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[Facts] Re: Is Lenja a Russian nickname for Elena, Helena?
Interesting topic! I'd like to add that Lénia is sometimes used in Portuguese, not as a variation of Lena (which isn't used as a full name) or as a nickname for Helena, but rather inspired by Russian-sounding names that were popular in Portugal in the 70s and 80s: Cátia, Tânia, Sónia, Nádia, Ânia, etc. Other similar "made up" names used in Portugal include Dânia and Vânia (Vanya) as a feminine name.So I support your theory that, in both languages, Lénia / Lenya was invented as a name as a "natural" alternative to other similar-sounding popular names.

This message was edited 1/14/2023, 8:45 AM

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Thank you, that's so interesting!
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