All about the name

Zhivago

Male

« Zhivago is a unique Russian given name meaning 'life', popularized by Boris Pasternak's 1957 novel "Doctor Zhivago". »

#43732 since 1900

Meaning, origin, history

Zhivago is a unique and distinctive given name of Russian origin. Its meaning is derived from the Russian word "zhizn", which translates to "life". The name Zhivago was popularized by Boris Pasternak's novel "Doctor Zhivago", published in 1957. The novel tells the story of Yury Andreyevich Zhivago, a Russian physician and poet who experiences the turmoil of the Russian Revolution. Despite its controversial reception in Soviet Russia, the book gained international recognition and was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1958. The name Zhivago has since been associated with the novel's protagonist, although it is important to note that Pasternak himself did not invent the name. Before the publication of "Doctor Zhivago", Zhivago was a relatively uncommon given name in Russia. However, following the novel's success and its subsequent adaptation into a film by David Lean in 1965, the name gained popularity among Russian parents. Today, Zhivago is still considered an uncommon but meaningful name, carrying the connotation of life and resilience in the face of adversity. In conclusion, Zhivago is a unique given name with roots in Russian literature. Its meaning, "life", reflects its connection to Pasternak's celebrated novel, Doctor Zhivago. Despite its relatively limited popularity outside of Russia, Zhivago remains an intriguing choice for parents seeking a distinctive and meaningful name for their child.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Zhivago since 1880

Total births
5
Total since 1880
Peak year
1980
5 births
in 1980
5
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
0%
vs previous 5 years