Russian proper nouns related to the nomen <i>medved</i> and their transonymization

INTRODUCTION. The euphemism “medved” (bear) was widely used as a proper noun, ultimately forming a complex and multi-layered system. The aim of the study is to identify the levels and stages of transonymization of the proper nouns associated with the specified lexeme. MATERIALS AND METHODS. The material for the study consisted of names recorded in 16th-century documents, onomastic lists and dictionaries, and topographic maps. Sampling methods, structuralsemantic, etymological, and word-formation methods were applied. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION. The first level of the onym system associated with the nomen “medved” (bear) includes Old Russian personal names and nicknames such as “Medved”, while the second level includes various folk forms derived from these names (“Mashutka”, “Medvedok”). At the third level, these names and forms transition into surnames (“Medvedev”, “Medvedkov”). Surnames, in turn, form the basis for the formation of toponyms (“Medvedevo”, “Medvedkovo”). They should be distinguished from geographical names that reflect a connection with bears: directly (the presence of the animal in the area) or indirectly (indicating the remoteness or taboo nature of the place: “Medvezhy Klyuch”, “Medvezhy Yar”). There are also names associated with geographical metaphors, reflecting the resemblance of mountains, slopes, and cliffs to this animal. From such toponyms, names of other types were formed (the elevation “Medvezhya Gora” – the city “Medvezhyegorsk”). CONCLUSION. Establishing all stages of transonymization allows us to correctly etymologize proper names, revealing both direct and indirect connections with the lexeme lexeme “medved” (bear). Further research may involve theoretical understanding of the relationship between calendar and traditional Russian names, local geographical terminology, transonymization.