New And Traditional Ukrainian Names

Even though there are many names traditional for Ukraine, such as Galina, Oksana, Ludmila, Larisa, Zinaida or Grigory, Leonid, Stepan, all of those names are not Ukrainian by their origin. Even though these names were very popular in Ukraine and most of them are associated with Slavic nations, all of these names came here from other countries and languages, such as Greece, Byzantine Empire and Italy.

Only few names presently used in Ukraine have truly Slavic origins. For example, such female names as Svetlana, Bogdana or Yana and such male names as Radion or Slava are still used in Ukraine and come from ancient Slavic and even pagan origins. The reason why so many “traditional Ukrainian names” in reality have Roman, Greece or even Jewish origins lies in Christianity.

By the time Christianity was brought to Ukraine (over 10 centuries ago) it has already been well established in the Roman Empire and Greece. Thus, when it conquered the hearts of Ukrainian people, it brought here many of the Roman and Jewish (Bible) names.

Today Ukraine is being greatly influenced by the Western culture and many people here give their kids various Western names. Presently, some of the most popular names people give their kids in Ukraine are such female names as Dar’ay, Sofia, Kristine, Ann and such male names as Denis, Anton, Timothy, Daniel, etc. So, many of the more traditional Ukrainian names remain unused and unpopular in this country.

Such is the story of new and traditional Ukrainian names.