Thinking of future baby or pet names? You could be looking for a unique way to tie-in a Russian last name as either a first or middle name option. After all, whether you have Russian ancestry that you’d like to highlight, or have a strong appreciation for Russian literature—think Tolstoy and Dostoevsky—there are many reasons why Russian surnames could inspire your own personal lists of names. Various artists and writers may be interested in Russian surnames for the purpose of naming characters in upcoming novels or screenplays, using them in song lyrics, as titles of paintings, sculptures, or other artwork, and more. Therefore, reviewing a wide-ranging list of Russian last names and their significance can be extremely helpful for creative projects. Many Russian surnames have noticeable characteristics such as containing the letters olo or oro together, ending with -ov or -ev, -in, etc. And while a great deal of these last names have a patronymic nature (relating to the first name of a father or ancestor), others correspond with occupations, traits in nature, and more. Ready to get started? We’ve got our list of 100 common and unique Russian last names.
100 Russian Last Names
1. Karamazov
If this surname looks familiar, it’s likely because of Fyodor Dostoevsky’s infamous novel, The Brothers Karamazov.
2. Rostova
Leo Tolstoy’s War and Peace focuses on Natasha Rostova, notably played by Audrey Hepburn in the film adaptation.
3. Abakumov
Meaning “son of Abakum,” which, in turn, means “embrace.”
4. Agapov
This Russian last name means “love” (similar to the ancient Greek “agápē,” which is “unconditional love”).
5. Karenina
Anna Karenina is a well-known book (and character) by Leo Tolstoy, and is played on screen by Keira Knightley.
6. Smirnov
Spelled “Smirnoff” in other parts of the world (like the Russian vodka), this name means “quiet, peaceful.”
7. Popov
This religious name means “son of the priest or pope.”
8. Pushkin
Although a town in the neighborhoods of Saint Petersburg, Pushkin is also the surname of Alexander Sergeyevich Pushkin, a famous Russian writer.
9. Vasiliev
A name fit for a king—literally—as it means “royal.”
10. Morozov
With “frost,” as its meaning, this sure is a cool last name.
11. Alekseev
“Son of Alexei”—a popular Russian first name.
12. Baranov
This surname has ties to lamb breeding.
13. Kozlov
This last name is official the GOAT…well, at least its meaning is “goat.”
14. Bugrov
A family with this surname may have originated near a hilly landscape.
15. Belyayev
Means “white” (or “blonde hair”).
16. Dmitriev
Traditionally this last name represents people from the Russian town of Dmitriyev.
17. Federov
This common Russian surname means “God’s gift.”
18. Kuznetsov
An individual with this last name likely had a blacksmith in the family line.
19. Zaitsev
Somebunny with this last name carries the meaning “hare.”
20. Ilyin
“Son of Ilya.”
21. Nikolaev
Relating to the family line, this name means “Nikolay’s.”
22. Kiselyov
A common surname in Russia, it comes from the sweet word “kissel,” which corresponds to a type of dessert.
23. Ovechkin
This last name is shared by Alexander Ovechkin, a famous Russian hockey player.
24. Galkin
Meaning “talkative,” those with this surname may be known for being great conversationalists.
25. Kotov
Curious about this one? Fittingly, it means “cat.”
26. Raskolnikov
Rodion Raskolnikov is the main character from Fyodor Dostoevsky’s Crime and Punishment.
27. Pavlov
Meaning “small.”
28. Stepanov
Tied to the first name Stepan, meaning “son of Stepan” or “Stepan’s.”
29. Sharapova
A last name most prevalent in Russia, it might sound familiar thanks to the well-known tennis player Maria Sharapova.
30. Lagunov
This patronymic is derived from the name Lagun, which is a job-related name having to do with water barrels.
31. Gusev
A surname that could easily be used as a term of endearment as well, meaning “goose.”
32. Medvedeva
The feminine form of Medvedev, both with the meaning of “bear.”
33. Romanova
If you’re a big fan of Marvel, you’ll know that Black Widow’s real name is Natalia Romanova (played by Scarlett Johansson in the films).
34. Babanin
Means “Yin’s woman.”
35. Volkov
This common surname means “wolf.”
36. Zakharov
Meaning “son of Zakhar [or] Zakhary.”
37. Agafonov
With “kindness” as its meaning, it’s likely those with this last name would make great friends!
38. Vinogradov
It should come as no surprise with “vino” at the start of this name that its meaning is “grapes.”
39. Bortnik
From the village of Bortniki in Russia, and/or has ties to a beekeeping occupation.
40. Gurin
The patronymic is derived from the name Gury.
41. Lysov
Comes from a term meaning “bald.”
42. Lipovsky
This name might have connections to various Russian villages, or means “lime tree.”
43. Chesnokov
A great connection to have in the kitchen, this name means “garlic.”
44. Onegin
Eugene Onegin is a popular novel in Russia by Alexander Pushkin, which was made into a film in 1999 starring Ralph Fiennes as the title character.
45. Molchalin
If someone with this last name is a little reserved, it’s probably because the name means “silent.”
46. Turgeneva
This feminine surname means “fast.”
47. Solovyov
This last name is super-familiar in Russia, and means “nightingale.”
48. Yusupov
Meaning “son of Yusuf.”
49. Kuzmin
“Son of Kuzma.”
50. Aistov
This name comes from a term meaning “stork.”
51. Basov
If you think this surname is stunning, it could have to do with its “beautiful” meaning.
52. Molotov
Let Thor know that he has some competition—this name means “hammer.”
53. Chepliev
This last name comes from a verb meaning “to attach.”
54. Golubev
Meaning “dove.”
55. Davydov
Has ties to the masculine name Davyd.
56. Druzhinin
Comes from a term that represents a close friend group.
57. Semyonov
“Son of Semyon.”
58. Filimonov
A patronymic derived from the given name Filimon.
59. Goloshchapov
This name comes from a term that meant “boastful pauper.”
60. Kashirsky
Someone with this last name would likely have originated from the Russian city of Kashira.
61. Belsky
Typically means that the family is from the city of Bielsk.
62. Nikitin
Families can be proud of this surname’s ties to the first name Nikita, which means “winner.”
63. Rybakov
This Russian surname corresponded with the fishing trade.
64. Konstantinov
Meaning “Konstantin’s,” referring to a given name that means “firm, constant.”
65. Losev
This surname means “elk” or “moose.”
66. Kazeev
Likely an occupational name, as it means “judge.”
67. Yegorov
Meaning “son of Yegor.”
68. Sokolov
One of the most common Russian surnames, means “falcon.”
69. Donskoy
A location-based last name has to do with proximity to various cities/districts or the Don River in Russia.
70. Karetov
Likely has ties to occupations that involved horse-drawn carriages.
71. Glazastov
This Russian surname comes from a term meaning “sharp-eyed.”
72. Orlov
Meaning “eagle.”
73. Yevstigneyev
Comes from the given name Yevstigney and carries the straightforward meaning of “Yevstigney’s.”
74. Dorofeev
Perfect for fans of summertime, the name means “sun god,” or “sun goddess” (Dorofeeva).
75. Korshunov
Meaning “kite,” this is the surname of Gary Oldman’s character in Air Force One.
76. Bychkov
Fierce and strong, this surname means “bull.”
77. Makarov
Related to the given name of Makary.
78. Khorkina
This surname might sound familiar thanks to retired Russian gymnast, Svetlana Khorkina.
79. Mikhailov
This common last name means “son of Mikhail.”
80. Egorov
A surname that corresponds to the job of farming.
81. Aslanov
Fans of The Chronicles of Narnia might especially appreciate how it means “son of Aslan,” which is a name that means “lion.”
82. Baryshev
Comes from a term meaning “profit.”
83. Deriabin
Meaning “restless.”
84. Bocharov
An individual with this last name would likely come from a family who had once worked with (or currently works with) copper.
85. Sidorov
“Son of Sidor.”
86. Alatyrtsev
We’re pretty sure of this name’s meaning, but can’t be positive, as it means “uncertain.”
87. Lopatina
The feminine counterpart to Lopatin, which has a connection to work involving shovels.
88. Laskin
Traditionally known for meaning “favor” or “weasel.”
89. Kalashnik
Known as “breadmaker.”
90. Rasputin
Likely originated from the first name Rasputa, which means “ill-behaved child.”
91. Petrov
“Son of Pyotr,” which, in turn, means “stone.”
92. Belova
Meaning “white,” this is the surname of Florence Pugh’s character in Black Widow.
93. Dominik
Also seen as a first name in different parts of the world, this surname means “belonging to the Lord God.”
94. Garin
A patronymic derived from the first name Gerasim, meaning “elder” or “guardian.”
95. Tarasov
This surname means “son of Taras.”
96. Komarov
Meaning “gnat.”
97. Novikov
A last name perfect for someone with the confidence to try new things, as it means “newcomer.”
98. Chugunov
Relates to a family involved with cast-iron goods.
99. Lebedev
An occupational surname related to swans.
100. Ivanov
One of the most common Russian last names, meaning “son of Ivan.” Check out:- 300 cool dog names- 250 Disney character names- 50 popular celebrity-inspired names- 250 funny usernames
