Olga

The paper is a continuation of series of the author’s publications on the semantic halo of female names in Russian poetry. The following papers have already been published: “Temira”, “Plenira”, “Praskovia”, “Polina”, “Praskovia-Parasha”, “Lydia”, “Laura”. This paper is dedicated to the name Olga. The semantic halo of this name is composed of two main components: firstly, the features of real-life women who left their mark in Russian history (first of all, Princess Olga, also members of the Romanovs’ House, writers Olga Bergolts, Olga Forsh and others), and, secondly, the literary characters who had that name (first of all, Pushkin’s Olenka). The detailed analysis of the extensive poetic material allows us to specify two main moods of the name associated with its two different forms: first, high, solemn, even with notes of tragedy - mainly when the form “Olga” is used; second, more domestic, but also lighter, closer to the comic - when the diminutive forms “Olenka” and “Olechka” are used. In general, both of these components make the name semantic halo of the name practically boundless. The name is universal, suitable for use in all contexts. The two components of the semantic halo exist in constant interaction. This explains its popularity - both in poetry and in reality. As a result, the name remains in demand, both in literature and in everyday life.