Ivanovna

Ivanovna is a feminine patronymic used in Slavic naming traditions, derived from the masculine given name Ivan (the Slavic form of John). In Russian usage, Ivanovna literally means “daughter of Ivan” and functions as a middle name that accompanies a person’s given name and surname. The corresponding masculine form is Ivanovich, used for sons.

Formation and variation: The patronymic is formed from the father’s name by adding a gender-appropriate suffix. In Russian, a daughter of Ivan becomes Ivanovna, while a son becomes Ivanovich. Other Slavic languages have analogous systems with different endings; for example, Ukrainian uses Ivanivna as the feminine form. The exact spelling and formation can vary by language and region, but the underlying concept remains the same: it identifies lineage through the father’s name.

Usage and social context: In Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, and other countries with patronymic traditions, the patronymic is used in formal contexts and is often included in official documents, school records, and formal address. People are typically addressed by their first name plus patronymic in formal settings (for example, Anna Ivanovna). In informal situations, the first name alone is common, and the patronymic may be omitted.

Notes: Ivanovna is not a standalone surname; it is a component of a full name that reflects parental lineage. The concept of a patronymic is a characteristic feature of Slavic naming practices and varies slightly in form across languages, but it consistently denotes a person’s paternal lineage.