Ways to say it
| Ukrainian | Romanization (Wiktionary) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| ім'я́ | imʺjá | neuter |
| на́зва | názva | class, feminine, usually |
| найменува́ння | najmenuvánnja | neuter |
The word for "name" changes significantly based on whether you are discussing a person, an object or a formal entity. While ім'я́ refers to a person's name, you should use на́зва for the names of things, places or brands. In a technical or official context, such as naming a legal entity or a company, найменува́ння is the appropriate term. To ask someone for their name, instead of using the noun, it is most natural to use the phrase Як вас звати? (How are you called?).
Which one should you use?
ім'я́ is used specifically for the name of a person or a personified entity. на́зва is used for the name of a thing, a place, a book, a movie or a brand. найменува́ння is a more formal or technical term used for official designations, such as the name of a company or a legal entity.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
ім'я́ and найменува́ння are neuter nouns, while на́зва is a feminine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
imʺjá
Did you know?
- Ukrainian has a specific distinction where ім'я́ is used for the first name, but прізвище is used for the surname, meaning the English word 'name' is split into two distinct nouns.
- While ім'я́ is the noun for name, the process of naming a child in Ukrainian culture is historically linked to the 'naming day' or the feast day of the saint whose ім'я́ the child bears.
- When introducing yourself, Ukrainians often use the phrase Мене звати, which literally translates to 'Me they call'. This shifts the focus from the person owning the name to the community using it.
Example sentences for Ukrainian are not verified yet.
Example conversation
Maria and Andriy meet for the first time at a party.
- Марія MariiaПривіт! Яке твоє ім'я́?Pryvit! Yake tvoye im'ya?Hi! What is your name?
- Андрій AndriiПривіт, мене звати Андрій.Pryvit, mene zvaty Andriy.Hi, my name is Andriy.
- Марія MariiaДуже приємно, Андрію. Я Марія.Duzhe pryyemno, Andriyu. Ya Mariia.Nice to meet you, Andriy. I am Maria.
- Андрій AndriiМені також приємно, Маріє.Meni takozh pryyemno, Mariye.Nice to meet you too, Maria.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “name” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
