Why Modern English Speakers Romanize Russian Names in a French-Infused Manner

The modern practice of romanizing Russian names with a French-infused approach by English speakers, particularly when dealing with surnames and some business names, is rooted in historical and linguistic contexts. This article delves into the reasons why names such as Smirnov, Afanasyev, and Ulyanov are sometimes written as Smirnoff, Afanasieff, and Ulianoff or Oulianoff.

The Historical Context of French Influence

For a century, French played a dominant role in Russian society and international diplomacy. During this period, the Russian Empire conducted much of its external correspondence and elite circles used French as a preferred language, making it a common medium for writing and pronunciation. This linguistic dominance led to a specific method of romanization that has persisted to this day.

Linguistic Reasoning: The French 'ff' Convention

A significant factor in this romanization style is the phonetics of the Russian language. The Russian letter 'в' (v) can often be devoiced at the end of a word, changing its pronunciation to an 'f' sound. This peculiarity in phonetics prompted a widespread practice of using the 'ff' variant in romanized forms of Russian names when following the French system of transliteration. For example, Russian surnames ending in 'ов' or 'ёв' might be transcribed as 'off' or 'ieff' rather than 'ov' or 'iev'.

The Influence on Brand Names and Family Traditions

This romanization by 'ff' became particularly prominent in branding and family names. Companies like Smirnoff and Davidoff remain with their 'ff' endings because they are brand names. Similarly, many aristocratic Russian families, including the former ruling dynasty Романов, have traditionally used the 'ff' system for their names. Such families often incorporate this romanization to establish a unique and recognizable identity.

Transition to International Standards

Following the October Revolution and the subsequent Soviet era, the USSR adopted more internationally standard approaches for romanization. However, the 'ff' system continued to be used in various official contexts, especially in international documents and identity papers. This practice lasted well into the early years of the Russian Federation, being officially abandoned in 1997.

Immigrant Communities and Insular Usage

Names with 'ff' endings are still most commonly found among the descendants of White Russian émigrés who fled Russia after the revolution. One testament to this can be seen in the Russian Orthodox cemetery at Ste.-Geneviève-des-Bois just outside Paris, where many gravestones display names in their 'ff' romanized forms.

Conclusion

The French-infused romanization of Russian names is a fascinating historical and linguistic phenomenon. It reflects the complex interplay between cultural, political, and linguistic factors that have shaped the way we write and pronounce Russian names in English today. Understanding this practice not only enriches our knowledge of the Russian language but also highlights the enduring influence of cultural heritage.

strongKeywords:/strong Russian names, romanization, phonetics, White Russian émigrés, French system