Lesia

Lesia is a feminine given name used primarily in Ukraine and among Ukrainian-speaking communities. In Ukrainian, Lesia (Леся) is commonly a diminutive form of Larysa (Лариса) but it has also become a given name in its own right. The name is widely associated with Slavic naming traditions and appears in literature, media, and contemporary usage.

Origin and usage: The form Lesia is popular in Ukraine and often signals cultural affiliation or heritage. It is sometimes transliterated as Lesja in Polish or Lesya in English-language contexts. The pronunciation is roughly LEH-sya, with the emphasis on the first syllable.

Notable people: Lesia Ukrainka, the pen name of Larysa Petrivna Kosach-Kvitka (1871–1913), is a central figure in Ukrainian literature and a leader of the Ukrainian national revival. She produced poetry, plays, and essays that explored identity, freedom, and social justice. Her best-known work, Lisova pisnya (Forest Song), blends myth with social commentary and is widely regarded as a cornerstone of Ukrainian literature. Through her writings and activism, Ukrainka promoted cultural and national self-determination during a period of political constraint.

In modern times, the given name Lesia remains common in Ukraine and among the Ukrainian diaspora, appearing across various fields including literature, arts, and sports. The name continues to be used in popular culture and by families seeking a culturally resonant Ukrainian name.