Russian last names are infused with a culture so rich and beautiful and leave a lasting impression. They are prevalent in many parts of the world, connecting families and individuals to their roots. Russian last names are also unique and make an impact with their striking, alluring charm.
Family names in Russia and the surrounding region have a number of origins, which include father’s first name, occupation, geographical location, personal or family nickname, and personal surnames that were given to individuals, based on qualities they exhibit, be it good or bad.
Check out our list of popular Russian last names that will surely inspire you to find the right name for your baby boy or baby girl!
Russian Baby Names For Your Little One
Peruse these 79 Russian last names for inspiration in giving your baby boy or baby girl a name that is infused with culture and tradition
ABAKUMOV
Abakumov is a Russian last name that is patronymic. The surname comes from the Hebrew word that is “Habakkuk,” which has the meaning of “embrace.” Abakumov is said to refer to the “son of Abakum.”
ABDULOV
Another Russian last name that is patronymic is Abdulov. This last name refers to the “son of Abdul.” “Abdul” carries the meaning of “servant of God” in Arabic.
ABRAMOV
Among patronymic Russian last names, one that has the majestic meaning of “High Father” is Abramov. This surname refers to the “son of Abram” and was derived from the Bible in the Old Testament.
AGAPOV
If you are looking for Russian last names that are all about love, a strong name would be Agapov. This surname comes from “Agap,” a given name that has the meaning of “love” in Greek. A famous bearer of this surname is Anton Agapov, a Russian association football player.
AGAFONOV
Being good and kind are two lovely traits to have in oneself and one’s family. The Russian last name Agafonov comes from “Agathon,” a Greek word that carries the meaning of “goodness” or “kindness.”
ALEXEYEV
When it comes to family, one will always defend and protect. Among Russian last names, one that captures this sentiment perfectly is Alexeyev. Alexeyev comes from “Alexey,” which is of Greek roots and means “defender.” A well-known bearer of this surname is Evgeny Alekseev, the chess grandmaster.
ANDREYEV
A patronymic Russian last name that exudes masculinity is Andreyev. Andreyev refers to the “son of Andrey,” which comes from “Andrew,” a Greek given name that means “manly.”
ANTONOV
Perhaps one of the most well-known of Russian last names is Antonov. Antonov is a patronymic last name that refers to the “son of Anton.” This surname comes from “Anthony” or “Antonius,” which is a Roman last name that is of Etruscan roots. “Anton” has the meaning of “praiseworthy” or “priceless.”
ARTYOMOV
When it comes to Russian last names that are patronymic, one that is derived from a Greek goddess is Artyomov. Artyomov refers to the “son of Artyom,” and it comes from the goddess “Artemis.”
ARKHANGELSKY
Many Russian last names are habitational, such as Arkhangelsky. This surname is said to refer to “someone from Arkhangelsk,” which is a district located in the Republic of Bashkortostan in Russia.
ASLANOV
Of all Russian last names, one that stands out is Aslanov. This surname refers to the “son of Aslan.” “Aslan” is a given name that comes from the Turkish word for the majestic creature known as the lion. You may be familiar with this name because of the beloved series, The Chronicles Of Narnia.
BABANIN
Among Russian last names, one that descended from nobility is Babanin. The surname Babanin came from the Tsardom of Russia, wherein it was said to be the family name of a noble family of the Russian empire. Babanin literally translates to “Yin woman.”
BALABANOV
A Russian last name that soars high like a falcon is the surname Balabanov. Balabanov refers to the “son of Balaban” but is likewise said to be an occupational last name which refers to a “falcon” or a “hawk.” In Greek, a variation of “Balaban” means “tame bear.”
BALAKIN
A great skill to have is excellent conversational skills. In Russia, “Balakat” is a word that has the meaning of “talk non-stop” and “to chatter.” “Balakat” is also where the Russian last name Balakin comes from.
BALAKIREV
A longer variation of the Russian last name “Balakin” is Balakirev which also is derived from “Balakat.” It is said that there was another reference to Balakirev during the era of ancient East Slavic in which Balakirev has the meaning of “ceramic worker.”
BALANDIN
For those who are fascinated by the Moon, an interesting Russian last name would be Balandin. This surname is said to be in reference to a small crater that is found on the Moon.
BARANOV
A lamb signifies innocence and purity. When it comes to Russian last names, one that is in reference to a “lamb” is the surname Baranov.
BARINOV
Barinov is another patronymic Russian last name. This surname is in reference to “son” as well as “Boyar.” Barinov comes from “Boyar,” which has the meaning of “a nobleman.”
BORISYUK
A Russian last name that has a certain roguish charm is Borisyuk. This surname comes from “Boris,” which is a word that holds the meaning of “snow leopard” or “wolf.”
BOROVKOV
Borovkov is a Russian last name that stemmed from an animal’s name, “Borov,” which carries the meaning of “a little boar.” A known bearer of this family name is Sergei Borovkov, a famous Russian footballer.
BORODIN
Borodin is a Russian last name that actually used to be a nickname given to a bearded individual! This family name is derived from “Boroda,” which is a word that has the meaning of “beard” or even “bushy beard.”
BUGROV
Another Russian last name that is habitational is Bugrov. This family name comes from “Bugor,” which is a term that means “heap” or “hill.” Bugrov used to be in reference to one who resided or was working near a hillock.
BYCHKOV
A Russian last name that connotes much power and strength is Bychkov. This family name comes from “Bychok,” which is a term meaning “bull” or “young ox.” Bychkov is a surname that belonged to powerful families.
CHABAN
Of Russian last names, one that has a Ukrainian origin is Chaban. Chaban is an occupational last name that referred to one who was working as a “shepherd.”
CHUGUNOV
Chugunov is a Russian last name that is occupational. It is derived from “Chugun,” which is a term that refers to “pig-iron” or “cast-iron.”. This surname was given to those who made cast-iron products or were ironworkers.
DAVYDOV
Davydov is a patronymic Russian last name with a lovely meaning. This surname pertains to the “son of Davyd” or “son of David.” “David” is a name that holds the meaning of “beloved” in Hebrew.
DEVIN
A Russian last name that has a bewitchingly enchanting meaning is Devin. The surname Devin comes from “devine,” which is a French word that has the meaning of “fortune teller” as well as “sorcerer.”
DMITRIEV
When it comes to Russian last names, perhaps among the more well-known ones is Dmitriev. Dmitriev is a habitational family name that comes from Dmitriyev, which is a Russian town. “Dmitry” holds the meaning of “devoted or dedicated to Demeter (Greek Demetrios).”
DOBROW
Dobrow is a family name in Russia that stems from “Dobryj,” a term that has the meaning of “good.” It is said that Dobrow is likewise a habitational last name that came from Dobroe, which is a village in Ukraine.
FEDOROV
When it comes to Russian last names, one that has a beautiful meaning is Fedorov. This family name is said to have been derived from “Theodore,” which has the meaning of “gift of God” or “God-given.”
GORBACHEV
A Russian last name with an unusual backstory is Gorbachev. It is said that Gorbachev has the meaning of “hunchback” and was most probably a nickname before it evolved into a family name! A known bearer of this surname is Mikhail Gorbachev, who was the last USSR head before its disintegration.
GORKY
A family name in Russia that has a quirky charm and a complex meaning is Gorky. Gorky is a Russian last name that is said to carry the meaning of “extremely bitter.”
GUSEV
Gusev is a Russian family name that originated from “Goos,” which is the Russian word for “goose.” A variation of this surname is “Hyusev.”
IBRAGIMOV
Of Russian last names, one that has a Biblical origin is Ibragimov. This surname comes from the Biblical name “Abraham,” which holds the meaning of “father of many.” Ibragimov is a patronymic family name referring to the “son of Abraham,” and a variation of this surname is “Ibrahimova.”
IVANOV
A Russian family name with a very lovely meaning is Ivanov. This surname comes from the given names “Ivan” or “John” and is in reference to “God’s grace.” Ivanov is said to be the month the most common of last names in Russia as well as Bulgaria.
KAMENEV
Among Russian last names, one that is said to be unique and with an impactful meaning as well is Kamenev. This family name from Russia is said to carry the meaning of “stone.”
KOTOV
For those of you who adore cats, the Russian last name Kotov will be of much interest to you! Kotov is said to have been derived from the name of an animal and is actually in reference to a “cat.”
KRAVTSOV
Kravtsov is another Russian last name that is of Ukrainian roots. This family name is occupational and refers to “one who trades or repairs clothing” or “a tailor.”
KUZNETSOV
Kuznetsov is likewise an occupation Russian last name. This family name comes from “Kuznets,” which is a word that refers to a “blacksmith.”
KRUPIN
Of Russian last names, one that originally was the first name before it eventually evolved into a surname is Krupin. This family name carries the interesting meaning of “a grain.”
LAGUNOV
As you peruse through Russian last names, one that leans towards an aquatic meaning is Lagunov. This lyrical family name is said to have been derived from an object, and it is in reference to a “water barrel.”
LEBEDEV
Lebedev is a Russian family name that has an air of stately grace about it. This last name comes from the Russian term “Lebed” and pertains to the beautiful creature known as the “swan.”
MEDVEDEV
There are quite a few Russian last names that have been derived from the name of an animal. Medvedev is one of those interesting family names. Medvedev comes from “Medved,” which is the name of an animal that means “a bear.”
MIKHAILOV
Among Russian last names, one that stands out in its majestic and impactful meaning is Mikhailov. Mikhailov is a family name from Russia that refers to the “son of Mikhail.” “Mikhail” is a given name that holds the meaning of “like God.” A spelling variation of this surname is “Mikhaylov,” which is the name of many Russian neighborhoods.
MOLCHALIN
There is much power and beauty in silence. Molchalin is a Russian last name that carries that power and beauty. This family name holds the meaning of “silent.”
MOLOTOV
Another one of the more popular Russian last names is Molotov. Molotov is said to have come from an object’s name and is in reference to “hammer.” Likewise, it is a locational or habitational family name referring to those who resided in Perm or Oktyabrkend, which are cities that were formerly known by the name of Molotov.
MOROZOV
A family name in Russia that has a striking meaning is Morozov. The Russian last name Morozov is said to carry the meaning of “bitter cold.”
NIKOLAEV
If you fancy flowers and anything floral, then a Russian last name that will intrigue you is Nikolaev. Nikolaev is an occupational family name that is said to refer to “one who trades flowers” or “flower people.” Another variant of this surname is said to refer to Nikolaevo, a town in Bulgaria.
ORLOV
Fly like an eagle is a sentiment used to encourage one to great success. The Russian family name Orlov comes from “oryol,” which is a Russian word that means “eagle.” Adding to that vibe of success is the fact that Orlov is also the last name of a Russian noble family.
PASTERNAK
A fascinating family name with interesting roots is Pasternak. The surname Pasternak is rooted in “parsnip,” which is actually a root vegetable. Pasternak and its variation “Pasternack” is said to have originated from Russia, Romania, Poland, and Ukraine.
PAVLOV
Pavlov is yet another patronymic Russian last name. This surname is in reference to the “son of Pavlo,” with “Pavlo” being the Russian variation of the name “Paul.” “Paul” has the meaning of “small.”
PETROV
Petrov is another one of the more known Russian last names. This family name originated from “Petar,” which is the Russian word for the English name “Peter,” referring to “stone.”
PLOTNIKOV
A Russian family name that refers to one who builds or does woodwork is Plotnikov. The last name Plotnikov stems from “Plotnik” and is an occupational last name referring to a “carpenter.”
POLETOV
Being fast or speedy leads to much efficiency and productivity and is also a skill that is useful in many other things. Poletov is a Russian surname that comes from “poletai,” which is a Russian word that means “quick” or “fast.”
POPOV
A Russian family name with leanings towards religion is Popov. This surname comes from “pop” and is in reference to a “priest.” Popov is said to be the fourth most common family name in Russia.
PUTIN
When looking at Russian last names, perhaps one of the most famous of them is Putin. This surname has the meaning of “one who travels along the road.” A very famous bearer of this family name is Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, who is the President of Russia.
RABINOVICH
Rabinovich is the last name in Russia that is in reference to the “son of Rabbi.” “Rabbi” is a term used in various regions to refer to a “mentor” or “teacher.”
RASPUTIN
Rasputin is among the Russian last names that many people may have a familiarity with. This family name comes from “Putin.” Rasputin is likewise a term in Russia that carries the meaning of “crossroads.”
ROGOV
Rogov is said to be among the more common Russian and Jewish last names. This Russian surname comes from “rob,” which is a term that means “antler” or “horn.”
RYBAKOV
Rybakov is an occupational Russian last name. This family name is said to be in reference to a “fisherman.”
SEMENOV
Among Russian last names, Semenov is one that has a truly beautiful and poignant meaning. This family name holds the lovely meaning of “God who hears” and is said to be among the more common surnames in Russia. Semenov comes from “Semyon.”
SMIRNOV
To be still or tranquil is a truly peaceful, calm, and wonderful state to be in. The Russian family name Smirnov comes from “smirnow” or “smyrnov,” which refers to “peaceful,” “tranquil,” or “still.”
SOBAKIN
For those who are dog lovers, a Russian surname that will catch your attention is Sobakin. This family name is said to have been derived from “Sobaka,” which in Russian has the meaning of “dog.”
SOKOLOV
When sifting through Russian last names, one that may be familiar to many is Sokolov, which is quite a well-known family name from Russia. This surname carries with it the magnificent meaning of “falcon” as well as “bird of prey.”
STALIN
Of all Russian last names, one that is world-famous is the surname, Stalin. Stalin is a family name that has the meaning of “made of steel.” The most well-known bearer of this last name is Joseph Vissarionovich Stalin.
STEPANOV
Stepanov is a patronymic Russian last name that is in reference to the “son of Stephen.” The given name “Stephen” has many meanings, among which are “reward,” “wreath,” “crown,” and “royalty.”
USTRASHKIN
When it comes to Russian last names, one that connotes strength and an intimidating presence is Ustrashkin. This family name comes from “ustrasht,” which is a Russian verb that has the meaning of “to intimidate” or “frighten.”
VARKOV
For those who love to cook and are interested in culinary leanings, Varkov is a family name that will catch your attention. This Russian last name comes from “varka,” which is a word referring to “boiling,” “brewing,” and “cooking.”
VASILIEV
Vasiliev is a surname from Russia that has a regal air about it. A significant meaning of this last name is “royal.” Another meaning of Vasiliev is a derivation of “basil,” which refers to the leafy herb.
VOLKOV
A Russian last name with a sharp, striking air about it is Volkov. This family name comes from “volk,” which is the name of an animal pertaining to “wolf.”
VOZNESENSKY
When taking a look at Russian last names, among the longer ones is Voznesensky. The surname Voznesensky is a habitational family name that refers to those who have come from Voznesensky, which is the name of many habitations in Russia.
VINOGRADOV
Vinogradov is a Russian last name that may catch the fancy of wine aficionados and connoisseurs. This family name is said to refer to a “vineyard” or even “grapes.”
VORONIN
The Russian family name Voronin has a certain air of enigma and mystery about it because of how it refers to the mysterious and intriguing “raven” or “crow” in Russian. Voronin comes from “vorona.”
VYATKIN
Vyatkin is a habitational surname that came from the Vyatka province located east of Moscow. Another variation of this Russian last name originated from “vyatka,” which has the meaning of “band” or “crow.”
YAKOVLEV
Of Russian last names, another one that has Biblical roots and carries a lovely meaning as Yakovlev. This family name is said to be a variation of “Jacob” and is in reference to the “son of Yakov.” The given name “Yakov” holds the meaning of “supplanter.”
ZADACHIN
Good fortune and good luck are things we wish upon everyone. The Russian last name Zadachin comes from the word “zadachi” as well as “udachi,” which refers to “good luck” in Russian.
ZIMA
Zim is a habitational Russian family name that is said to have originated from the name of a Russian town. Likewise, this last name is also said to have come from the Slavic region and pertains to “winter.”
ZOLOTOV
Of all Russian last names, one that has both Russian and Slavic roots is Zolotov. This family name carries the remarkable meaning of “gold.”
ZORKIN
Among Russian last names, one that has a meaning that makes a mark and leaves an impression is Zorkin. This surname pertains to “one who is sharp-sighted.”
Russian last names have a unique meaning behind every one of them. Whether you are Russian, or would like to have more of a connection to your roots, or want to honor a rich, standout culture, these Russian last names make for wonderful naming inspirations for your little one.