About the name Lyudmila
Etymology & meaning
Lyudmila is a Slavic compound of "lyud" (people) and "mil" (dear) — "dear to the people". The masculine is Lyudmil; the pet form is Lyusi.
History & patron saint
Saint Ludmila of Bohemia (9th–10th century) is the first Slavic female saint — a princess baptised by Methodius's disciples who raised her grandson Saint Wenceslas; her memory is kept on 16 September.
Traditions & customs
The feast comes in early autumn — guests, grapes and wine on the table. Greetings play on the meaning: "be dear to people, and may they be dear to you".
Popularity & notable bearers
Lyudmila is characteristic of the mid-20th century; rarer among today's newborns, it remains widely recognisable.