Russian Last Names: A Comprehensive Guide

Exploring the rich tapestry of Russian culture often involves delving into its unique naming conventions. Russian last names, or "фамилия" (familiya), are a fascinating blend of history, tradition, and personal significance. This guide will provide an in-depth look at a diverse collection of common Russian surnames, unveiling their intriguing origins and meanings. From patronymics to occupational names, the stories behind these last names offer a window into the lives and experiences of generations past.
1. **Alekseev:** Derived from the given name Alexei, meaning "defender of mankind."
2. **Andreev:** Derived from the given name Andrei, meaning "manly" or "courageous."
3. **Antonov:** Derived from the given name Anton, meaning "priceless" or "invaluable."
4. **Arkhipov:** Derived from the given name Arkhip, meaning "chief" or "leader."
5. **Belyaev:** Derived from the word "belyy," meaning "white."
6. **Bogdanov:** Derived from the given name Bogdan, meaning "given by God."
7. **Borisov:** Derived from the given name Boris, meaning "fighter for glory."
8. **Bukharin:** Derived from the word "bukhara," meaning "wheat."
9. **Chernyshev:** Derived from the word "chernyy," meaning "black."
10. **Dmitriev:** Derived from the given name Dmitry, meaning "devoted to Demeter."
11. **Doronin:** Derived from the word "doroga," meaning "road."
12. **Egorov:** Derived from the given name Yegor, meaning "farmer."
13. **Fedorov:** Derived from the given name Fyodor, meaning "gift of God."
14. **Filippov:** Derived from the given name Filipp, meaning "lover of horses."
15. **Galkin:** Derived from the word "galka," meaning "jackdaw."
16. **Gavrilov:** Derived from the given name Gavril, meaning "God is my strength."
17. **Golovin:** Derived from the word "golova," meaning "head."
18. **Grigoriev:** Derived from the given name Grigory, meaning "watchful."
19. **Ivanov:** Derived from the given name Ivan, meaning "God is merciful."
20. **Kiselev:** Derived from the word "kisly," meaning "sour."
21. **Kozlov:** Derived from the word "kozel," meaning "goat."
22. **Kuznetsov:** Derived from the word "kuznets," meaning "blacksmith."
23. **Leonov:** Derived from the given name Leon, meaning "lion."
24. **Makarov:** Derived from the given name Makar, meaning "blessed."
25. **Mikhailov:** Derived from the given name Mikhail, meaning "who is like God?"
26. **Nikolaev:** Derived from the given name Nikolai, meaning "victory of the people."
27. **Pavlov:** Derived from the given name Pavel, meaning "small."
28. **Petrov:** Derived from the given name Petr, meaning "rock."
29. **Popov:** Derived from the word "pop," meaning "priest."
30. **Romanov:** Derived from the given name Roman, meaning "strong" or "powerful."
31. **Savelyev:** Derived from the given name Savely, meaning "God is my oath."
32. **Semenov:** Derived from the given name Semyon, meaning "hearing."
33. **Sergeev:** Derived from the given name Sergey, meaning "bright" or "shining."
34. **Smirnov:** Derived from the word "smirny," meaning "calm" or "gentle."
35. **Sokolov:** Derived from the word "sokol," meaning "falcon."
36. **Stepanov:** Derived from the given name Stepan, meaning "crown."
37. **Sidorov:** Derived from the given name Sidor, meaning "gift of Isis."
38. **Serov:** Derived from the word "sery," meaning "gray."
39. **Titov:** Derived from the given name Titus, meaning "honor."
40. **Vasilyev:** Derived from the given name Vasily, meaning "king."