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Russian last names have an interesting history behind them. Did you know that Russian surnames originated from the names of occupations, fruits, patronyms, and objects near them? Interesting, right? These last names are different for both women and men. The male last names of Russians end with ‘ev’ or ‘ov’, while the female last names end with the addition of ‘a’ along with the other letters, i.e., ‘eva’ or ‘ova.’ Read on for more information on last names of Russians, including their meanings and origins.
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’.
Trivia2. 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 disposition.
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 is 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.
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’ that is a root vegetable. 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 and Russian last name.
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?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.
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 (1).
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: Momjunction Design Team
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.
Image: Stable Diffusion/MomJunction Design Team
References
- 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
