“Is it Natasha or Natalya?”

I get this question so frequently, I decided to officially address it here.

In the Russian language, Natalya and and Natasha are the same name. Natalya is the formal, full name, while Natasha is the diminutive, less formal variation. Think of it like Katherine vs. Kate or Richard vs. Rick.

My legal name is Natalya. In person, I usually go by Natasha.
You are welcome to address me by either name, both are correct.