Yuriy

Yuriy is a masculine given name used primarily in Ukraine and among Ukrainian-speaking communities. It is the Ukrainian form of Yuri, part of the Slavic naming tradition connected to the given name Georgiy or George. The name ultimately derives from the Greek Georgios, meaning “farmer” or “earthworker.” In English-language texts, Yuriy appears alongside variants such as Yuri, Yurii, and Jurij, reflecting different transliteration systems from Cyrillic.

The name is common in Ukraine and in other Slavic regions where Ukrainian or related languages are spoken. Variants and transliterations include Yuri (Russian and many international contexts) and Yurii (alternative Ukrainian spelling). Diminutives used in everyday speech include Yurko and Yura, while affectionate forms may vary by region. The name carries no fixed association with a particular profession or faith and is used across generations.

Notable bearers include Yuriy Dolgorukiy (1099–1157), a medieval prince associated with the early history of Moscow, often cited as its founder in traditional narratives. Another contemporary bearer is Yuriy Andrukhovych (born 1960), a Ukrainian writer and public figure known for his novels and poetry. The name Yuriy thus reflects a common Slavic form with historical roots and continued usage in Ukrainian culture, alongside its broader Cyrillic-derived counterparts.