100 Most Popular Russian Surnames Or Last Names With Meanings

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Russian last names have interesting associations and generally reflect family lineage and heritage, with many names indicating noble or occupational roots. Historically, they evolved from patronymics, occupations, places of origin, or personal characteristics, making them rich with historical and cultural layers. Patronymics, in particular, are essential to the full name structure, indicating lineage and respect. The surnames differ for both women and men. Surnames for men typically end in -ovich, -evich, or -yevich (e.g., Ivanovich for ‘son of Ivan’), while for women, they end in -ovna, -evna, or -yevna (e.g., Ivanovna for ‘daughter of Ivan’) (1). Read on for more information on Russian last names, including their meanings and origins.

In This Article

Key Pointers

Russian surnames bear a unique history, often reflecting occupations, geographical features, patronyms, or objects from their surroundings.
There is a distinct pattern between the last names of Russian men and women.
While male surnames typically end with ‘ev’ or ‘ov,’ female surnames incorporate an additional ‘a’ along with other letters, such as ‘eva’ or ‘ova.’
Some famous Russian surnames include Ivanov, Kuznetsov, Mikhailov, Petrov, and Smirnov.

List Of Most Popular Russian Surnames Or Last Names

1. Abakumov

Abakumov is a patronymic last name that refers to ‘Son of Abakum’. It is derived from the Hebrew word ‘Habakkuk’ which means ‘embrace’.

Trivia

Mariya Abakumova, the former track and field athlete from Russia, is the famous bearer of this name.

2. Abdulov

This is a patronymic surname meaning ‘Son of Abdul’. In Arabic, Abdul means ‘Servant of God’.

3. Abramov

It is a patronymic surname meaning ‘Son of Abram’ that is derived from the Old Testament. In Hebrew, Abram means ‘High Father’.

4. Agapov

This Russian surname is derived from the given name Agap, which refers to ‘Love’ in Greek. Russian association football player Anton Agapov is a famous bearer of this last name.

5. Agafonov

This last name is derived from the Greek word ‘Agathon’ meaning ‘Kindness’ or ‘Goodness’.

6. Alexeyev

This Russian family name is derived from Alexey, which refers to ‘Defender’ and is of Greek origin. Chess grandmaster Evgeny Alekseev is a famous bearer of this last name.

7. Andreyev

Andreyev means ‘Son of Andrey’ derived from the Greek name Andrew, meaning ‘manly’.

8. Antonov

It means ‘Son of Anton’. The name is derived from ‘Anthony’ or ‘Antonius’ which is a Roman family name and has an Etruscan origin. Anton means ‘Priceless’ or ‘Praiseworthy’.

9. Arsenyev

This habitational last name derived from the name of a town in Russia called the Arsenyev in Primorsky Krai, Russia.

10. Artyomov

This surname means ‘Son of Artyom’ and is derived from the name of the Greek goddess ‘Artemis’.

11. Arkhangelsky

The habitational surname refers to ‘Someone from Arkhangelsk’. This is a district in the Republic of Bashkortostan, Russia.

12. Aslanov

Aslanov means ‘Son of Aslan’. The name ‘Aslan’ is derived from the Turkish word ‘Lion’.

13. Babanin

Babanin originated from the Tsardom of Russia as it was the surname of a noble family in the Russian empire and the literal translation of Babanin is ‘Yin woman’.

14. Balabanov

This Russian last name refers to ‘Son of Balaban’. The occupational surname refers to a ‘Hawk’ or ‘Falconer’. Another variant of Balaban in Greek refers to ‘Tame Bear’.

15. Balakin

The word Balakat in Russian means ‘To chatter’ or ‘Talk non-stop’ and it is the source of the Russian surname Balakin.

16. Balakirev

Balakirev is a variant of Balakin, which is derived from Balakat. Another reference of Balakirev, made during the ancient East Slavic era, referred to a ‘Ceramic worker’.

17. Balandin

Balandin refers to a small crater located on the Moon.

18. Baranov

Baranov is a Russian last name, which refers to a ‘Lamb’.

19. Barinov

This patronymic surname refers to ‘Son’ or ‘Boyar’. It is derived from the Russian word Boyar referring to ‘A nobleman’.

20. Bocharov

It is an occupational last name derived from the term ‘Bochar’ referring to ‘Copper’.

21. Borisyuk

Borisyuk is a Russian surname derived from the word ‘Boris’ meaning ‘Wolf’ or ‘Snow Leopard’.

22. Borovkov

This Russian family name is derived from an animal’s name Borov, meaning ‘A little boar’. Sergei Borovkov, a popular Russian footballer is a noteworthy bearer of this last name.

23. Borodin

This surname originates from the word ‘Boroda’ meaning ‘Beard’ or ‘Bushy beard’. Borodin was initially used as a nickname for a bearded person and later evolved to be a Russian last name.

24. Bortnik

This habitational last name is derived from a village named Bortniki in Russia, which means ‘Beekeepers’.

25. Bortsov

Bortsov originates from the word ‘Borets’ that means a ‘Wrestler’.

26. Bugrov

This is a habitational surname derived from the term ‘Bugor’ meaning ‘Hill’ or ‘Heap’. It is used to refer to someone who lived or worked near a hillock.

27. Bychkov

It is derived from the term ‘Bychok’ referring to ‘Young ox’ or ‘Bull’. This surname belonged to families with strong and powerful dispositions.

28. Chaban

Chaban is an occupational surname of Ukrainian origin and was used to refer to someone who worked as a ‘Shepherd’.

29. Chernoff

This patronymic surname is of Russian and Jewish origin and is derived from the term ‘Chernyj’ meaning ‘Black’. It denoted families with ‘black-haired’ or ‘dark-skinned’ people.

30. Chugunov

It originated from the term ‘Chugun’ referring to ‘Cast-iron’ or ‘Pig-iron’. The occupational surname belonged to iron-workers or the ones who made cast-iron products.

31. Davydov

This patronymic Russian last name means ‘Son of Davyd’ or ‘Son of David’. In Hebrew, David means ‘Beloved’.

32. Devin

Devin is derived from the French word ‘Devine’ meaning ‘Sorcerer’ or ‘Fortune-teller’.

33. Dmitriev

This habitational last name is derived from the name of a town in Russia called the Dmitriyev. Dmitry means ‘devoted/dedicated to Demeter (Greek Demetrios)’.

34. Dobrow

Dobrow is derived from the term ‘Dobryj’ meaning ‘Good’. Alternatively, this Russian last name is also a habitational surname coming from the name of a village called Dobroe in Ukraine.

35. Drozdov

The Russian family name is derived from the word ‘Drozd’ meaning ‘Thrush’ or ‘Blackbird’.

36. Egorov

Egorov is an occupational Russian last name and refers to a ‘Farmer’. Yegorov is a variant of this surname.

37. Fedorov

Fedorov is derived from ‘Theodore’ that refers to ‘God given’ or ‘Gift of God’.

38. Gorbachev

Gorbachev means ‘Hunchback’. It must have been a nickname, which eventually became a surname. Mikhail Gorbachev was the last head of the USSR before it disintegrated.

39. Gorky

This Russian surname refers to ‘extremely bitter’.

40. Gusev

It is a surname derived from the Russian word for ‘Goos’ meaning ‘Goose’. ‘Hyusev’ is a variant of this name.

41. Ibragimov

Ibragimov is derived from Abraham, meaning ‘Father of many’. This Russian surname refers to ‘Son of Abraham’ and Ibrahimova is another variant.

42. Ivanov

Ivanov is derived from Ivan or John and refers to ‘God’s Grace’. This is one of the most common last names in Bulgaria and Russia.

43. Kalashnik

Originated in Ukraine, Kalashnik is an occupational Russian last name that refers to ‘Breadmaker’ or ‘Maker of Kalaches’.

44. Kamenev

This unique Russian last name means a ‘Stone’.

45. Kotov

Derived from an animal’s name, this Russian last name refers to a ‘Cat’.

46. Kozlov

Kozlov in Russian refers to a ‘Goat’.

47. Kravtsov

This occupational Russian last name has a Ukrainian origin and refers to a ‘Tailor’ or someone who trades or repairs clothing. In fact, many Ukrainian last names share similar characteristics and meanings, reflecting various professions and trades.

48. Kuznetsov

It is also an occupational Russian surname and is derived from ‘Kuznets’ referring to a ‘Blacksmith’.

49. Krupin

Krupin is an interesting Russian family name that originated as a first name and evolved into a family name. It means ‘a grain’.

50. Lagunov

Lagunov is derived from an object and refers to a ‘water barrel’.

51. Lebedev

It is derived from the Russian word ‘Lebed’ and refers to a ‘Swan’.

52. Medvedev

This is another interesting Russian surname derived from the name of an animal, ‘Medved’ meaning a ‘Bear’.

53. Meknikov

Meknikov is an occupational last name and refers to a ‘Miller’. Mechnikov is a variant of this surname.

54. Mikhailov

This patronymic Russian family name refers to the ‘Son of Mikhail’. Mikhaylov, a spelling variant of this surname, is also the name of several neighborhoods in Russia. Mikhail refers to someone ‘Like God’.

55. Molchalin

Molchalin is a Russian surname that means ‘Silent’.

56. Molotov

Molotov is derived from an object’s name and refers to a ‘Hammer’. It is also a locational surname of people who belonged to Oktyabrkənd or Perm, cities that were formerly known as Molotov.

57. Morozov

Morozov means ‘Bitter cold’ in Russian.

58. Nikolaev

This occupational surname refers to the ‘Flower people’ or the one ‘Who trades flowers’. Another variant refers to the name of a town called Nikolaevo in Bulgaria.

59. Orlov

Orlov is derived from the Russian word ‘Oryol’ meaning ‘Eagle’. It is also the surname of a noble family in Russia.

60. Pasternak

Pasternak or Pasternack refers to ‘Parsnip’ , which is a root vegetable. When exploring Romanian last names and surnames, you’ll find that Pasternak is a notable example reflecting the agricultural heritage of the region. This last name originated from the regions of Russia, Ukraine, Romania, and Poland.

61. Pavlov

This is a patronymic surname referring to the ‘Son of Pavlo’. Pavlo is the Russian variant of ‘Paul’, which means ‘Small’.

62. Petrov

The surname is derived from the Russian word Petar or Peter in English and refers to a ‘Stone’.

63. Petukhov

Petukhov is derived from ‘Petukhovo’, a name for several habitations in Russia.

64. Plotnikov

Derived from ‘Plotnik’, Plotnikov is an occupational surname that refers to a ‘Carpenter’.

65. Poletov

This surname is derived from a Russian term ‘Poletai’ meaning ‘Fast’ or ‘Quick’.

66. Popov

It is derived from ‘Pop’ and refers to a ‘Priest’. Popov is found to be the 4th most common Russian last name.

67. Portnov

This occupational Russian last name is derived from the profession of ‘Portnoy’ meaning a ‘Tailor’.

68. Putin

One of the most famous Russian surnames, Putin means ‘One who travels along the road’. Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, the President of Russia, is the most popular bearer of this surname.

69. Rabinovich

This Russian family name refers to the ‘Son of Rabbi’. The term Rabbi was used for a ‘mentor’ or ‘teacher’ in various regions.

70. Rasputin

Derived from Putin, Rasputin is a Russian term that means ‘Crossroads’.

71. Rogov

This Russian family name is derived from ‘Rog’ meaning ‘Horn’ or ‘Antler’. Rogov is a common Jewish surname as well as a prevalent last name in Russia.

72. Rybakov

Another occupational Russian family name, Rybakov refers to a ‘Fisherman’.

73. Semenov

Semenov is derived from Semyon. The common Russian surname means ‘God who hears’.

74. Smirnov

Smirnov derived from the word ‘Smirnow’ or ‘Smyrnov’ that refers to ‘Still’, ‘Peaceful’ or ‘Tranquil’.

75. Sobakin

It is derived from Sobaka, which refers to a ‘Dog’ in Russian.

Did you know?

The Corner Arsenalnaya Tower, one of the 20 Kremlin towers located in Moscow, Russia, was originally named Sobakin Tower in honor of the Sobakin family, a noble clan in the area.

76. Sobol

The occupational surname means ‘Fur trader’ in Russian.

77. Sobolev

This Russian surname refers to ‘Sable’.

78. Sokolov

It means ‘Falcon’ or a ‘Bird of prey’.

79. Sorokin

Sorokin is derived from the name of the bird ‘Magpie’ or ‘Copoka’ in Russian.

80. Stalin

This is a world-famous Russian last name, which means ‘Made of steel’. Revolutionary Joseph Vissarionovich Stalin is the most famous bearer of this last name.

81. Stepanov

Derived from Stephen, Stepanov is a family name that refers to the ‘Son of Stephen’. The various meanings of Stephen are ‘Wreath’, ‘Crown’, ‘Reward’, or ‘Royalty’.

82. Ustrashkin

It is originated from the Russian verb ‘Ustrasht’ that means to ‘Intimidate’ or ‘Frighten’.

83. Varkov

Varkov is a Russian surname derived from the word ‘Varka’ that refers to ‘Cooking’ or ‘Boiling’ or ‘Brewing’.

84. Vasiliev

Vasiliev has different meanings, one being a derivation of the word Basil, the leafy herb. Another significant meaning of this Russian surname is ‘Royal’.

85. Volkov

Volkov is a Russian surname derived from the name of an animal ‘Volk’ that refers to a ‘Wolf’.

86. Vorobyev

It is derived from the name of a bird ‘Vorobey’, which means ‘Sparrow’ in Russian.

87. Voznesensky

The habitational surname refers to the people who came from Voznesensky, the name of various habitations in Russia.

88. Utkin

Utkin means a ‘Duck’ in Russian.

89. Vinogradov

Vinogradov in Russian refers to ‘Grapes’ or a ‘Vineyard’.

90. Voronin

Derived from ‘Vorona’, this surname refers to a ‘Crow’ or ‘Raven’ in Russian.

91. Vyatkin

Vyatkin originated from the Vyatka province that lies to the east of Moscow. Another variant of this surname is derived from the word ‘Vyatka’ meaning ‘Crowd’ or ‘Band’.

92. Yablokov

Yablokov is derived from ‘Yabloko’, which means ‘Apple’ in Russian.

93. Yakovlev

This Russian surname is a variant of Jacob and refers to ‘Son of Yakov’. Yakov means a ‘Supplanter’.

94. Yurtaev

It is derived from the term ‘Yurta’ and refers to ‘Hut’ or ‘Tent’ in Old Russian. Yurta was used by nomads during the Mongolian era.

95. Zadachin

This surname is a derivation of the word ‘Zadachi’ or ‘Udachi’ referring to ‘Good luck’ in Russian.

96. Zhabin

Zhabin is derived from the word ‘Zhaba’ that means a ‘Toad’ in Russian.

97. Zhuravlev

Zhuravlev is a Russian family name derived from the word ‘Zhuravlyov’ meaning ‘Crane’.

98. Zima

Zima is a habitational surname, derived from the name of a town in Russia. This name also originated in the Slavic region and refers to ‘Winter’.

99. Zolotov

This is a Russian and Slavic surname that means ‘Gold’.

100. Zorkin

Zorkin is an interesting Russian family name that refers to the ‘One who is sharp-sighted’.

Discover More Names

When you have to choose a name for your baby, a few hundreds of names may not be just enough. Keep digging our mine of baby names until you find that one precious gem.

Explore our huge database for that one right name

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can Russian last names reveal a person’s family history or social status?

Russian last names mostly give information about their gender and when women marry, they adopt their spouse’s name as their last name which gives information about their relationship status.

2. What is the significance of patronymics in Russian naming conventions?

Patronymics in Russian naming customs give information about the nature of the connection between individuals.

3. Do Russians have two last names?

According to the traditional naming system, Russians have had three names since the middle of the 19th century. It includes a first name, a patronymic, and a surname. In official documents, the surname precedes the first name and the patronymic. However, in all other circumstances, the first name comes before the patronymic and surname (2).

4. How does one shorten Russian names?

Russian name-shortening conventions are arbitrary, but they generally include taking someone’s name and making it shorter and more intimate. Often diminutive names may end with an -а or -я, irrespective of gender. Friends will converse using the semi-standard names described above, but those closer may add a different set of more loving titles.

There is a unique and deep meaning behind each of these Russian last names curated in our list. Whether or not you are a Russian, the surnames will help you learn further about their representation of different backgrounds and cultures. And with the information given with every name, you can have a fair idea of many of the most popularly used Russian last names. You may even share the names and meanings with your friends and family and help everyone expand their knowledge.

Infographic: Types Of Russian Surnames With Meanings

While a person’s name serves as a distinctive identity, a surname binds them with their family, community, culture, and history. Let’s look at the infographic below to learn about some popular Russian surnames, their origins, and their meanings.

Illustration: Popular Russian Surnames Or Last Names With Meanings

Image: Stable Diffusion/MomJunction Design Team

References

MomJunction's articles are written after analyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. Our references consist of resources established by authorities in their respective fields. You can learn more about the authenticity of the information we present in our editorial policy.

A Guide To Names And Naming Practices
https://www.fbiic.gov/public/2008/nov/Naming_practice_guide_UK_2006.pdf
Global Feminisms Project Pronunciation Guide: Russia Interviewee Names
https://sites.lsa.umich.edu/globalfeminisms/wp-content/uploads/sites/787/2020/09/Russia-Pronunciation-Guide.pdf

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Srija holds an MA in English Literature from the University of Calcutta and a PG Diploma in Editing and Publishing from Jadavpur University. Her interest in editing ranges across niches, including academics, human psychology, and child development.

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Angela AlexMA

Angela is an honors student with a master's degree in Linguistics from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in History from St. Stephen’s College, Delhi. Her combined interest in history and the science of language has taught her the skills to understand how language and its use have changed over time.

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