History of Bulgarian surnames.
In Bulgarian culture, the concept of surname as a hereditary family name appeared quite recently. A person, in addition to his personal name, was named after his father, his nickname, or his grandfather, for example, Ivan Petrov, son of Pyotr Kolev, grandson of Kolyo Kirilov. Story formation Bulgarian surnames starts at late XIX century and is completely completed only in the middle of the last century.
Forms of formation of Bulgarian surnames.
Bulgarian surnames They are similar in spelling to Russians, only they have an unstable accent and can change it. IN dictionary of Bulgarian surnames the overwhelming majority of them end in -ov, -ev (Iskrov, Tashev, Vazov, Botev). Very few surnames were formed using the suffixes -ski, -chki, -shki. The origin of such Bulgarian surnames more ancient, and their interpretation associated with the names of villages and towns or the nicknames of the first owners - Kliment Ohridski (from Ohrid), Dimcho Lesicherski (from the village of Lesicharska), Noncho Plyaka (Noncho the Sage), Mara Papazulya (Mara Popadya). However, surnames with such endings are not typical for the Bulgarian language. List of Bulgarian surnames in alphabetical order proves the absolute advantage of endings -ov, -ev.
Meanings of Bulgarian surnames.
As a rule, Bulgarian hereditary names were formed from Christian and Bulgarian names - Ivanov, Pavlov, Davidov, Bogomilov, Isaev, Voinov. Meaning some Bulgarian surnames has, at first glance, a completely non-Christian meaning - Hadzhigeorgiev, Hadzhipopov. It seems that their roots must be sought in Islam, where “Hajj” means a pilgrimage to Mecca. In Bulgaria, for a long time being under the yoke of the Turkish yoke, this prefix was added to the surname of a person who visited Jerusalem or other Christian shrines. A small part of Bulgarian surnames retain the features of nicknames or indicate the person’s occupation - Sakadzhiev (water bearer), Mechkov (bear), Kovachev (blacksmith).
Now in Bulgaria, a child is given a surname from several options - father or mother, a new one based on the name of one of the grandfathers, and the surnames of the parents are combined. In the last century, women almost always switched to their husband's surname when they got married. They now prefer to hyphenate their spouse's last name to their maiden name. Declension of Bulgarian surnames in Russian should not cause difficulties. Masculine and feminine (with endings -ova, -eva) variants change by case according to the laws of Russian grammar.
Thanks to top Bulgarian surnames you can make sure which of them are in this moment are the most common and popular in Bulgaria.
The ancient slogan “Know thyself” can also be applied to a personal name. Our ancestors considered the name to be an important energetic factor in the fate of a person, who is able to control the fate of its owner. In ancient times, choosing a name was considered a ritual act that could provide a person with an additional source of strength. After all, almost every name has its own history, meaning and properties.
For example, in Bulgaria even now they take personal and family names. Thus, in Sofia, at the State Academy of Sciences, there is a unit that studies Bulgarian names. In this institution, everyone has the opportunity to receive a certificate, which will indicate historical data about his name and surname.
A little history
Bulgarians have many unique names that reflect their rich cultural heritage various peoples. The Thracians, Greeks, Romans, Slavs, Smolyans, Bulgars, Timochans and Strumians who lived on the Bulgarian lands left their mark on the history of the country. They shaped her ancient traditions and influenced the ethnic characteristics of the state. Today, the concept of “original Bulgarian names” implies a mixture of traditional Bulgarian and Slavic names for people.
Proto-Bulgarian names
Unfortunately, most of the Bulgarian names have sunk into oblivion because they were difficult to pronounce. In addition, mainly monarchs, princes, boyars and their descendants had the right to wear them. Their striking examples are the Bulgarian names that have survived to this day: Kotrag, Batbayan, Asen, Asparukh, Altsek, Valch, Vokil and Sandok. Some of the names that are still popular today, such as Jordan, Piyo and Shoal, probably originally hide a Bulgarian, Cumman or Pecan root. During the long Greek and Turkish protectorate, almost all ancient names disappeared from folk tradition of this state. And only in Lately some of them were literally restored. Another part of the Proto-Bulgarian names mixed with Slavic ones, and now it is quite difficult to determine their most likely origin.
Names of Slavic origin
System forming different names from one or more bases, is characteristic of all Slavic tribes. For example, in the names Darin, Darko, Darinka, Daria, a common root word is used - “gift”, which is actually the meaning for these names. And such Bulgarian male names of Slavic origin as Miroslav, Dobromir, Spasimir, Berislav, Berimir, Zhivoslav, Rodislav, have two bases. Their meaning is dedicated to protection and achieving the desired goal. In general, the number of names in the Bulgarian language containing the words “good”, “glory”, “peace” is quite large.
The meaning of Bulgarian names with a common Slavic element - Vladimir, Vladislav, Dragomir or their shortened forms Drago, Miro, Slavs - also shows the desire to achieve peace and glory. Names that are defensive in nature are no less common. It is believed that the names Strazhimir, Tihomir and Stanimir will protect their bearers from the evil forces.
Christian names
The adoption of Christianity in Bulgarian lands was reflected in the traditions and culture of the population. Orthodox faith also brought new Bulgarian names. A striking example Prince Boris appears to him, who, having converted to Christianity, became Michael at baptism. The names we call Christian generally correspond to three linguistic systems - Hebrew, Greek and Latin.
The Jewish system is represented mainly by biblical heroes from the Old Testament. These are names such as Mary, Joseph, Simeon, Abraham, David, Daniel and so on. The Greek system is represented by the names given in the calendar. For example: Anastasia, Ekaterina, Zoya, Mina, Peter, George, Nikolai, Alexander, Christo, Anastas, Gerasim. Thanks to the distribution Greek culture In Bulgaria, the names of such mythological characters as Galatea, Cassandra, Hercules, Dionysius also began to appear. Latin names in this country they are no less popular. Quite often you can find the options Victor, Victoria, Valentin, Valentina, Vera, Ignat.
Turkish influence
Despite centuries of slavery, Turkish personal names did not particularly take root among Bulgarians, probably due to differences in religion. They are found mainly among the population of Pomaki. Of these names, however, a small number have been found containing a Turkish root. But they were formed on Bulgarian soil from well-known Turkish words. These are: Demir, Demira, Demirka, Kurti, Sevda, Sultana, Sirma, Fatme, Ayse.
Political influence
During the national revival in Bulgaria, more and more names appear reflecting political, literary and other influences. For example, at the end of Turkish slavery, the personal name Venelin appeared, which is actually the surname of the Russian writer, historian Yuri Venelin. A little later, after liberation, the names Alexander and Vladimir became more popular because of the Russian Emperor Alexander II and his son Vladimir. And then October revolution such personal names as Lenin, Budyon, and later Stalin and Stalinka appeared.
Based on semantics, old names that are again becoming popular among young parents can be divided into two groups. They do not always have clear boundaries, but are divided into protective ones and those that include the best wishes of the parents for their child.
Male names
- Life and health: Zhivko, Zdravko.
- Well-being in the family: Bro, Baino, Vezenko, Tatun, Novko, Zabarin.
- Success in life: Parvan, Vidu, Velcho, Great, Sreten.
- Strength and courage: Warrior, Boyko, Strakhil, Silyan, Grudy.
- Positive characteristics: Veselin, Radi, Drago, Dobri, Iskren.
- Physical beauty: Mleden, Kudra, Khuden.
Female names
Popular Bulgarian female names, in addition to wishes for physical beauty, in themselves mean good and pleasant things:
- Beauty: Vida, Mila, Lepa.
- Flowers: Iglika, Nevena, Ruya, Temenuika, Rose, Tsvetanka, Albena.
- Herbs and trees: Billa, Detlina, Rositsa.
- Trees and fruits: Elitsa, Viburnum.
- Birds: Pauna, Slavia.
- Heavenly lights: Star, Denitsa, Desislava, Zornitsa, Zorka, Zorina, Zorana, Zoritsa.
Despite the growing interest in ancient names, according to sociological research, the following remain the most popular in Bulgaria: Ivan, Ivanka, Georgi, Georgana, Ayordan, Ayordanka, Bogdan, Bogdana, Anastas, Anastasia, Maria, Marin, Margarita, Alexandra, Elena , Daria, Todor, Dimitar, Vasil, Kaloyan, Ivelin, Stefan.
Bulgaria is a generous country. There's a lot here. Lots of sun and sea, smiles and Have a good mood, greens, fruits and vegetables.
What else turned out to be a lot were the names involved in Bulgarian passports. There are probably no such numbers in any other country, certainly not in Europe. Full review I won’t even try to make Bulgarian names. To do this, it seems, you need to graduate from the philological department of the university.
First of all, in Bulgaria there are all the famous Slavic names and various diminutive derivatives formed from them, which are also used as independent names. Ivan - Ivanka, Dimitar - Dimitrinka, Todor - Todorka, Stoyan - Stoyanka, Zdravko - Zdravka, Tsvetan - Tsvetanka, Milen - Milena, etc. and so on.
Bulgarian female names are full of variety: Shchilyanka, Zhivka, Siyana, Tsvetka, Khristinka, Ivanka, Petya (precisely Petya, in Bulgaria there is also female name Vanya), Petka, Penka, Yordanka, Mariyka (the name Maria is present in itself and is one of the most common). Belotsveta, Bisera, Berislava, Desislava, Bozhana, Chrysanta, Gisela, Jasmine, Rusana, Svetlena, Svetla, Zornitsa, Zaryana, Svetozar, Tsvetomir - an incredible number of beautiful and, most importantly, rare names. The Bulgarian princess's name is Kalina. In Russia, Lyubka is not the most respectful nickname, or even the nickname of a goat. And in Bulgaria it may be written in the passport of the owner of this name.
In male names in Bulgaria there are all conceivable Slavas (Zlatoslav, Miroslav, Radoslav, Vladislav, Svetoslav, Berislav, Borislav, Dezislav) as well as Miras (Radomir, Lyubomir, Zlatomir, Stanimir, Krasimir, Vladimir). Popular are Mitko, Mirko, Tudko, Venko, Nedko, Zhivko, Radko, Zlatko, Batko. And then there are such names as Galin, Lyudmil, Dobrin, Ognyan and Svetlin.
Turkish times left the names Demir and Demir in Bulgarian passports, but they are not so popular today, although some Muslim names present - Mehmed, Mustafa, Emine. Names left over from nomadic Turkic tribes, such as Asparukh and Krum, are practically no longer found.
Bulgaria is the country of Angels. There are about 50,000 men bearing this name. Surely, in no other country in the world are there so many Angels, and even with passports where this is written. Well, exactly, Bulgaria is a paradise country.
There are many Apostles in Bulgaria. And the most unusual thing male name, perhaps, Mister. When I first heard such a name, I thought that the man who introduced himself was joking.
In Bulgaria, as in neighboring Romania, there are many gypsies. Therefore, among the Bulgarians there are many people with gypsy names- Shukar, Evsenia, Gozho, Godyavir, Bakhtalo. Of the pan-European names, the first place in Bulgaria is firmly held by the names Alexander and Victoria. There are many names in Bulgaria “according to mood”: Veselin and Veselina, Radostin, Zdravka, Svetlina.
Even at the border, I noticed that the name in Bulgaria is much more important than the surname. Border guards identify people primarily by name and date of birth. Later, when buying a TV, only my name was also written down in the warranty card in the “buyer (purchaser)” column. Officially, Bulgarians also have a middle name, but in real life not used at all.
With so many names in Bulgaria, they have long been confused about who should celebrate their name day when, and they introduced a wonderful holiday - the Day of All Bulgarian Saints.
In January 2010, the Bulgarian National Institute of Statistics published the latest official data on the statistics of proper names in Bulgaria.
According to these data, the number of names is more than 67 thousand (29 thousand for men and 38 thousand for women). The most common male names in Bulgaria are George and Ivan. Almost 1,372,000 men in Bulgaria (38%) are bearers of these names. The Ivans celebrate their holiday Ivanovden on January 7th.
The variety of names among women is much greater. The most common name is Mary - more than 125 thousand women have this name, and if we take into account its derivative Mariyka (35 thousand women), then the leadership is obvious.
According to the institute, significant changes are currently taking place in the structure of Bulgarian names. Newborn boys today are most often called Georgies, and girls Victoria. IN last years There is a noticeable trend in Bulgaria to name girls double names. Today, Anne-Marie, Mary-Magdalena, and Marie-Antoinette are growing up in the country. The trend of double names has not yet spread to boys.
Source of statistics:
//www.omda.bg/engl/narod/BULG_IME_en.htm
In Bulgaria, it is almost impossible to have a situation where there are five Nastyas, three Lenas and two Andreys in one class. And all because Bulgarian names are incredibly diverse.
Call me quietly by name...
Gergana is not a name, Gergana is a title. The Bulgarians themselves are sometimes surprised why all Russian-speaking people have the same name. Indeed, in the Russian Federation, for example, there are much more surnames than given names. In Bulgaria everything is exactly the opposite. This, by the way, is one of the reasons why it is customary here to say first name first and then last name, both when introducing someone and in official papers or, say, in lists of students at school.
If the names suddenly coincide, then the surnames are used. For example, my son had two Graziels in his class. Their names were Graziela G. and Graziela S.
It would seem like a small thing, but you don’t get used to it right away. At first, it’s tempting to at least give your last name in official instances, but no, this is not at all accepted here. Addresses by first name and patronymic are also extremely rare. According to rumors, they tried to instill this form in the population in socialist Bulgaria, but nothing came of it. Now such an appeal is considered archaic and is not used.
Another surprise: here all names are treated neutrally. It is unlikely that someone’s name will cause surprise, much less heated discussions “what were the parents thinking when they named their child that?!”, which are quite traditional for Russian-speaking society.
What to name the child?
The most popular Bulgarian names in 2017 This question has always bothered young parents all over the world. And in Bulgaria, of course, too. There are many names listed on special websites (for example, http://stratsimir.exsisto.com). But it is absolutely not necessary to limit yourself to only them. The main thing is to choose a name that is not too common, individual, and at the same time, evoking associations with the name of the clan, family. This is how numerous Ivan Ivanovs, Vladimir Vladimirovs and Todor Todorovs appear. And not only. Because creativity is only encouraged, and you can come up with names yourself, composing them at your own discretion. And the priest at the christening will not object to strange name, absent from the Saints, and no one will look askance when preparing documents. And with the celebration of the name day, if anything, there will be no problems.
This is due, for example, to the tradition of naming children after their grandparents. There are two grandmothers, and one granddaughter - what to do? It’s very simple to combine two names into one. Moreover, from each name it is enough to take one letter, one syllable. And the tradition was respected, and the name turned out to be good.
But for those who are too lazy to come up with names, there is freedom. There are thousands of ready-made names - you just need to choose. Here and borrowed foreign options(Arseny, Petar), and their translations into Bulgarian (Khrabri, Kamen), and purely Slavic, with a completely understandable meaning (Radost, Bozhidar), and “flowery” (Iva, Temenuga). Used beautiful foreign names(Nicoletta, Ines). Let's add to this numerous diminutives that are quite suitable for the role of a full one. And borrowed foreign names. And composite ones (Dragomil, Miroslav). And let’s not forget that almost every male name has a female counterpart: Ivan - Ivanka, Krasimir - Krasimira.
Selection principles
Eat George, save the sheep. To make the meaning of the call clearer, we recommend reading our article about Gergjovden. Of course, some traditions are already outdated, but others are still relevant.
Initially the name was chosen:
- By the name of the godfather;
- By the name of relatives;
- By the name of the saint.
Also, children at all times were named after some bright personalities, remembered for good deeds (well, or heroes of TV series, at some time – these are the heroes). Those born on holidays are still named according to this holiday. For example, he was born in, which is why he was given that name.
If twins were born, it was recommended that they be given similar names(at least starting with one letter - completely unconventional for Russia, where confusion would immediately begin due to the habit of abbreviating the name). If children often died in a family or only boys (or only girls) were born, then the name was chosen especially carefully. For example, a joyful father named his next daughter a female variation of his name, so that the long-awaited son would finally be born. Things were even more interesting in families where children were constantly dying, and special rituals were required to keep the baby in this world. The baby was left on the road, and the first one who discovered him became the godfather, i.e. gave the child a name. Either your own, or corresponding to the situation (Naiden, Goran - from the mountain, i.e. forest), or with a clear and obvious wish (Zdravko, Zhivko).
But it is not customary to name children after the dead - it is believed that along with the name the child will receive the fate of the one who left this world too early.
(When writing the article, we used materials from the Bulgarian Language Self-Teacher with linguocultural comments by I.A. Sedakova. By the way, we will definitely write about this book - it is very interesting and useful).
