Talk:Viktoriya Ivanovna Serebryakov/@comment-174.59.2.196-20170503230711/@comment-75.127.204.90-20170508151731

It's a Russian diminutive for her name. Simply put its her nickname.

From wikipedia:

Diminutive forms constitute a distinct body among various derivative forms. As opposed to full, formal names, their short forms are emotional. They demonstrate warm and tender attitude towards addressee, although some diminutive forms can bear slighting or pejorative emotions. Diminutive forms generally are used by close relatives and good friends. They are often used by parents addressing their children.

Diminutive and affectionate forms are derived by adding various diminutive suffixes (-ochk-, -echk-, -onyk-, -enyk-, -ushk-, -yushk-, -yush-, -yash-, -ul-, -ush-, -un-, -us-, -k-, -ik- &c.). Diminutive forms can be derived from both short and full names. For example: from Maria (full form) following diminutive forms can be derived: Diminutives derived with -k- suffix carry a pejorative tint, (Sashka, Grishka, Svetka etc.) This is related to a historical tradition to use semi-names to refer to oneself when speaking with a person of higher social status. However, among peers this form didn't have such a tint, indicating only simplicity in communication and close relation. Nonetheless, in modern Russian diminutives like Vasyka, Marinka, Alka are considered stylistically lowered.
 * Maria → Maryunya, Marunya, Marusya, Maryusha, Maryushka and Maryasha.
 * Masha (short from) → Mashka, Mashenyka, Mashulya.
 * Manya (another short form) → Manechka, Manyusya, Manyusha, Manyasha etc.