A name is an integral attribute of a person that is inherent in every civilization, regardless of its level of development. With it, you can often identify a person, as well as learn nationality and faith. But, of course, this can not always be done.
It is rather the influence of fashion and personal preferences of parents. This article will introduce some Latvian names. Their roots go back to antiquity, in fact, like all Latvian culture.
Name Categories
All names can be divided into the following groups:
- by gender they distinguish between male or female;
- according to the geography of a person’s residence, he can be called an indigenous Latvian name or a foreign name that came from other peoples;
- by belonging to a particular religion, pagan names are distinguished from Christian ones.
However, if we turn to history, then the last two groups are united, because initially the Latvian names are mostly pagan, while many foreign ones are Christian. This can be explained by the fact that Christianity came to the lands of Latvia only in the 12th century. After that, many parents continued to name their children with pagan names or even invented names for their children on their own.
Male names
Often, Latvian names in men can be identified by the end of -c (-s). This ending is common to all groups of names. It may seem that the Latvian boys were called too eloquently. Therefore, it is necessary to begin to understand the meanings of a particular name. Latvians sincerely believe that the name has an important role in shaping the character of a person. If the parents wanted their child to be diligent and zealous, they called him Centis. In devout families, boys were often called Laimonis, which means "blessed."
Why are children called by one name or another?
It is quite popular in Latvia to call boys names related to the environment. For example, Dzintars (amber) or Druvis (Niva).
Today you can hear the names that in the old days called the great military leaders who fought in the Crusades. The most common of these names are Viestrus and Talivaldis.
Basically, all foreign names came to the Latvian language with the development of Christianity. Indigenous Latvians mainly profess Catholicism and Lutheranism, so Christian names came to these lands from Germans, Swedes and Poles. Sometimes these names are consonant with the Russians. For example, the Hebrew name John in Latvia sounds like Janis, and we have Ivan, which means “Divine Grace”. The name Peteris (meaning “rock”) came to Latvia from Ancient Greece. Paulus is an analogue of the Latin name Paul. In the Russian version, this name sounds similar.
The Latvian name Aivars means “warrior”. This name came to the Latvian lands from Ancient Scandinavia. From England came the name Edgars (rich warrior), from Germany - Uldis (powerful).
Some Latvian male names differ from Russian only in pronunciation. For example, in the Russian language there is a rule to abbreviate names, while in Latvian the names are transformed into an affectionate form and from this they become much longer than the original ones.
Female names
Many indigenous female names came from ancient pagan mythology. For example, the popular names of Lyme (patroness of happiness) and Lauma (wizard). Latvian names, especially for women, often describe only the positive, bright qualities of its owner. For example, Maiga is affectionate, Ilga is beloved, Mirzda is brilliant.
Many Latvian names, female and male, owe Christianity. Especially popular in Latvia are such options as Anna (favor), Kristina (Christian), Maria (mistress), Inese (pure).
At the beginning of the 20th century, female names from Lithuania and Scandinavia came into the Latvian language. Inguna, Daina, Biruta - these Latvian names are quite rare. Not so often, but still there are names that are derived from masculine. Basically use a diminutive or affectionate form. For example, Melita turns into Melitina.
Any girl can choose a name, because in the Lutheran church there are no canons. Often, parents independently redo the names, including all their imagination.
It is especially popular among Latvians to call girls Anites. But this name is not as harmless as it may seem. Parents need to study its meaning in advance.
Popular name Anita
You can not be called cute Anita, because her distinguishing features are unimaginable irritability, perseverance, and also excessive nervousness. Girls with this name from childhood do not recognize authorities. They like to defend their opinions and views to the end; at school they often argue with teachers and object to adults. Such a girl has tremendous willpower, an analytical mindset, and also an excellent memory. In addition, Anita has an incomparable flair. The girl is extremely temperamental, and in life she is very independent and difficult to influence. She always puts up resistance to anyone who wants to convince her or teach her something, and Anita will not listen to advice, although sometimes these same tips are irreplaceable and necessary. Having studied the description in detail, we can conclude that this name is more a curse than a blessing. But for some reason, Latvians increasingly give the name Anita to their newborn babies.
