FROM VOLODIA TO ARTEM: HOW UKRAINIAN NAMING TRENDS HAVE SHIFTED

Choosing a name is not just a matter of aesthetics, many parents in Ukraine believe a name carries profound symbolic meaning and can influence a child’s future. In recent decades, there has been a shift towards names that emphasize individuality and connection to Ukrainian roots, as well as global trends.

During the Soviet era, it was common for children in Ukraine to receive similar names: Ivan, Serhii, Mykhailo, Sasha, and, of course, Volodia. However, times have changed. Today, Volodia might be one of the rarest names for newborns. 

An interesting trend in recent years is the revival of names from Ukrainian folklore and ancient history, reflecting a growing interest in national heritage and cultural pride. Names like Dobrynia and Oryslava evoke imagery of heroic and poetic figures from Ukrainian legends, adding depth and tradition to modern naming practices.

Popular and rare names in 2024

In the first half of 2024, Ukrainian parents opted for both traditional and unusual names. According to the Ministry of Justice, the most popular names for girls included: Alisa, Anastasiia, Anna, Varvara, Viktoriia, Daryna, Yeva, Emiliia, Zlata, Mariia, Milana, Polina, Solomiia, Sofiia, Stefaniia, and Uliana.

For boys, the top choices were: Artem, Bohdan, Davyd, Danylo, Maksym, Matvii, Mark, Nazar, Oleksandr, Tymofii, and Tymur.

On the more unique side, rare names for girls in 2024 included: Aviheia, Abihel, Aisel, Airis, Alisha, Vasylyna, Vella, Virsaviia, Daiana, Dzvina, Dzenyslava, Elina, Estersita, Ilana, Kleopatra, Kiara, Lelia, Letti, Liiel, Lilit, Liia, Lorelai, Lukyrii, Luna, Liusianna, Malika, Marfa, Medeia, Meri, Mirabella, Mirra, Nana, Naomi, Nonna, Naomi, Oliviia, Onysia, Oriiana, Oryslava, Renata, Ruta, Selena, and Femida.

Rare names for boys included: Avhustyn, Amur, Arkad, Akvamaryn, Villi, Vohnedar, Danyslav, Dobrynia, Eliazar, Enei, Eskiender, Ilai, Kylym, Levko, Liutsyus, Maverik, Milosh, Oleksa, Olherd, Ratyslav, Ruvim, Samson, Sirius, Teo, Torvald, Felix, Florian, Chiprian, Yakym, and Yanyk.

First name and patronymic: choosing a harmonious combination

Ukrainian parents often consider how a child’s first name will pair with the patronymic — a middle name derived from the father’s first name. For instance, if the father’s name is Oleksandr, the child’s patronymic would be Oleksandrovych for a son or Oleksandrivna for a daughter. The patronymic is a significant part of Ukrainian tradition, used in formal documents and polite forms of address.

The harmony and ease of pronouncing both the first name and patronymic are key factors when choosing a name. Names with a balanced mix of vowels and soft consonants, such as Mark Oleksandrovych or Sofiia Ivanivna, often sound pleasant together. Conversely, more complex or overly long combinations can be challenging to articulate, prompting parents to avoid such pairings. Therefore, selecting a name becomes not just a matter of aesthetics but also of practicality.

By the way, according to Ukrainian law, individuals can change their first name and last name at the age of 16 independently, while 14-year-olds can do so with parental consent.