Russian Names

The once super-popular Karen has gotten a bad name of late. Is Karine different enough to survive? Perhaps, though it may take a generation or two for a real comeback.

Arkadina was thrust into the limelight as one of the (many) middle names of Uma Thurman and Arpad Busson's little girl. The Slavic or Russian feminine form of Arkady, which is derived from the ancient Greek name Arkadios, is the equivalent of the English Arcadia -- a heavenly place. For most English speakers, the Arcadia form would be more compatible.