Thread: Иннокентий

Is this a common name? It sounds very Russian; I can't think of a Western parallel.

Originally Posted by sperk

Is this a common name? It sounds very Russian; I can't think of a Western parallel.

It was very common a century ago. Now it is rather rare for men but is ofthen used for animals in its diminutive: "Кеша".

"From the Late Latin name Innocentius which was derived from innocens "innocent". This was the name of several early saints. It was also borne by 13 popes including Innocent III, a politically powerful ruler and organizer of the Fourth Crusade."

Originally Posted by sperk

Is this a common name? It sounds very Russian; I can't think of a Western parallel.

It's not at all common.
There was a great Russian actor Иннокентий Смоктуновский. But the name is really rare.

Hm, "very Russian"? I guess it has something to do with the word "innocent"...

Hi - I've just joined, so I am reviving an old topic here!

I read somewhere of 'Nika' being used as a diminutive of Innokentiy, but most references say that the diminutive is Kesha, or Kenya.
So, is Nika just another possible variant? Or does it have particular implications: affectionate. or condescending or whatever?

Thank you.

Originally Posted by perigrina

Hi - I've just joined, so I am reviving an old topic here!

I read somewhere of 'Nika' being used as a diminutive of Innokentiy, but most references say that the diminutive is Kesha, or Kenya.
So, is Nika just another possible variant? Or does it have particular implications: affectionate. or condescending or whatever?

Thank you.

I'm not 100% sure, but I think 'Nika' is mostly used as a diminutive of 'Nikita', however it used to be a diminutive of 'Nikolay' some time back.