Avdotya

A Russian variant of the Greek Eudocia, Avdotya appears in Dostoevsky's novel, Crime and Punishment in which it is borne by the strong-willed sister of the protagonist. She is often referred to by the diminutive form, Dunya.

Also spelled Avdotia, the name is considered old fashioned in Russia, and while the alternative variant Yevdokia is seen as a little fresher, they are not currently popular.

Pronounced ahv-DOH-tyuh.