Male names of ancient Rus'. Slavic ancient Russian baby names according to the time of year. Common Old Russian female names, their types

Choosing a son's name is a difficult task for all parents. After all, the name will remain with the child for life, it will be his reflection. Therefore, the issue of a name for a boy must be taken seriously. On this moment there are names of different origins in the world Italian names, Kazakh, Greek, old Russian names boys and girls. If you decide to give your son an Old Russian name, then our article is just for you.

It should be noted that among the Old Russian names there are a huge number of beautiful and sonorous names, and if used correctly, you can significantly influence the fate of the child, that is, in the process of upbringing, strengthen the positive traits in the child’s character and develop in him good qualities. Princely names are in particular demand among Old Russian names. As a rule, men with names such as Vladimir, Vsevolod, Svyatoslav. The name Yaroslav gives the child a strong masculine character and charisma. There are also good old Russian names for boys, the owners of which were not princes, but were worthy husbands. For example, the name Bogdan (given by God). A boy named Bogdan will be a calm person who knows his worth; integrity and stubbornness are Bogdan’s striking traits. Boris (fighters) can be smart, they achieve great success, scrupulous, with a sense of humor. And such old Russian bright and having deep meaning there are many names.

Old Russian names for boys:

Bogumil - dear to God

Krasimir - the beauty of the world

Budislav - be glorious!

Krasislav - the beauty of glory

Boleslav - glorifying

We love - beloved

Belogor - from the White Mountains

Ludimir - bring peace to people

Beloyar - furious

Lyubomil - beloved

Bazhen - God's

Lyubomir - loving world and the world

Bueslav - stork

Lyuborad - pleasing with love

Budimil - be nice!

Lyuboslav - glorifying love

Bogolep - divine

Ladislav - glorifying beauty

Bratislav - brother, friend of glory

Ladislav - glorifying people

Belimir - white, pure

Lubodron - beloved, dear

Bogumir - bring peace to God!

Luceslav - in a ray of glory

Borislav - stormy glory

Lubodar - giver of love

Volodar - giver of will

Ladimir - peace-loving

Vitoslav - glory of life

Peace lover - loving peace

Vlastislav - owner of the world

Milava - sweet, kind

Vladimir - owner of the world

Mlad - young

Vyacheslav - glorifying advice

Mirodar - giver of peace

Venislav - crowned with glory

Milan - sweet, kind

World - worldwide

Myslemir - thinking about the world

Vseslav - illustrious

Moguta - powerful, mighty

Vysheslav - famous; all the glory

Miloslav - sweet glory

Vlastimir - rule the world

Mladen - young

Vsemil - dear to everyone

Milorad - sweet, kind

Verislav - faithful

Hope - hope expectation

Vojislav - glorious warrior

Negomir - gentle and peaceful

Vadim - invited, invited

Found - found

Vladislav - owner of glory

Neroslav - sealer of glory

Vadislav - called

Witty - sharp thinker

Gleb - sweet, affectionate

Ocheslav - desperate glory

Gradibor - force creator

Oleg - light, fast

Gorislav - glorifying the high light

Wonderful - wonderful

Gorisvet - high light

Peresvet - bright

Gostislav - ready glory

Putislav - path of glory

Gradimir - creator of the world

Premislav - accept the glory!

Gift - gift to the world

Pervoslav - ahead of glory

Drogoslav - dear glory

Ratislav - military glory

Dobrava - virtuous, bearer

Radimil - sweet joy

Daroslav - giver of the word

Radey - joy, joyful

Deyan - active, active

Ratibor - chosen warrior

Daromir - giver of peace

Radibor - chosen from the joyful

Dobran - good giver

Ruslav - fair-haired

Daren - gift to the world

Radislav - caring about glory

Dan - given by God

Radim - sweet joy

Drogorad - dear joy

Ratmir - a fighter for peace

Drohomir - dear world

Radosvet - light of joy

Danko - shining, day

Rusimir - Russian World

Divislav - in the radiance of words

Radimir - caring for peace

Daniyar - given for shine

Radovlad - own joy

Dobrolyub - loving goodness

Svetovid - light, holy

Danislav - giver of glory

Svetozar - illuminated by light

Daromysl - thinker, thinker

Svyatoboy - holy fighter, warrior

Dragolub - kind, beloved

Svyatomir - holy world

Dobroslav - glorifying goodness

Svetovik - light

Dragovit - valuing life

Svyatorad - holy joy

Damir - the giver of peace

Tichoslav - quiet glory

Yeseniy - clear sky

Trajan - third son

Zhelan - desirable

Died - peace, tranquility

Zhelislav - desired glory

Touched - tenderness

Zhdanimir - the awaited world

Delight - delight

Zhiteslav - glorifying life

Hranimir - keep the peace

Zlatoslav - golden glory

Khvalimir - glorify the world

Zlatozar - with a clear gaze

Khvalislav - praise the glory

Zvenislav - ringing with glory

Hranislav - keep the glory

Zalazar - because of the azure

Tsvetimir - be the color of the world

Zelislav - very nice

Chudomil - sweet miracle

Zdanimir - creator of the world

Chestimir - honor of the world

Zvenimir - calling for peace

Chestislav - honor the glory

Dawn - rising light

Chtislav - honor the glory

Izheslav - be with glory!

Shchaslav - happy

Igor - militant

Jaromir - be furious in the world

Ivar - tree of life

Yaroslav - shining with glory

Idan - walking, overcoming the path

Jaromil is a nice man

Ivan - to be born, to be born

Yaropolk - furiously up in arms

Krasibor - chosen from the beautiful

Janislav - nice

The name is of great importance for every person; it carries all the love of the parents and leaves an imprint on the formation of the child’s character. The ancient Slavs most often gave names consisting of two words, they had a deep meaning, and the name could also serve as a talisman. After acceptance Christian faith, the first name served to interact with people around him, and the second name was given at the baptism of the baby, and it was secret. The baptismal name was known only to parents, godparents and the person himself; it protected its owner from the influence and suggestion of evil. All names were selected based on the gender of the baby, so there is Old Russian names male and female, just like everywhere else. It is not possible to cover the entire list of names in one article, so in this article we will look at the Old Russian names for boys. Let's first figure out what the name meant for the Slavs and how it was chosen.

When people began to unite in groups, such as tribes or communities, they realized that it was much easier to exist in a company rather than alone. Each group of people always had a leader, and he had to properly build the life of the tribe. But the difficulty arose in interacting with an individual member of society, and not with the entire group. Ancient man began to call out to another by some noticeable features of appearance, be it hair color or the presence of a beard, by character traits or special skills. This is how the names appeared. Later, surnames began to appear based on the same principles as exchanges. For example, there lives a family where the predominant activity is blacksmithing, others called them blacksmiths, then the blacksmiths transformed into the Kuznetsovs, and so the surname was passed on from generation to generation.

The pagans tried to name children with names that personified some desirable qualities in a child. It was believed that giving a child a name with a certain value and qualities, a person will be endowed with them in the future. The name for boys was chosen especially carefully, because boys have always been more desirable than girls, they are the successors of the family, bearers of strength and wisdom, future heads of the family and leaders of the tribe. Old Slavic names for boys were invented with special care. Old Russian male names were often derived from the names of animals in order to endow their bearer with the qualities of that animal. For example, the names Aliter ( Uzbek name), Babar (India) and our Russian - Lev. I think it won’t be difficult to guess from the name of which animal this name came from. Or the well-known wolf and its derivatives: Wulf, Wolf, Wolfgang and others.

By the way

Names were also formed from the names of plants or the names of ancient gods and goddesses. Names formed from participles, such as Zhdan, Khoten and others, were very common.

At first, Old Russian male names were invented, and from them they formed the female form of the name. For example, Vladimir is the feminine form of the name Vladimir, Mstislava is the feminine form of the name Mstislav, etc. With enormous power endowed Slavic male names, a complete list of which is very difficult to find, only a few reached modern man. But, in fact, by what the Old Slavic male names were, one can judge the way of life of the people in Ancient Rus' and what was important for the Slavs in those days. Names are a huge layer of history for studying the life, culture, religion and standard of living of our ancestors. Later in the era of the USSR, the names will contain short Soviet slogans and the names/surnames of the leaders of the people.

Slavic names for boys and their meaning

Pagans gave their children two names to protect them from evil spirits. Often the first name was the name according to the birth number, for example, Elder or Menshak. During adolescence, the child received a lifelong name based on his character traits. After the adoption of Christianity, parents continued to give their children two names, and the second one also protected him from evil. But the true name was considered to be the second one given at the baby’s baptism, the name known to God and the guardian angel. Often, the first Christians named their children according to the church calendar, after the name of a saint born on the same day as the baby.

Ancient Russian male names before the baptism of Rus'.

• Agniy – fiery, light
• Bayan - keeper of antiquities
• Blagomir - bringing good to the world
• Bogovad - knower of the gods
• Bogodiy - pleasing to the gods
• Bratislav - brother of glory
• Budimil - be nice
• Bueslav - stork
• Belogor - from the White Mountains
• Beloyar - furious
• Vsemil - dear to everyone
• Vyacheslav - glorifying advice
• Venislav – crowned with glory
• Volodar - giver of will
• Gradimir - looking at the world
• Gorisvet - high light
• Dobrynya - kind
• Dejan – active
• Dan – given from above
• Daromir - giver of peace
• Daniyar – given to shine
• Daromysl - thinking
• Zhdanimir - the awaited world
• Zhdan - long-awaited
• Desired – desired
• Dawn - rising light
• Zvenimir – calling for peace
• Zdanimir - creator of the world
• Idan – walking
• Ivar – Tree of Life
• Krasibor – chosen from the beautiful
• Ladislav – glorifying beauty
• Ludimir - bringing peace to people
• Lyuborad – pleasing with love
• We love - beloved
• Lubodron - expensive
• Lyubogost - hospitable
• Milan - cute
• Mlad – young
• Peace lover - loving peace
• Moguta – powerful
• Mirodar – giver of peace
• Negomir – gentle and peaceful
• Found – found
• Witty - sharp-thinking
• Ocheslav - glory to the father
• Peresvet - bright
• Premislav - accept the glory
• Putislav - the path of glory
• Radey - joyful
• Ratibor - chosen warrior
• Svyatomir - holy world
• Svyatovik - light
• Svyatoboy - warrior
• Die - peace
• Khvalimir - glorify the world
• Chestimir - honor of the world
• Jaromil - dear
• Janislav - glorious

And various variations of names derived from the names of animals, such as Falcon, Nightingale, Drozd, Wolf, Eagle Owl and others. Names by characteristics: Ghoul, Resentment, Strongman, etc. Names based on appearance: Oko, Volos, Thin, Devil, Chernomys, etc.

Ancient Russian names of men after the adoption of Christianity:

• Habakkuk - God's love
• Alexy – defender
• Alpheus - change
• Adam is the first man
• Bogdan – given by God
• Boris is a fighter
• Bronislav – glorious defender
• Vladimir - owner of the world
• Vladislav - owner of glory
• Vsevolod - owner of all
• Vyacheslav - great, glorious
• Gorislav – blazing glory
• David - long-awaited
• Eremey - crowned with God
• Elisha - savior of the living
• Zakhar - God remembers
• Jacob is the second born of the twins
• Izyaslav - who achieved glory
• Luka – light
• Makar - happy
• Mstislav - takes glorious revenge
• Nathan - God gave
• Nahum - the pacifier
• Oleg - saint, sacred
• Rostislav - growing fame
• Stanislav - the most glorious
• Timothy - God-fearing
• Jan - given by God
• Yaroslav - strong, glorious

After the baptism of Rus', boys were often called after saints. Since the first Christians were Jews, the Slavs began to borrow Jewish names, and now these names are already considered originally Slavic, although this is not entirely true.

Despite the fact that Old Russian names for boys are already outdated, they are gradually coming back into fashion, as modern names have become very frequent and are beginning to become boring for young parents. Every person wants to name their child something that no one has named so that their baby will be different from others, so there is a return to old, but not forgotten, names.

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'

Such a reverent and serious attitude towards a 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. At the same time, the first name was often, 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. But in life the opposite, positive meaning will prevail. 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 named by the serial number of 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 personal qualities person. 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 these 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 versions have been replaced by Soviet ones, and now Western European forms are 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. Full list so it won't work. 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. Literal meaning- "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 fame.”

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 the male form. 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.

Old Russian and Slavic names in Russia, nowadays

The main array of modern Russian names consists of the names of saints contained in Orthodox church calendars(“saints”) Sometimes such names are called “calendar”. They are all very different in origin: ancient Greek, ancient Roman (Latin), Hebrew, Assyrian, ancient Egyptian, ancient Germanic, Scandinavian, Arabic. But over hundreds of years, these names underwent complete assimilation in the Russian linguistic environment and acquired completely Russian sound and shape. Who will say that Ivan or Marya are not Russian names?

As for the huge variety of Old Russian and Slavic names, only 20 names have survived to our time:Boris, Vera, Vladimir, Vladislav, Vsevolod, Vyacheslav, Izyaslav, Lyubov, Lyudmila, Militsa, Mstislav, Nadezhda, Rostislav, Svyatoslav, Yaropolk, Yaroslav, as well as Gleb, Igor, Olga and Oleg, who appeared in Rus' along with the Varangians. And it should be noted that the names mentioned were preserved only due to the fact that somehow miraculously got into Orthodox saints.

Behind last years interest in the names of our distant ancestors has grown and continues to grow (this is noted by civil registry offices throughout the country). An increasing number of newborns are given the names Vlad, Darina, Miroslava, Milana, Stanislav, Jaromir, etc. We bring to your attention a list of the most attractive (harmonious and modern-looking) male and female common Slavic names.

List of male names (Old Russian-Varangian-Slavic):

• Bazhen (desired child, rootbazh-; bash- wish),
• Bogdan, Dan (God-given),
• Bohumil (dear to God; God loves him),
• Boguslav (born for the glory of God; glorifying God),
• Boleslav (more glory, more glorious),
• Boris, Borislav (fight, fight + glory),
• Bronislaw (defend, protect + glory),
• Budimir (will be, will come + peace),
• Velimir, Velislav (veli = great, great),
• Wenceslaus (crown = more, more),
• Vlad,
• Vladimir,
• Vladislav,
• Vojislav (fight for glory),
• Vratislav (return, return + glory),
• Vsevolod,
• Vseslav,
• Vysheslav, Vyacheslav (higher, higher, crown- synonyms, mean more, more),
• Gleb (Varangian name),
• Gostislav (gost = guest: nice guest),
• Gradislav (),
• Gremislav,
• Dobromysl (good thoughts),
• Dobroslav (good fame),
• Dobrynya (kind, good person),
• Dragoslav,
• Zhdan (the one who was expected; long-awaited),
• Zvenislav,
• Zlatoslav,
• Igor (Varangian name),
• Izyaslav (confiscate- take: “take the glory”, “take the glory”),
• Casimir (kaz, to say= show, instruct, preach + peace),
• Ladimir, Ladislav (wordokaymeans agreement, harmony, beauty),
• We love (Darling), Lubomir (loves the world),
• Mieczyslaw (sword, i.e. weapons + glory),
• Milan, Milen, Milorad, Miloslav, Milos,
• Miroslav,
• Mstislav (revenge= revenge, vengeance on enemies + glory),
• Nechay (didn't expect, didn't expect),
• Oleg (Varangian name),
• Radan, Radim, Radmir, Radovan, Radoslav,
• Ratibor (army- army, war,boron- fight, fight)
• Ratmir,
• Rostislav (increase, multiply + glory),
• Rurik (Varangian name),
• Svyatopolk, Svyatoslav and Svetoslav (“holiness” and “light” are synonyms, in reality they are one name),
• Stanimir (there will be peace, there will be peace),
• Stanislav (become famous, become famous),
• Stoyan,
• Sudislav (court+ glory),
• Tverdoslav, Tverdislav,
• Tvorimir,
• Tihomir,
• Cheslav (honor, honor + glory),
• Jaromir, Yaropolk, Yaroslav (yar, yar =spring;ardent =red, hot, hot, furious)

Notes:

1). All of the above Old Russian-Varangian-Slavic names (from Bazhen to Yaroslav) actually existed, and this is confirmed by historical documents (see the works of Moroshkin M.Ya. and Tupikov N.M.). And the name Ruslan, for example, only seems Slavic and ancient, in fact it has eastern origin and age not exceeding 200 years.

2). Elementglory, glorymeans not only “glory” (as evidence of honor and respect), but also “to be called, named, reputed, to be known.”

3). Rootglad-in Slavic names like Radoslav and Milorad means not onlyrejoice, but alsoplease(that is, to care for, to care for, to promote).

4). Among our ancestors, the names Svyatoslav and Svetoslav were identical, since the wordslightAndholiness, lightAndsaint

5). Patronymic names from Slavic names are formed as a short form - Yaroslavich, Yaroslavna; Dobrynich, Dobrynichna; Svyatoslavich, Svyatoslavna, and “long” - Stanislavovich, Stanislavovna, Mstislavovich, Mstislavovna.

6). NamesBoris, Vladimir, Vladislav, Vsevolod, Vyacheslav, Gleb, Igor, Izyaslav, Mstislav, Oleg, Rostislav, Svyatoslav, Yaropolk, Yaroslav are the names of Orthodox saints, so they can be both passport and godparents. If you want to call the boy any other name from the above list (Velemir, Dobrynya, Zhdan, Ratmir, Stanislav, Yaromir, etc.), then keep in mind that for baptism you will need to prepare another name - “calendar” ( that is, contained in the Orthodox “saints”).

List of female names (Old Russian-Varangian-Slavic):

• Bazhena (desired, desired child, frombazh, bazhat- wish),
• Bela (i.e.white),
• Beloslava (white and nice),
• Bogdana, Dana (God given),
• Bogumila (dear to God; God loves her),
• Boguslav (born for the glory of God; glorifying God),
• Bozena (God's given by God; belongs to God),
• Boleslav (more glory, more glorious),
• Borislava (fight, fight + glory),
• Bronislava (defend, protect + glory),
• Wanda (value unknown),
• Velislava (veli = great, great),
• Wenceslas (crown = more, more),
• Vlada (having power, imperious), Vladimir, Vladislav (having glory, possessing glory),
• Vlasta, Vlastimila,
• Vojislava (fight for glory),
• Vratislava (return, return + glory),
• Vsemila (everyone dear),
• Vseslava,
• Vysheslava (highermeans more, more)
• Gostislava (gost = guest),
• Gradislava (grad = city, castle, fortress),
• Darina (from the wordgift, gift),
• Dobrava (from the wordgood),
• Dobromila,
• Dobronega (kindness + tenderness, softness),
• Dobroslava,
• Dragomira,
• Dragoslava,
• Zhdana (the one they were waiting for; long-awaited),
• Zvenislava,
• Zlata, Zlatoslava,
• Willow (name of tree, bush),
• Inga (madam, Varangian name),
• Casimir (kaz, to say= show, tell),
• Viburnum (name of tree, bush),
• Ladislava (wordokaymeansagreement, harmony, beauty),
• Lyubava,
• Lyubomir,
• Lyudmila,
• Raspberry (the name of the berry),
• Mieczyslaw (sword, i.e. weapon +glory),
• Mila, Milava, Milana, Milena, Militsa,
• Milolika,
• Miloslava,
• Mira, Miroslava,
• Mlada, Mladena,
• Mstislav (revenge, vengeance on enemies + glory),
• Hope,
• Nezhdana (came unexpectedly),
• Olga (from VarangianHelga),
• Predslava (ahead + glory),
• Beautiful,
• Pribyslav (to arrive, increase, multiply + glory),
• Glad (see also Ariadne),
• Radmila,
• Radoslava,
• Rogneda (from VarangianRagnhild - advice before battle),
• Rostislav (increase, multiply + glory),
• Ruzhena (rose- flower),
• Sbyslava (will come true + glory),
• Svyatoslav and Svetoslav (“holiness” and “light” are synonyms, in reality they are one name),
• Severina (from the wordnorth, but also from the Christian male name Severin),
• Glory,
• Slawomir,
• Stanislava,
• Sudislava (judgment + glory),
• Tverdislava, Tverdoslava,
• Tsvetana (blooming, flower),
• Cheslava (honor + glory),
• Yara (yar, yaro = spring; spring, hot),
• Jarmila (hot, ardent + sweet, beloved),
• Jaromira (yar + peace = ardent and hot, but peaceful, peace-loving),
• Yaroslav (yar, yaro = spring; ardent = red, hot, hot, furious)

Notes:

1). All the above Old Russian-Varangian-Slavic names (from Bazhena to Yaroslava) actually existed, and this is confirmed by historical documents (see the works of Moroshkin M.Ya. and Tupikov N.M. And names such as Lada, Ruslana, Svetlana and Snezhana They only seem ancient, but in fact these are “artificial” names with an age not exceeding 150-200 years.

2). Regarding the elementglory, glory, then it means not only “glory” (as evidence of universal respect), but also “to be called, named, reputed, to be known.”

3). RootGlad-in Slavic names like Radmila, Radoslava means not onlyrejoice, but alsoplease(that is, to care for, to care for, to promote); rootPowermeanshomeland, fatherland.

4). Among our ancestors, the names of Svyatoslav and Svetoslav were identical, since the wordslightAndholiness, lightAndsaintexpress the same meaning - “pure, unsullied.”

5). NamesVera, Lyubov, Lyudmila, Militsa, Nadezhda, Olga are the names of Orthodox saints, so they can be both passport and godparents. If you want to call the girl any other name from the above list (Bozhena, Vlasta, Zlata, Inga, Miroslava, Radmila, Yaroslava, etc.), then keep in mind that for baptism you need to prepare another name - “calendar” (that is, contained in the Orthodox “saints”).

For other materials on this topic, see the section

People have always been careful when choosing a name, because this is an energy-informational program that is set from birth and accompanies a person throughout everything. life path. The character and fate of not only its bearer, but also the entire country, depend on the name. After all, the more people have strong and “good” names, the stronger the country.

Rus' was famous for its people; nowhere else were there so many heroes, and today we propose to remember and consider forgotten male names. They almost all disappeared into oblivion. When the baptism of Holy Rus' took place, they were replaced by Greek, Jewish, Roman and other names of foreign origin.

Why are old names forgotten?

At the baptism of Rus', faith also changed, replaced pagan gods the one God for all people has come. Until the moment of baptism, many people were named in honor of pagan rulers, this is how, for example, the name Jaromir came about, and it consists of two parts - the name of the god Yarilo plus the world. Changing their faith, people wanted to completely eradicate the old deities, erase them from memory, so they even changed their names. Bogatyrs and wise men were forcibly baptized and called them as prescribed by the new Christian faith.

Male Slavic names and their meanings have already been almost completely forgotten. Many parents mistakenly believe that they call their children old, forgotten, but still real Slavic names. For example, the same Ivan is a name known from many fairy tales, which is considered Russian. Yes, it is Russian, but not Slavic, and came from John, Jewish name, and appeared after baptism.

Many more such “erroneous” names can be included, for example, Matvey, Zakhar, Luke, Daniel. An overview of male Slavic names and their meanings is in the further contents of the article. We will look at the “strongest” and most beautiful ones, and future parents will be able to choose a real ancient Slavic name from the list.

How to recognize?

Male Slavic names were especially carefully selected, and their meanings were sacred meaning. It is possible to recognize such a name, and very simply. For example, the name Casimir is Slavic. It consists of “seems” or “to show” and “world”, that is, “showing the world”. But Parnassus, a name considered Slavic, is not such, since no meaning is captured by the ear.

It is also worth noting that the sound “a” was very rarely used in Ancient Rus' when naming a baby. More often they chose the softer ones - “i”, “e”, “ya”.

Most often, male Slavic names consisted of two stems, and their meanings were immediately clear. The first part was the main one and was given at birth. The second part was added when the child grew to a certain age, and it symbolized merit, a sphere of influence or some object. Smerds, that is, people who are insolvent, powerless, were left without the second part of their name.

What were children named in Rus'?

Men's and were chosen by parents and reflected the type of employment. For example, peasants who were engaged in farming, fishing and hunting named their children without any special tricks, and their sons were called Hare, Catfish, Pike. It was from peasant names that many surnames originated.

Often, from birth, a baby was named so as not to be jinxed - the name was the complete opposite of appearance, character and mental abilities. Thus, the boys were called Fools, Negligents, Malices, Nekrasami and other ugly names. P

Later, when the guy was handed over to be raised by men, he was already named so that the name reflected the essence of the person. Future governors became Yaropolks, Dobrognevs and Ratibors. Hunters were given the names Brave, Stoyan, Eagle, Wolf and others like that. The particle “holy” was added to future clergy, hence the name Svyatoslav - real, ancient Slavic.

Often in families, children were called by the name and number with which they were born. There were usually a lot of children, so parents didn’t bother with the choice. This is how Pervushi, Vtoraki, Tretyak, Osmin and others appeared. Over time, the name changed to a two-part name, but family members continued to call the person as they were named at birth.

Terrible Slavs

It was male Slavic names that played a big role, and their meanings fully revealed the essence of character. If a boy was strong, tall and strong by the age of seven, he was handed over to be raised in a squad. And there they already named the boy based on his qualities. For example, Dubynya is strong and powerful, like an oak. Gorislav is as resilient as a mountain, but at the same time a nice guy! Dobrognev is angry, but in the name of good, that is, he will defeat all enemies for the sake of his homeland. Winter is calculating, persistent and cold. Mstislav is famous for his revenge.

Boys with flaws

If a child with physical disabilities was born into a family, then he was called the same as ordinary children, that is, a name that would not be jinxed, but it already reflected the essence. For example, Nevzor is blind, unseeing, Koschey is skinny, Nekras is ugly, ugly. As the child grew older, his name also changed. Usually, boys with flaws grew into kind guys filled with love for everything. This is how the Bogomils appeared - dear to the gods, the Peacelubs - loving everyone, peace-loving, the Blagoslavs - famous for their kindness, the Sestromils and Bratomirs - beloved by brothers and sisters (that is, all people).

Names that have come down to us

There are still popular male Slavic names today, and their meanings are of interest to many. The list is small, but everyone has at least one friend with a name such as Vladimir, Vsevolod, Vladislav. They have come down to us because rulers, representatives of rich and noble families, and governors bore such names. Less popular today are Wenceslaus, Borislav and Borimir.

Examples from fairy tales

Some male and female names and their meanings existed even after the baptism of Rus'. These are deception names that were given to babies in order to ward off trouble, evil forces and the evil eye from them. You can remember from fairy tales such heroes as Ivan the Fool, Koschey, and the Princess of the Unsmeyana. Even in literary work the ancient Slavic decoy name has been preserved - Mazai, that is, smeared.

Beautiful male Slavic names and their meanings: list

Today, Slavic names are gaining more and more popularity. In cultural self-determination big role plays a return to its roots. Of course, we are not talking about a complete rejection of the names we are used to; it’s just that among the ancient and forgotten there are many beautiful ones:

• Borislav - struggle, glory;
• Bogdan - given (donated) by the gods;
• Burislav - storm-like, indestructible;
• Veleslav - great, glorious;
• Vsevolod - owner of everything;
• Dobrynya - kind;
• Zlatan, Zlatodan - precious;
• Mstislav - irreconcilable, glory, revenge;
• Ratmir - protecting the world;
• Svetoslav, Svetozar - bright, illuminating the world;
• Svyatopolk (Svetopolk) - commander;
• Svyatogor - holy, mighty, powerful;
• Tihomir - calm;
• Yaroslav - nice, bright;
• Yaropolk is a formidable commander and warrior.