Ljubov

Ljubov is a Slavic given name and also a word meaning love in several Slavic languages, commonly transliterated as Lyubov, Lubov, or Ljubov. It is used primarily as a female given name in Russia and other East Slavic regions, though related forms appear in broader Slavic-speaking areas.

Etymology and meaning: The name derives from the Slavic root ljub- meaning "love" or "dear." In Russian, the feminine given name Любо́вь (Lyubov) has a long-standing tradition and is often shortened to diminutives such as Lyuba. The same root appears in the common noun for love across Slavic languages, reflecting a shared linguistic heritage.

Usage and transliteration: In Cyrillic, the name is Любо́вь; in Latin-script renderings it appears as Lyubov, Lubov, or Ljubov, with regional preferences shaping the spelling. Variants and diminutives are common, and the name has been used in literature and diaspora communities beyond its East Slavic heartlands.

Notable people: The name has been borne by several public figures, including Lyubov Orlova (1902–1975), a prominent Soviet actress and singer known for her film work, and Lyubov Popova (1889–1924), a Russian avant-garde painter and designer associated with Constructivism.

See also: In Serbo-Croatian languages, the standard word for love is ljubev or ljubav, illustrating the shared Slavic root. While Ljubov as a given name is most closely tied to Russian usage, its variants reflect broader Slavic linguistic connections to the concept of love.