Etymology
According to the Max Vasmer's Etymological Dictionary, the name of the river has been transferred from the Western Dvina River. The toponym Dvina clearly cannot stem from a Uralic language, however, its origin is unclear. Possibly it is an Indo-European word which used to mean river or stream.
Western Dvina however is known originating from the Finnic name Vīna-Väinä, for passage-to-the-sea. This name is mentioned in the Viking sagas and the Chronicle of Nestor.
In Finnish river is known as Viena or Vienanjoki, which means slowly running river and is feminine form of Väinä, meaning same.
Read more about this topic: Northern Dvina River
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