How do last names work in Russian?
Russian names are structured as [first name] [middle patronymic name] [SURNAME]. E.g. Igor Mihajlovich MEDVEDEV (male) or Natalia Borisovna PAVLOVA (female). The patronymic name is never used alone. For example, one would refer to Igor Mihajlovich MEDVEDEV as ‘Igor Mihajlovich’ formally in person.
How do you formally address someone in Russian?
In Russian, there are two modes of address – using the polite “you” (Вы) and using the informal “you/thou” (ты). The choice of mode depends on how well you know the other person and whether you are superior or inferior in terms of age and position.
What is patronymic name mean?
patronymic, name derived from that of a father or paternal ancestor, usually by the addition of a suffix or prefix meaning “son.” Thus the Scottish name MacDonald originally meant “son of Donald.” Usually the “son” affix is attached to a baptismal name, but it is also possible to attach it to the father’s occupation ( …
Is the second name a patronymic in Russia?
The second name is a patronymic. Russian patronymic is a name derived from the father’s first name by adding -ович/-евич (son of) for male, or -овна/-евна (daughter of) for females.
How does a child get their last name in Russia?
In that case, the mother can choose the patronymic she likes. It is usually her own patronymic, so the child gets the middle name from granddad. The last name is the surname. Typical Russian surnames end in “ov” for men and “ova” for women: Ivanov and Ivanova, Smirnov and Smirnova.
What are the three types of Russian names?
Every Russian has three names: First name, patronymic (middle name, derived from one’s father’s first name) and surname. First (Christian) names are usually traditional.
What does the suffix ka mean in Russian?
And then there is Tanka – the suffix “ka” implies familiarity and sometimes a lack of respect! The patronymic is one’s middle name. To form a patronymic, you need to take your father’s first full name and add “ovich” or “evich” to it if you are a man, and “ovna” or “evna” if you are a woman.