Changing Your Name in Russia: A Detailed Guide for Non-Citizens and Citizens Alike
Changing Your Name in Russia: A Detailed Guide for Non-Citizens and Citizens Alike
Many newcomers to Russia, particularly those preparing for a language preparatory course or planning to live there, are curious about the possibility of changing their names legally. This article explores the various aspects of name changes in Russia, including patronymics, legal requirements, and the process for non-citizens and citizens alike.
Introduction to Russian Naming Customs
Russian names are traditionally structured into three parts: the given name (first name), the patronymic, and the family name (last name). These names follow specific naming conventions influenced by Russian culture and tradition.
The Given Name (Promenye)
The given name is often based on an Orthodox saint or other religious significance. For instance, John (Иван, Ivan) might be given to a child to honor St. John the Baptist, and Mary (Мария, Maria) might be for a girl named after the Virgin Mary. Names such as Bernard (Борис, Boris) and Elias (Елий, Ilya) are also common.
The Patronymic (Patronymic)
Patronymics are derived from the father's given name and include suffixes like -ович, -ов, -евич, and -ев. The choice of suffix depends on the father's given name. Here are some examples:
Example: If the father's name is Ivan, the son would be Ivanovitch, and the daughter would be Ivanovna. If the father's name is Aleksey, the son would be Alekseyevich, and the daughter would be Alekseyevna. For a daughter named Ilya, the patronymic would be Ilichna.
These patronymics are instrumental in forming a complete name and are commonplace in Russian culture, similar to surnames in other cultures.
The Family Name (Skotynye)
Russian family names often end with -ов (for males), -ев (for males), -ин (for males), -ой (for females), -ский (for males), -ова (for females), -ева (for females), and -ина (for females). The name Kuznetsov (Кузнецов) is a typical Russian family name, meaning 'blacksmith', and is equivalent to Smith in English-speaking cultures.
Legal Requirements to Change Your Name in Russia
Non-citizens and citizens of Russia, upon reaching the age of majority (typically 18 years old), have the right to change their names under certain conditions. However, there are specific rules and requirements to consider:
Legal Name Change Process for Non-Citizens
Non-citizens can change their names if they decide to apply for Russian citizenship. Before making the decision, it's important to understand the following:
No Restrictions on Future Exit: There are no legal restrictions or consequences that prevent you from leaving Russia if you change your name. Official Documents: You may need to update your personal documents, such as your passport and ID, to reflect the new name. Affirmation of Russian Ethnicity: If you want to become an ethnic Russian, you can include this information on your birth document, but it does not require official confirmation. Process of Changing a Name: Once you become a Russian citizen, you can change your first and last name several times a year without restrictions.Liberal Policies Regarding Names
According to Russian legislation, there are no strict restrictions on names. You are free to choose any name, patronymic, and surname you desire. Additionally, you can opt to not have any middle name if you wish. The Russian perspective on names is very liberal, and there is not a strict adherence to dictatorial rules.
Conclusion
Whether you are a non-citizen or a Russian citizen, changing your name in Russia is a straightforward process with a rich cultural context. Understanding the naming conventions and legal requirements will help you make informed decisions about your name change, ensuring a smooth transition and adaptation to Russian culture.
Russia is not a dictatorship. Ha-ha… remains a true statement, reflecting the country's flexibility in matters of personal identity.