Fyodor

Fyodor is a masculine given name of Russian origin. It is the Russian form of Theodore, which derives from the Greek Theodoros, meaning “gift of God.” The name is commonly transliterated as Fyodor or Fedor; diminutives include Fedya and other affectionate forms. In Ukrainian and some other Slavic languages, the equivalent form is Fedir.

Usage and culture: Fyodor has been widely used in Russia and other Slavic-speaking regions for centuries. It appears across literature, history, and modern society. In Russian, patronymics are formed from Fyodor, such as Fyodorovich, to denote “son of Fyodor.”

Notable bearers: The name is associated with several prominent figures. Fyodor Dostoevsky (1821–1881) is one of the most celebrated Russian novelists, known for works such as Crime and Punishment and The Brothers Karamazov. Fyodor Tyutchev (1803–1873) was a noted poet and diplomat. Fyodor Bondarchuk (born 1967) is a contemporary Russian film director, actor, and producer. In literature, Fyodor Pavlovich Karamazov is the fictional father in Dostoevsky’s The Brothers Karamazov, illustrating the name’s longstanding presence in Russian fiction.

See also: Theodor, Theodore (related given names in other languages).