Historically, the territory now known as Ukraine has been referred to by various names, with Little Russia being a prominent term used from the 18th century onwards within the Russian Empire.
Historical Denominations of the Ukrainian Territory
Before the widespread adoption of the name "Ukraine" for the modern nation, and the term "Ukrainians" for its people, the land and its inhabitants were known by different names depending on the historical period, ruling empire, and self-identification.
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Little Russia (Malorossiya)
From the 18th century, the Russian Empire widely referred to the territory of Ukraine as Little Russia. This was a geographic term used to distinguish it from "Great Russia" (the core Russian lands). This nomenclature was prevalent during the period of Russian imperial rule over a significant portion of Ukrainian lands. -
Emergence of "Ukrainians"
A significant shift towards self-identification began in the 1830s. It was during this decade that figures like Mykola Kostomarov and his Brotherhood of Saints Cyril and Methodius in Kyiv started actively using the name Ukrainians to refer to the people. This marked a crucial step in the development of a distinct Ukrainian national identity, moving away from imposed external names.
Evolution of Naming
The evolution of names for the territory and its people reflects centuries of complex history, including periods of various foreign dominations, and the gradual development of a unique national consciousness. While "Little Russia" was an imperial designation for a period, the name "Ukraine" itself has ancient roots, appearing in historical documents much earlier to denote specific regions, often meaning "borderland." However, its broader application as the name for the entire nation and the self-designation of its people gained prominence much later, notably solidifying after the 1830s push mentioned above and throughout the 19th and 20th centuries.
Here's a simplified overview of key names and periods related to the territory now known as Ukraine:
| Period | Common Denomination (Context) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| From 18th Century | Little Russia (within the Russian Empire) | A geographic term used by the Russian Empire for the territory, particularly its southwestern parts. |
| From 1830s | Ukrainians (for the people, championed by national revival figures) | Emergence of self-identification and a distinct national consciousness, led by groups like the Brotherhood of Saints Cyril and Methodius. |
| Earlier Historical Periods | Various regional names (e.g., Ruthenia), Cossack Hetmanate, territories of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth | The name "Ukraine" appeared in various forms earlier as a regional term, but not universally for the entire future nation. |
For more detailed historical context, you can explore the history of Ukraine.
