Ukrainian and Russian names are much alike. Rarely the only difference is the pronunciation of the names. Russian language is a very rich in different forms of personal names : one and the same name can have up to 20 forms.

    This often courses misunderstanding or confusion among foreign men. They can receive letters from Lena, Aliena, Elena and think that there are several girls but, in fact, it can be only one lady. Choosing different forms of a name you can express all kinds of emotions.

The full form is used in official papers, in formal relationships and with unfamiliar people. If you write the first letter to a young girl, you may use a shortened form from the very beginning, but if you are addressing to an aged woman it would be more polite to use the full form.

Shortened forms are neutral and used in relationships with friends. If you use the full form addressing a friend, it sounds rather formal and may convey a shade of dissatisfaction or anger or irony (and may not). Use shortened forms after you get acquainted with your ladies.

Forms of affection. These forms convey real care and affection. Your ladies will be excited to hear such a name from you. You may use this form to add warmth to your relationships.

Here are the most frequently used names.