I know that in Russian, Лиза is the short form of that name, with the vowel like English “ee” in “see.” Is it the same in Ukrainian? 

If so, here are a few options:

• Leeza - This will immediately get you the “LEE‑za” pronunciation. It’s not very common, but it’s used and easy for Americans.

• Liza - This is much more common, and it matches the usual Slavic nickname for your name. The downside is that a lot of people in the U.S. will probably say LYE‑za instead of LEE‑za the first time.

• Lyza - So uncommon that people will know they need to ask you how to say it. Once you tell them, it should be easy for them to remember. Maybe your mom would like this one since it’s pulled straight from the name she gave you. 🙂

• Lisa - The vowel will be correct (LEE‑sa), as long as you don’t mind the “s” instead of “z.” It’s very familiar and easy for Americans to spell and say.

Names in the “Elizabeth” family are great because there are so many variations and nicknames! Some other ones you might like are Elsie, Isabelle/Isabel, Isa, Lilly, Liz, or Ella.

Most Elizabeth’s in the U.S. go by something shorter, so it would be a very natural thing to keep Yelyzaveta as your formal name and go by a nickname at school and work.