Ihor is the Ukrainian form of the name Igor, which itself derives from the Old Norse name Yngvarr (see Ingvar). The name was brought to Eastern Europe by Varangian traders and warriors in the 9th century, and it became established among the early East Slavic nobility. The meaning of Yngvarr is often interpreted as 'warrior under the protection of the god Yngvi' (the Norse god of fertility and peace) or 'protector of the gods'. Etymology and History The name Ihor traces back to the Old Norse Yngvarr, composed of the element Yngvi (the name of a Germanic god) and -arr (short for heri 'army' or var 'protector'). In Ukrainian, the name is rendered as Ігор, with the variant spelling Ihor being the Latin-alphabet standard. Related forms include Ihar in Belarusian and Igors in Latvian, while the original Norse form is Ingvar and Yngvar. Historical Bearers The most prominent historical figure bearing this name is Igor I of Kiev (also known as Ihor in Ukrainian historiography), a grand prince of Kyiv who reigned from 913 to 945. He was the son of the semi-legendary Rurik and husband of Saint Olga. His reign is recorded in the Primary Chronicle, which describes his military campaigns against the Byzantine Empire and his death at the hands of the Drevlians. Another ruler, Igor II of Kiev, served briefly as Grand Prince in 1146. The name's association with early Eastern Slavic sovereigns solidified its use among the nobility. Cultural Significance After the Christianization of Kyivan Rus', the name Ihor remained popular due to its historical prestige. It has never been as common in Ukraine as its Russian counterpart Igor, but it maintains steady usage. Notable modern bearers in arts include Ukrainian composer Ihor Stravinsky (though better known by the Russian version of his name), and Ukrainian footballers such as Ihor Akinfeev. Notable Bearers Ihor Orestovich Khmelnytsky (18th-century Ukrainian Cossack leader) Ihor Skrypnyk (Ukrainian footballer) Iohor Shymkiv (Ukrainian footballer) Related Names Besides the names already mentioned, cognates in other languages include Norwegian Ingar and Slovenian Igor. The root name Yngvi itself is also used as a given name in Iceland and Norway. Distribution Ihor is most commonly used in Ukraine. The English Wikipedia list of people named Igor gives an impression of the name's wide international currency, though the specific Ukrainian form is less frequently encountered outside Slavic countries. For example, Ihor Verkhola, a Ukrainian weightlifter, and Ihor Podolichuk, a Ukrainian footballer, are recent bearers. Meaning: 'warrior protected by the god Yngvi' or 'protector of the gods' Origin: Old Norse, via Varangians in Eastern Europe Type: First name (masculine) Usage regions: Ukraine (and parts of the Ukrainian diaspora)