Ruthenian (Rusyn) Names

Xenia

Greek

"hospitable, welcoming, guest"

The name of a Christian saint and a city in Ohio, Xenia is one of the more accessible and intriguing x names. It is the name of one of the Bond Girls--played by Famke Janssen in the film…

Olga

Slavic variation of Helga, Norse

"holy"

This Slavic form of the Norse name Helga is a classic in many Slavic countries, including Russia and Poland, where it currently ranks within the Top 100 girl names. It has historically ranked among…

Olena

Ukrainian, Hawaiian

"torch, shining light; turmeric, yellow, ginger"

This chic Ukrainian form of Helen is relatively unknown outside of its native country, but it definitely has international appeal. Olia or Olenka are the usual Ukrainian diminutives, but tomboyish…

Ekaterina

Russian; Macedonian; Bulgarian, variation of Catherine

"pure"

This international variation was publicized by Olympic skater Ekaterina Gordeeva.

Zuzanna

Slavic variation of Susannah

"lily"

Remember Zuzu, the adorable little girl you watch every Christmas in "It's a Wonderful Life"? Here's a direct path to that nickname, a lot more zesty than the more familiar Susannah.

Milka

Slavic, Finnish, Polish, Hebrew

"gracious, dear; rival; queen"

Used in Serbia, Bulgaria, Slovenia, and Croatia, Milka derives from the popular Slavic element milŭ , and is a diminutive form of feminine names containing that element such as Milena, Milanka, and…

Paraskeva

Paraskeva is a feminine name of Greek origin associated with preparation and readiness. Derived from the Greek word "paraskevi" meaning "preparation" or "Friday," it has deep historical roots in…

Tekla

Tekla is a feminine name of Greek origin, derived from 'Thekla,' which comes from 'theocleia' meaning 'glory of God.' It gained prominence through Saint Thecla, a follower of Saint Paul in early…

Ewa

Ewa is a feminine name primarily used in Polish culture as a variant of Eve or Eva. Its origins trace back to the Hebrew name Chavah, meaning 'life' or 'living one.' In Biblical tradition, Eve was…

Thecla

Latinized form of Thekla, Greek

"glory of God"

Thecla is a female name with ancient Greek origins, derived from the word theokleia meaning "glory of God" or "God's fame". A saintly choice, it was borne by a 1st-century follower of Saint Paul who…