I thought a good place to start my blog was with myself, specifically with my name as “Areta” is an antiquated Ukrainian name, especially in Ukraine. The name “Areta” comes from the ancient Greek word “areté” (Greek: ἀρετή), which means virtue.
Possibly one of the first Aretas to live in what is today Ukraine was a Greek woman who lived in the Greek settlement of Olbia near the Black Sea in the second century AD. In Olbia there is an ancient grave of a Greek couple Evrisivios and Areta – two famous residents of Olbia.
I assume the name “Areta” became a traditional Ukrainian name through the church calendar, from the Martyr Arethas of Omir who is commemorated on November 6.
The name is found in this list of ancient Ukrainian names:
АРЕТА — 6 листопада — (гр.) ЧЕСНОТА; Аретка, Аруня, Рута.
Although “Areta” has survived to this day, in Ukraine it is very rare. Most Ukrainians have never heard it before and are surprised when I tell them that it is in fact a Ukrainian name. The name is more common in the American Ukrainian diaspora.
I think having an archaic name suits me as I have grown to love all things archaic (well, everything except for old-fashioned views).
Hi Areta,
I LOVE your blog site, especially the old postcards of Przemysl and the ghost signs of Lviv. My maternal family branch is from Dynow, and paternal branch from Kamianka Buskya (formerly Kamionka Strumilowa). I’ve travelled to Poland and Ukraine since 2013. I am a painter and created a series of paintings, “Faces of Dynow” based on my family and current townspeople.
Keep up the great work!
Regards,
Nina
Hi Nina,
Thank you for your comment. I too have ancestors from Kamianka Buska. In case you haven’t seen it, here is a post about them: http://forgottengalicia.com/evolution-of-metrical-records-in-galicia-1760-1830/
Is your artwork available online for viewing? Sounds like an interesting project,
Areta
Hi Areta, I just randomly found your incredible blog! It overlaps so much with my interests and background that I’d love to buy you a coffee and chat! Are you still in Lviv? Keep on doing what you’re doing, it’s great!
Hi Ksenia, Thank you! Yes, I am still in Lviv. Email me at forgottengalicia@gmail.com or look me up on Facebook (Areta Kovalska) 🙂