For several centuries now, Orthodox names have been given to girls in order to be protected by higher powers, to help them cope with all the misfortunes that they will meet on their way. In addition, they also play a huge role in the formation of Russian culture and its subsequent development.
Old Russian traditions and their modern changes
According to Russian traditions, Orthodox girls were given names in accordance with the month of birth. There is a Christian church calendar, which indicates the days of the birth of all holy people, various significant dates and other interesting data. For example, the Orthodox names of girls in August (Maria, Anna) will correspond to saints or ordinary women who did something this month or some events happened in their lives that left their mark on the fate of those around them. This tradition has survived to this day, but it has endured some changes.
Firstly, despite the fact that most of the names that are commonly called calendar came to Russian culture from Greek, Latin or Hebrew. However, the list is not limited to this today. Recently, other non-canonical Slavic names have been widely used. They are usually of German or Scandinavian descent. Usually these names were canonized by Russian churches, and they were carried by religious figures. But many of them remained outside the canon.
Secondly, most names today have undergone some changes regarding sound. This is not due at all to church or human whims, but directly to changes within the language. For example, if before the child was called John, then in the present he will be Ivan, or in the past John today is simply Anna.
Girl's name and mysterious baptismal ritual
It should be said separately about the mysterious Christian ritual. It is believed that when girls are given Orthodox names during baptism, they cannot be told to anyone. They must be kept secret. It is believed that if someone outsider finds out what name the girl was baptized, this could negatively affect her fate. It can be jinxed or damaged. That is why virtually all people in Russia who adhere to the Christian faith have two names - the first is recorded in the birth certificate, the second is given at baptism.
Names and social status
Culture and old traditions were in every country, and Orthodox are no exception. The names of the girls were chosen in accordance not only with the wishes of the parents, but also focused on social status. That is, if the baby was born in an ordinary family of commoners, then she could not be called like an aristocrat. Today, the approach to this issue is more democratic, and you can choose absolutely any name.
Name as a Mascot
Since ancient times, all parishioners of the church believed that in life they should have their own amulet or talisman. Only their responsibilities in Christianity were dealt with by Russian Orthodox names. The girls were called so that they found a good man for themselves, could find the strength in themselves to support him, and at the same time always keep the house clean. For the boys, they were completely different - those who would help them cope with all the misfortunes and ailments. Unfortunately, in modern times, few believe that the name can be protected in any way, but if these rules have been supported for centuries, then they have a certain meaning.