The Proper Spelling of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's Surname: Zelensky or Zelenskyy?

One of the most confounding aspects of the Ukrainian crisis has been the varying spellings of President Volodymyr Zelensky's surname. Media outlets have presented it as Zelenskyy, Zelenskiy, and Zelensky. So, which is correct? And why does it matter?

The Problem of Transliteration

The issue lies in the fact that Ukrainian, like other Slavic languages, uses a Cyrillic alphabet, which is not directly translatable into Latin script. There is no single standard for transliteration, and the preferred methods change roughly every decade. The challenge is to represent sounds that do not exist in Latin in a way that is both recognizable and accurate.

Correct Pronunciation

Hard k: The k sound is relatively straightforward. Terse y: The yi ending represents a slightly more complex sound. Think of the u in “buy” but more toward the back of the mouth. Short i: The i represents a short ee sound, as in “grin,” but deeper in the mouth.

The Ukrainian Standards

As a result of these sound complexities, different standards have emerged for transliterating Ukrainian names into Latin. Зеленський (Zelenskyi) would be the most accurate as it includes a soft s sound, indicated by the ’ mark.

However, in Western media, the spelling Zelenskyy is preferred. This spelling avoids the use of the soft sign (’), making it easier to pronounce and recognize for English-speaking audiences. Another commonly used form is Zelensky, which is simpler and widely accepted in English-language media.

Official Spelling and Usage

According to the current Ukrainian standards for transliteration, the name can be written as Zelenskyi or Zelenskyy. These spellings incorporate the soft s sound and provide clarity to readers unfamiliar with Ukrainian orthography.

Other Languages and Names

Ukrainian names can be similarly challenging to transliterate accurately. Names like Kandinsky, Blavatsky, and Ostrovsky all adhere to similar Romanian endings, emphasizing consistency in spelling. In Western languages, we typically aim for the most phonetically correct representation, which may involve adding or removing letters to make the name more pronounceable.

The Influence of Soviet Era

Ukrainian identity has been shaped over centuries, particularly during the Soviet Union era. During this time, many ethnic Ukrainians had Russian surnames for official documents, but they retained their Ukrainian identity. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, there was a wave of name changes in Ukraine, especially for those who were previously recorded as Russian.

Thus, the name Zelensky can be understood as the older, more traditional Russian transliteration, while Zelenskyy represents the contemporary Ukrainian spelling. Understanding these nuances helps us appreciate the complexity of transliteration and the emotional and political weight behind names.

Conclusion

In the digital age, the proper spelling of a name is not just a matter of accuracy but also a way to honor cultural identity and avoid misrepresentation. For a leader like Zelensky, whose story and leadership have captured global attention, getting the spelling right is a small but significant act of respect. Whether you spell his name as Zelenskyy or Zelensky, the recognition and appreciation for his role in Ukrainian history and the current geopolitical landscape are enduring.