You probably know several Russian or Ukrainian brides named Anastasia since it is one of the most popular names given to females of the former Soviet Union. Like the Greek male name Anastasius, it means “resurrection” and was the name of several early saints. One of the most famous was Anastasia of Sirmium, a 4th century Christian saint who was martyred during the persecutions of the Roman emperor Diocletian.

Another popular Anastasia was the youngest daughter of Tsar Nicholas II of Russia. Legends about her mysterious survival from her family’s massacre have circulated for years and many Russian women have claimed to be the Grand Duchess. It wasn’t until 2008 that Russian scientists finally confirmed that the 17-year-old Tsarina was indeed executed alongside her family in 1918 by the Bolshevik secret police.

A long list of Russian actresses, athletes, and singers share this name, including Billiards Champion Anastasia Luppova, Dart Champion Anastasia Dobromyslova, and Ukrainian singer Anastasia Kamenskikh. Some ladies prefer the nickname Nastya.