The name Igor is of Russian origin and has a rich history and meaning. It is derived from the Old Norse name Yngvi, which means "archer". The name Igor was popularized by the Russian ruler Igor I, who reigned in the late 10th century.
Igor comes from the Old East Slavic given name Ігоръ (Igor), which is believed to have been derived from the Turkic element "yïgïr", meaning "archer" or "strong". It was a popular name among the Rurik Dynasty, with several rulers and princes named Igor.
The name Igor has also appeared in literature and folklore. In Russian folklore, Igor was the name of a legendary knight who fought against dragons and other evil creatures. Additionally, the name is featured in several works of literature, such as the epic poem "The Song of Igor's Campaign" by an unknown author from the 12th century.
Today, Igor remains a popular given name in Russia and other Eastern European countries. It has also gained popularity in other parts of the world, particularly among Slavic communities abroad. Despite its historical significance and unique meaning, Igor is not limited to one specific culture or region and can be found in diverse societies around the globe.
The name Igor experienced significant popularity from the late 1950s onwards, with a notable surge beginning in the mid-1990s and peaking around the turn of the century (2000-2004) with over 25 births per year. However, it has since seen a decline, with fewer than 20 births annually since 2007.