It is believed that names should periodically disappear from use before returning to fashion.
Where Have the Nastenkas Gone
One of the most popular names in post-revolutionary Russia was Anastasia, Nastenka. This name was borne by almost every tenth girl in the country. By the end of the 20th century, the number of Nastas had significantly decreased. However, in recent years, parents have increasingly recalled this beautiful name and are giving it to their children. According to statistics, Nastas are now among the top 10 most popular girls' names.
The name Ivan also underwent changes — a hundred years ago it was classic, then, in the 90s, it became less common. Today, this name ranks fourth in popularity.
The name Galina has completely lost its relevance over the past 100 years. This may be due to the fact that in Spanish and Italian it means "hen," or it simply became outdated. The name Lyudmila, which was once popular, is now often replaced with the short form Mila, which is used for newborn girls.
Sashas and Leshas Are Always in Fashion
Nowadays, names such as Nina, Valentin, Gennady, and Anatoly are also somewhat forgotten. While they were widely used during Soviet times, today they are rarely encountered. It is also uncommon to meet Vasilievs, Tamars, and Klaudias. Names such as Zoya, Evdokiya, Lydia, Gerasim, Fyodor, and Zinaida have almost disappeared from everyday use. Yet, at one time, they topped the lists of popular names.
Nevertheless, there are names that have maintained their positions for over a century. These include Alexander, Alexey, Sergey, Vladimir, Dmitry, and Andrey. They are still favored by young parents and are widely used. Equally popular are the names Elena, Mikhail, Natalia, Olga, and Anna. These names were given to children by our great-grandmothers!
Rodion, Korney, Miron — Who Else?
Many celebrities prefer to give their children old and rare Russian names. For example, actress Olga Drozdova named her son Elisei, after a hero from an ancient epic, while former member of the band "Ranetki" Natalia Melichenko gave her daughter the ancient Russian name Rasskaza (shortened to Skazka). Sergey Zhukov from "Ruki Vverh!" named one of his sons the ancient name Miron, and Natasha Koroleva and Tarzan named their son Arkhip. Sergey Shnurov's daughter is named with the Orthodox name Serafima, in honor of Saint Seraphim of Sarov and the archangel of the same name; the musician named his son Apollon.
Oleg Gazmanov's son, Rodion, bears an ancient name that was almost as popular in Russia a hundred years ago as Ivan. Remember, Pushkin's nanny was named Arina Rodionovna?
Actress Ekaterina Klimova recalled another forgotten name — Korney and gave it to her son. Korney is also the name of the son of her colleague Glafira Tarkhanova, who has other bearers of ancient Russian names in her family — Yermolai, Gordey, and Nikifor. According to the actress, they specifically sought rare names for their children to emphasize their individuality. After all, anyone can be Sasha or Petya, but try being Nikifor!
The extravagant Nikita Dzhigurda also decided to give an ancient name to his son. One of his heirs is named Artemiy-Dobrovlada, which apparently means "one who possesses goodness."
The Most Popular Names in Moscow 100 Years Ago
For Boys
Vladimir, Viktor, Yuri, Anatoly, Nikolai, Alexander, Boris, Evgeny, Valentin, Alexey, Mikhail.
For Girls
Valentina, Nina, Galina, Tamara, Lydia, Vera, Lyudmila, Zinaida, Nadezhda, Anna.
