Chajka

Chajka (Cajka, Chaika, Чайка) is a Russian, Ukrainian, Belarusian, and sometimes Polish word that translates to "seagull" or "gull" in English. It is a common noun.

Beyond its literal meaning, "Chajka" has been adopted as a surname and a given name, primarily for females, in Slavic-speaking regions.

Historically, "Chajka" has also been used as a symbolic term evoking concepts such as freedom, resilience, and the spirit of coastal regions in Slavic folklore and literature. Its association with the sea contributes to these metaphorical meanings.

Furthermore, "Chaika" (transliterated from Cyrillic) has been used as a brand name, most notably for the Soviet-era ZIL Chaika automobile, a luxury vehicle produced for high-ranking officials. The name aimed to associate the car with elegance and speed, drawing on the imagery of the seagull.

The word's spelling may vary slightly depending on the transliteration system used, leading to variations such as "Cajka" or "Chaika." However, the pronunciation and meaning remain consistent across these variations.