Arkadij

Arkadij is a masculine given name used in Slavic-speaking communities. It is a Slavic form of the Greek and Latin name Arcadius (Arcadius, Arkadius), which itself derives from Arcadia, a region in ancient Greece. The name is generally understood to mean “Arcadian” or “from Arcadia.”

In usage, Arkadij is most commonly found in Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus, with the standard Russian spelling Arkadiy (Аркадий) and related transliterations such as Arkady. In Ukrainian, the name appears as Arkadiy (Аркадій), and female forms such as Arkadiya exist in some languages. The spelling Arkadij reflects transliteration practices in various languages and can appear in diaspora communities outside the Slavic world.

Variants and cognates include Arkady (English), Arkadius (Latinized form), and Arcadius (Latin). The Polish equivalent is Arkadiusz, which differs from the Slavic forms that render Arkadius as Arkadiy or Arcadius in their own scripts. The name has long-standing usage in literature, religion, and public life within the regions where Slavic languages are spoken.

Notable bearers of the name appear across different periods in Slavic history and culture, including scientists, artists, and public figures, reflecting its traditional status in Slavic naming practices. The name remains in use today in various transliterations and cultural contexts.

See also: Arkady, Arcadius, Arcadios, Arcadia.