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ArchivesRe: Is Lenja a Russian nickname for Elena, Helena?
in reply to a message by Perrine
Interesting topic!
I'd like to add that Lénia is sometimes used in Portuguese, not as a variation of Lena (which isn't used as a full name) or as a nickname for Helena, but rather inspired by Russian-sounding names that were popular in Portugal in the 70s and 80s: Cátia, Tânia, Sónia, Nádia, Ânia, etc.
Other similar "made up" names used in Portugal include Dânia and Vânia (Vanya) as a feminine name.
So I support your theory that, in both languages, Lénia / Lenya was invented as a name as a "natural" alternative to other similar-sounding popular names.
I'd like to add that Lénia is sometimes used in Portuguese, not as a variation of Lena (which isn't used as a full name) or as a nickname for Helena, but rather inspired by Russian-sounding names that were popular in Portugal in the 70s and 80s: Cátia, Tânia, Sónia, Nádia, Ânia, etc.
Other similar "made up" names used in Portugal include Dânia and Vânia (Vanya) as a feminine name.
So I support your theory that, in both languages, Lénia / Lenya was invented as a name as a "natural" alternative to other similar-sounding popular names.
This message was edited 1/14/2023, 8:45 AM
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