Matryoshkas, or nesting dolls, first appeared in Russia during the 19th Century, and were thought to have been inspired by souvenir dolls from Japan. The name Matryoshka originates from the name Matryona or Matriosha, which was a popular Russian female name of the time. Scholars say this name comes from the Latin root "Mater" meaning "Mother". The name Babushka has also been used for this kind of nesting doll set, meaning Grandmother in the Russian language. Well these Matryoshkas certainly aren't your Grandmother's Babushkas!!!!.....
