In Russia, Slava is a diminutive of Stanislav, Svyatoslav, Vladislav, and Yaroslav (although a more common diminutive of Stanislav is Stas, a more common diminutive of Vladislav is Vlad, and a more common diminutive of Yaroslav is Yarik).
It sounds nothing like "slave", maybe to a hick who slurs the ah sound. It's pronounced slah vah, accent on first syllable.
― Anonymous User 1/29/2011
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Slava Polunin (born June 12, 1950) is a Russian clown and performing artist. He's created a number of unique theatrical shows, including the award-winning "Slava's Snowshow," which has played internationally, including London, New York, and Broadway.