Merya-Muromian and Old Mordvin Hydronyms Boundaries in the Upper Volga and Oka Regions

The article explores the toponymy of the Merya, Muromians and Old Mordvins, Finno-Ugric peoples, formerly inhabiting Central Russia. With reference to annalistic and archaeological data, along with a number of the most representative attributes and formants, the author concludes that the Merya and Muromian languages were kindred and localized within the boundaries of five areas, namely, Rostov-Kostroma, Murom, Dyakovo, North Lake District, and northern periphery. According the author, Old Mordvins settled a lot farther west than do modern Mordvins