Russian Common Last Names: A Comprehensive Guide

This comprehensive list explores the most common last names in Russia, providing insights into their origins and meanings. Discover the rich history and cultural significance behind these surnames, tracing their roots back to ancient Slavic traditions, noble families, and even occupational origins. Whether you're researching your own genealogy, exploring Russian literature, or simply curious about the linguistic tapestry of this vast country, this guide offers valuable information on the names that have shaped Russian identity for centuries.
1. **Ivanov:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Ivan," Ivan being a popular given name in Russia.
2. **Sidorov:** Another patronymic surname meaning "son of Sidor," a name of Hebrew origin.
3. **Smirnov:** A common surname meaning "son of Semyon," a popular name associated with Saint Simeon.
4. **Kuznetsov:** An occupational surname meaning "blacksmith," referring to a person who worked with metal.
5. **Petrov:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Peter," a name of Greek origin.
6. **Sokolov:** An occupational surname meaning "falconer," referring to a person who trained and hunted with falcons.
7. **Popov:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Pope," a name associated with priests and religious leaders.
8. **Pavlov:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Paul," a name of Latin origin.
9. **Vasiliev:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Vasily," a name of Greek origin.
10. **Volkov:** An occupational surname meaning "wolf," referring to a person associated with hunting wolves.
11. **Federov:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Fedor," a name of Greek origin.
12. **Nikitin:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Nikita," a name of Greek origin.
13. **Semenov:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Semyon," a name of Hebrew origin.
14. **Romanov:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Roman," a name of Latin origin.
15. **Kirillov:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Kirill," a name of Greek origin.
16. **Zaitsev:** An occupational surname meaning "hare," referring to a person associated with hunting hares.
17. **Kiselev:** An occupational surname meaning "person who makes flax," referring to a person who worked with flax.
18. **Konovalov:** An occupational surname meaning "stableman," referring to a person who cared for horses.
19. **Morozov:** An occupational surname meaning "frost," referring to a person who lived in a cold area.
20. **Dmitriev:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Dmitry," a name of Greek origin.
21. **Yakovlev:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Yakov," a name of Hebrew origin.
22. **Mikhailov:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Mikhail," a name of Hebrew origin.
23. **Sergeev:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Sergey," a name of Latin origin.
24. **Kozlov:** An occupational surname meaning "goat," referring to a person who raised goats.
25. **Makarov:** An occupational surname meaning "someone who makes a loaf of bread," referring to a person who worked with bread.
26. **Leonov:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Leon," a name of Greek origin.
27. **Novikov:** A descriptive surname meaning "newcomer," referring to a person who recently settled in an area.
28. **Stepanov:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Stepan," a name of Greek origin.
29. **Prokhorov:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Prokhor," a name of Greek origin.
30. **Nikolaev:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Nikolai," a name of Greek origin.
31. **Andreev:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Andrei," a name of Greek origin.
32. **Alekseev:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Alexei," a name of Greek origin.
33. **Belyaev:** A descriptive surname meaning "white," referring to a person with fair hair or skin.
34. **Kravtsov:** An occupational surname meaning "tailor," referring to a person who made clothing.
35. **Vorobyev:** An occupational surname meaning "sparrow," referring to a person associated with catching sparrows.
36. **Golubev:** An occupational surname meaning "pigeon," referring to a person who raised pigeons.
37. **Efimov:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Efim," a name of Hebrew origin.
38. **Vasilyev:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Vasily," a name of Greek origin.
39. **Bogdanov:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Bogd," a name of Slavic origin.
40. **Panteleev:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Pantelei," a name of Greek origin.