This online dating website, that is AnastasiaDate, was first founded in 1993 by David and Elena Besuden. The inspiration for the name came from the Grand Duchess Anastasia Nikolaevna of Russia.  This was the attempt to evoke the Duchess as an example of femininity. The company and the website operate under the idea to bridge the gap between men from North America and women from Eastern European countries, majorly for romantic purposes. However, people come here to find friends as well and to have fun chatting with someone, not necessarily establishing a long-term relationship leading to marriage.