone who loves to think.
Lyuboslav - lover of glory, beloved, glorified.
Lyubomud - one who keeps wisdom.
Lyuboyar - loving Yarila - the sun.
Mal (Maloy, Mladen) - the youngest.
Mieczyslaw - famous for the sword.
Milan is cute. Milovan - caressing, caring, or the one who was spared.
Milorad - sweet, joyful (to the sun).
Miloslav - sweetly glorifying.
Miloyar is Yarila's favorite.
Peaceful - peace-loving.
Miroslav - glorifying the world and glorified in the world.
Molchan - taciturn, silent.
Mstislav - glorifying revenge. Historical figure: Mstislav Vladimirovich - Prince of Tmutarakan, Grand Duke of Kiev.
Nevzor - blind. Nekras is one of the “negative” names.
Fire expert - one who knows the spiritual essence of fire; sorcerer of the Fire God.
Ognedar is a giver who makes sacrifices to Fire.
Firelover - a lover of fire or the embodiment of the Fire God.
Ogneslav - glorifying Ognebog or his incarnation.
Ogneyar - fusion of two elements (levels); solar flame; partial embodiment or embodiment.
Oleg - early Russian (post-Aryan) meaning - “movement towards the light”.
Eagle is one of the personified names of the animal world; one of the incarnations of Perun.
Peresvet is a very light or partial incarnation of one of the Gods of the light pantheon. Historical figure: Peresvet - warrior of the Battle of Kulikovo.
Provid (Prozor) - seer, clairvoyant.
Putimir is a wanderer. Putislav (Putyata) - glorifying wanderings; explanatory.
Radiohost - caring about another (guest).
Radimir (Radomir) - caring about the world.
Radislav - one who cares about fame.
Reasonable - reasonable, reasonable.
Ratibor is a defender.
Ratmir is the defender of peace.
RODislav (RODaslav, RODeslav, RODOSlav) - glorifying the ROD; glorifying his family.
Rostislav - growing fame.
RODimir (RODamir, RODemir, RODomir) - ROD and WORLD; giving birth to the world; partial embodiment or embodiment; RODOmysl - thinking about one's own kind.
RODosvet - an enlightening, spiritualizing genus; the name of the sorcerer ROD.
Svetoslav (Svetislav) - glorifying light, bright, ardent.
Svetlana is bright, pure in soul.
Svetobor - fighting, winning with light, enlightenment.
Svetovid - seeing the light, perspicacious; incarnation of Belobog.
Svetozar - illuminating with light.
Svetogor - The embodiment of the power of the earth.
Svetomir is an enlightening world (society).
Svetopolk is the leader of the light army.
Svetoyar - ardently light (enlightened), sunny.
Skorodum is a quick thinker.
Slawomir - glorifying the world or glorious in the world.
Smeyan - cheerful.
Nightingale is a personified name for the animal world.
Catfish is a personified name for the animal kingdom.
Stanimir - establisher of peace.
Stanislav - establisher of glory.
Stoyan - strong, unbending.
Sudimir is a sage who talks about the world.
Sudislav - bestower of glory.
Tverdimir (Tverdomir) - from TVERD - solid and MIR - peaceful, peace.
Tverdislav (Tverdoslav) - from TVERD - firm and SLAV - to glorify; glorifying the firmament.
Tvorimir is the creator of the world. Tihomir - quiet and peaceful.
Trislav - glorifying Triglav. Tur is the personified name of the animal world. Historical figure: Tur - the founder of the Turich family.
Brave - brave. Caslav - aspiring to glory.
Churoslav - glorifying CHUR (sorcerer).
Yarilo is the solar incarnation, the hypostasis of the heavenly plowman.
Jaromil - dear to Yaril the sun.
Jaromir is a sunny world.
Yaromudr - endowed with bright wisdom.
Yaropolk - leader of the solar army. Yaroslav - glorifying Yarila.
Female names:
Bazhena is the feminine form of the name Bazhen.
Belogora - enlightened.
Beloslava is the female form of the name Beloslav.
Berislava is the female form of the name Berislav.
Blagoslava is the female form of the name Blagoslav.
Bogdana is the feminine form of the name Bogdan.
Bogumila - dear to the Gods.
Boleslava is the female form of the name Boleslav.
Borislava is the female form of the name Borislav.
Boyana is the feminine form of the name Boyan.
Bratislava is the female form of the name Bratislava.
Bronislava is the female form of the name Bronislav.
Vedana (Vedeneya, Vedenya) - knowledgeable.
Vedislava - glorifying knowledge.
Velizhana is polite, pacifying her feelings.
Velizara - multi-light, illuminated.
Velimira is the feminine form of the name Velimir.
Velislava is the female form of the name Velislav.
Wenceslaus is the female form of the name Wenceslaus.
Faith is faith, true.
Veselina (Vesela) is the female form of the name Veselin.
Vladimir is the female form of the name Vladimir.
Vladislava is the female form of the name Vladislav.
Voislava is the female form of the name Voislav.
Omniscient - omniscient.
Vsemil is the feminine form of the name Vsemil.
Vseslav is the feminine form of the name Vseslav.
Goluba is meek.
Gorislava is the female form of the name Gorislav.
Gradislava is the female form of the name Gradislav.
Granislava is the female form of the name Granislav.
Darena (Darina, Dara) is the female form of the name Daren.
Dzvenislava - glorified.
Dobrovlada - possessing kindness.
Dobrogora - exalting goodness.
Dobrolyuba - loving goodness.
Dobromila is the feminine form of the name Dobromil.
Dobromira is the female form of the name Dobromir.
Dobroslava is the female form of the name Dobroslav.
Dragomir is the feminine form of the name Dragomir.
Zhdana is the female form of the name Zhdan.
Zhivoroda - priestess of Zhiva.
Zvenislava - proclaiming glory; glorifying.
Zlatotsveta (Zlata) - golden-flowered.
Zoremira - illuminating, enlightening the world.
Iskra is the feminine form of the name Iskren.
Kazimir is the female form of the name Kazimir.
Krasimira is the female form of the name Krasimir.
Lada - beloved, dear. Goddess of love, mother of the Gods.
Ladomila - dear to the goddess Lada, merciful.
Ladomira is the female form of the name Ladomir.
Ladoslava - glorifying Lada.
Luchezara - radiant, illuminating with light.
Lyubava (Love) - beloved.
Lyubomila - beloved, dear.
Lyubomir is the feminine form of the name Lyubomir.
Lyuboyara - loving Yarila.
Lyudmila is the female form of the name Lyudmil.
Ludomira - reconciler of people.
Milada - dear to the goddess Lada.
Milana (Milena) is the female form of the name Milan.
Miloslava is the female form of the name Miloslav.
Miroslava is the female form of the name Miroslav.
Mstislava is the female form of the name Mstislav.
Hope is hope.
Nekrasa is the female form of the name Nekras.
At any given time there are more and less popular names. Moreover, their fashion is as changeable as clothing styles. The era of Soviet realities with Vladlens, Oktyabrins and Revolutions has long passed. Recently there has been a peak in the popularity of foreign names. Now there is a craving for the original Slavic culture, and this is reflected in the fact that parents are increasingly naming their newborns the same way as their ancestors a thousand years ago, choosing male and female Slavic names.
But most people have a misconception about this issue. If you ask an ordinary person what Slavic female names he knows, then most likely you will hear the answer: “Galina, Maria, Katerina, Anna.” But this is not true. These onyms migrated to us from the Hebrew and Greek languages, but over the years they have become so integrated into Slavic culture that they seem autochthonous.
Although the list of currently known ancient male names is wider, this article discusses specifically female names of Slavic origin and their meaning. Linguistic scientists draw such information from ancient chronicles, and men most often appeared there, which is why there is such a difference. But what the girls were called can tell us about the views and beliefs of our ancestors. And now a few words about how to name a newborn child.
The Sacrament of Choice
Since ancient times, there have been many superstitions in Rus' in connection with the birth of a child. It was believed that the name could both scare away and attract evil forces. Therefore, in order to protect the child, he was given an ugly name, which indicated imaginary flaws and was supposed to serve as a barrier to all evil spirits. For example, beautiful girl could be called Potvora, Negoda (worthless), Nekras. Like, hearing such a name, evil forces will not covet an already disgusting child. In any case, all female names of Slavic origin carried a hidden meaning.
Also, the child was often given two names. One was for general use, and the second was considered real, but it was kept secret and reported only to those closest to them. This was done so that no one could cause damage using a second name.
Our ancestors also believed that changing a name entails metamorphoses in a person’s life. For example, when a child was sick, they took him out into the yard, and then brought him back into the hut, saying that he was a foundling, and they renamed him, they say, this is no longer Lyubima or Zhdana, but Nenasha or Naydena (Nayda). This was done in order to deceive the illness: evil forces would think that this was a completely different child, and the illness would recede.
Names from the surrounding natural world
The pagan Slavs believed that each person has his own totem from the animal or plant world, so they sometimes named children after animals, birds, etc. Parents believed that thanks to this the child would have his own amulet. Hence such female Slavic names as Belka, Birch, Crow, Galka, Pear, Zozulya, Willow, Kalina, Klena, Swan, Lybid (that was the name of the famous sister of Kiya, Shcheka and Khoriva), Raspberry, Otava (mown grass), Rowan, Magpie. Now these are already distant archaisms, except that the name Kalina is still found in the Carpathian region.
Names meaning the circumstances of the birth of the child or the attitude towards him in the family
Sometimes a girl was simply named after the day of the week, the time of year she was born, or even the weather. Hence the names Friday, Saturday, Winter, Zimova, Spring, Vesnyana, Storm, Thunderstorm. There are even such options: Road (this is how the circumstances of remission of a burden were designated), Zarya (who began life in the morning), Istoma (indicates a difficult birth), Zvezdana, Vechernitsa.
It was also customary to name children, indicating the order in which they appeared in the family. Hence such female Slavic names as Pervusha, Secondusha, Osmusha. But they have not survived to this day as full-fledged onyms; their echo is heard only in surnames. The name Malusha (short form - Mlada) comes from male name Small and indicates that the girl is younger than other children in the family.
The following Slavic onyms denote the attitude towards a daughter in the family: Lyubima, Milana, Zhelana, Uteha, Uslada, Zhelanya, Nezhdana, Bratomila. Their semantics is quite transparent, and the meaning of Slavic female names of this kind does not need to be explained.
Names, data on external characteristics
With these names, the parents expressed their affection for their daughter and emphasized some distinctive feature her appearance. Here are examples: Snezhana (white-haired), Zlata (on behalf of Zlatovlas), Rusava, Belava, Chernava, Vlasya (having long hair), Sineoka, Rumyana, Suhota (thin), Vidana (slender, prominent), Vyshena (tall), Velioka (big eyes). Many names are derived from different synonyms of the word “beautiful”: Vlada (okay), Krasa, Khoroshava, Beloved, Prelesta, Beautiful.
Names meaning human qualities
Basically, the good character traits of the child were emphasized: Golub (meek), Veselina, Dobrava, Lyubov, Humble, Iskra (sincere), Smeyana, Blaginya (kind), Boyana (fighting, courageous), Verna, Dushana (spiritual), Zhilena (tenacious ), Zabava (funny, comforter), Greza (dreamer), Gorazda (capable), Domna (economic). Sometimes the name hinted at some shortcomings: Vetrana (windy), Vlasta (loving power), Vereshchaga (talker), Buyana (violent), Neulyba, Nesmeyana, Sonya, Crybaby. Such Slavic female names were often assigned not immediately after birth, but a little later, when the character was already noticeable.
Two-base names
This is the base group. Such names are formed from two stems, which are connected by a vowel. For example, Bogomila comes from the phrase “dear to God.” Below are female Slavic names formed in this way:
- Bogdana - given by God.
- Vedislava - glorifying knowledge (knowledge).
- Vsemila - dear, beloved by everyone.
- Vladimir - who owns the world.
- Vojislava is truly glorious.
- Gorislava - burning in glory.
- Dobromila is kind and sweet.
- Dragomira is more valuable than the world.
- Dobrovlada - possessing kindness.
- Dobrolyuba - loving kindness.
- Zvenislava - heralding glory.
- Krasimira - coloring the world.
- Lyubomyra - lover of peace.
- Mstislava - glorifying revenge.
- Radislava - caring for the world.
- Radoslava - caring about fame.
- Svetlozara - illuminating everything with light.
- Svyatoslav - holy glory.
- Tikhomira - quiet and peaceful.
- Yaroslava - glorifying the sun (Yarilo).
The most popular female Slavic names
Nowadays, few people would name their daughter Pribyslava or Krasnomira. Many of those names already seem like something very distant and outdated. But there are still some that have survived to this day, retaining their original form. They are quite widely used in the 21st century. If you need to name 5 female Slavic names that have not lost their relevance, then it is worth remembering the following: Svetlana, Nadezhda, Lyubov, Vera, Lyudmila. Their semantics are transparent, each of them is simple and understandable.
Perhaps the fashion for male and female Slavic names will return, and they will slowly displace borrowed foreign ones, but perhaps not. But be that as it may, if parents want to give their daughter a rare and unusual name, then they have a wide field of choice among the ancient names of our ancestors.