🔥 300+ Slavic Last Names With Meanings (Updated 2026)

Slavic last names carry a rich history, culture, and meaning over centuries and hundreds and thousands of miles.

They tell us interesting stories about family origins, jobs and occupations, places, and traits from how they sound, their endings and beginnings, and what they mean.

If you are interesting about knowing your own heritage or have a love for the stories behind names, exploring Slavic names opens up a glimpse to the complicated and fascinating traditions of Eastern Europe.

Learn with us as we explore the history and meaning of the names that make unique identities today.

slavic last names

Abakumov – A patronymic surname meaning “descendant of Abakum,” a personal name associated with embracing faith, devotion, and spiritual commitment.

Agapov – Derived from a root meaning “love” or “deep affection,” referring to a family known for warmth, compassion, or strong emotional bonds.

Andreyev – Meaning “son of Andrey,” with Andrey symbolizing manliness, courage, and strong leadership qualities.

Antonov – A traditional patronymic surname meaning “descendant of Anton,” often linked to perseverance, reliability, and inner strength.

Arsenyev – Originating from the name Arseny, this surname conveys boldness, fearlessness, and energetic determination.

Balabanov – Derived from a word meaning “falcon,” symbolizing sharp vision, speed, and noble character.

Balakin – From a term associated with lively speech, this surname refers to someone known for storytelling, chatter, or expressive communication.

Baranov – Taken from the word for “ram,” representing stubborn strength, resilience, and protective instincts.

Barinov – Meaning “descendant of a barin,” or nobleman, indicating aristocratic roots or association with upper social status.

Bocharov – An occupational surname referring to a cooper, someone who made barrels, symbolizing craftsmanship and skilled labor.

Borodin – Derived from the word “beard,” originally describing a man known for his distinctive appearance or maturity.

Bortnik – Refers to a forest beekeeper, symbolizing harmony with nature, patience, and traditional rural wisdom.

Bugrov – Meaning “one who lived near hills or raised land,” often associated with stability and endurance.

Bychkov – Derived from “young bull,” symbolizing strength, vitality, and hardworking character.

Chaban – An occupational surname meaning “shepherd,” reflecting care, guardianship, and responsibility.

Chernov – From the word meaning “black,” often referring to dark hair, dark land, or mysterious presence.

Davydov – Meaning “descendant of Davyd,” a name associated with being beloved and favored by others.

Dmitriev – A patronymic surname meaning “son of Dmitry,” with roots linked to devotion to the earth and fertility.

Dobrynin – From the word meaning “kind” or “good-natured,” referring to a family known for generosity and fairness.

Drozdov – Derived from the word for “thrush bird,” symbolizing music, voice, and lively spirit.

Egorov – Meaning “son of Egor,” associated with farming traditions and connection to the land.

Fedorov – A patronymic surname meaning “descendant of Fedor,” which translates to “gift of God.”

Gavrilov – Meaning “son of Gavril,” a name associated with divine strength and protection.

Gorbachev – Originally describing someone with a hunched back, later becoming a hereditary surname.

Gusev – Derived from “goose,” often used as a nickname for someone cautious, alert, or migratory.

Ilyin – Meaning “descendant of Ilya,” a name connected to strength, storms, and divine power.

Ivanets – A diminutive patronymic meaning “little son of Ivan,” emphasizing family lineage.

Kalashnikov – Originating from a word for bread or grain products, symbolizing nourishment and sustenance.

Kamenev – From the word “stone,” representing firmness, endurance, and unshakable resolve.

Karpov – Derived from “carp fish,” associated with abundance, patience, and survival.

Kolesnikov – An occupational surname meaning “wheel maker,” reflecting mobility, trade, and craftsmanship.

Komarov – From the word “mosquito,” often used humorously for a small but persistent person.

Kondratyev – Meaning “son of Kondrat,” linked to wisdom and structured thinking.

Kotov – Derived from “cat,” symbolizing independence, cleverness, and agility.

Kozlov – From the word “goat,” representing stubbornness, vitality, and mountain resilience.

Krupin – Derived from “grain,” referring to abundance, fertility, and agricultural roots.

Kuznetsov – An occupational surname meaning “blacksmith,” symbolizing strength, creation, and transformation.

Lebedev – From “swan,” symbolizing grace, beauty, and loyalty.

Lisitsyn – Derived from “fox,” associated with cleverness, strategy, and wit.

Lukyanov – Meaning “son of Lukyan,” connected to light and illumination.

Malinin – Derived from “raspberry,” symbolizing sweetness and natural beauty.

Medvedev – From the word “bear,” representing power, protection, and dominance.

Melnikov – An occupational surname meaning “miller,” associated with food production and community importance.

Morozov – Derived from “frost,” symbolizing endurance, cold resilience, and winter strength.

Nikiforov – Meaning “descendant of Nikifor,” associated with victory and achievement.

Novikov – Meaning “newcomer,” originally given to new settlers or arrivals.

Orlov – From “eagle,” symbolizing authority, vision, and nobility.

Pankratov – Derived from a name meaning “all-powerful,” reflecting authority and strength.

Pavlichenko – Meaning “son of Pavel,” connected to humility and calm strength.

Petrenko – A Ukrainian-style patronymic meaning “child of Petro,” emphasizing family descent.

Plotnikov – An occupational surname meaning “carpenter,” symbolizing construction and reliability.

Polivanov – Derived from a name meaning “life giver,” associated with vitality.

Popov – Meaning “descendant of a priest,” indicating religious or clerical ancestry.

Prokhorov – Meaning “leader of a chorus,” associated with harmony and guidance.

Rogachev – From “horn,” symbolizing strength and defense.

Romanov – Meaning “descendant of Roman,” associated with authority and historical power.

Rudakov – Derived from “red-haired,” describing physical appearance.

Rybakov – An occupational surname meaning “fisherman,” linked to rivers and sustenance.

Savin – Derived from a saint’s name, symbolizing faith and devotion.

Shevchenko – Meaning “son of a shoemaker,” reflecting skilled labor heritage.

Sidorov – Meaning “descendant of Sidor,” associated with harvest and productivity.

Smirnov – Derived from a word meaning “calm” or “peaceful,” referring to gentle temperament.

Sokolov – From “falcon,” symbolizing speed, focus, and nobility.

Sorokin – Derived from “magpie,” often used for talkative or alert individuals.

Stepanov – Meaning “son of Stepan,” connected to honor and stability.

Tarasov – Meaning “descendant of Taras,” associated with strength and endurance.

Tikhonov – Derived from “quiet,” referring to calm and reserved nature.

Timofeyev – Meaning “son of Timofey,” associated with reverence toward God.

Turchin – Derived from “bull,” symbolizing raw strength and energy.

Ustinov – Meaning “descendant of Ustin,” associated with justice and order.

Vasilenko – Meaning “child of Vasyl,” connected to royalty and leadership.

Velichko – Derived from a word meaning “greatness,” symbolizing importance or stature.

Vinogradov – From “grape,” associated with wine, celebration, and prosperity.

Volkov – From “wolf,” symbolizing loyalty, ferocity, and survival instincts.

Voronin – Derived from “raven,” associated with intelligence and mystery.

Yakovlev – Meaning “descendant of Yakov,” a name associated with perseverance.

Yermolov – Derived from a name meaning “messenger,” linked to communication and leadership.

Zaitsev – From “hare,” symbolizing speed and alertness.

Zakharov – Meaning “son of Zakhar,” associated with remembrance and legacy.

Zhdanov – From a word meaning “long-awaited,” often given to a cherished child.

Zhuravlev – Derived from “crane bird,” symbolizing grace and vigilance.

Zinoviev – Meaning “descendant of Zinovy,” associated with hospitality.

Zolotarev – An occupational surname meaning “goldsmith,” symbolizing wealth and skill.

Zorin – Derived from “dawn,” representing new beginnings.

Zubkov – From “tooth,” symbolizing toughness and defense.

Bogdanov – Meaning “given by God,” reflecting gratitude and blessing.

Chistyakov – Derived from “clean,” referring to purity or honesty.

Kudryavtsev – From “curly-haired,” describing physical traits.

Miroshnikov – An occupational surname meaning “oil presser,” related to trade.

Ostapenko – Meaning “son of Ostap,” associated with steadfast character.

Pechorin – Derived from a river name, symbolizing geographical roots.

Radchenko – From “joy,” associated with cheerful disposition.

Serebryakov – Derived from “silver,” symbolizing purity and value.

Tolstoy – Meaning “stout” or “broad,” referring to strong build.

Uvarov – Derived from “grape cluster,” symbolizing abundance.

Yershov – From “ruff fish,” associated with river life.

Zelenin – Derived from “green,” symbolizing youth and nature.

Zlatov – From “gold,” associated with wealth and brightness.

Bogatyrev – From “hero” or “warrior,” symbolizing bravery.

Dobroslavin – Derived from roots meaning “good glory,” symbolizing honor and virtue.

Belinsky – A surname linked to white or bright places, symbolizing clarity and openness.

Berestov – Refers to birch trees, often associated with renewal and resilience.

Bogomolov – Literally meaning “one who prays to God,” connected to faith and devotion.

Borzykh – Derived from speed or quick movement, suggesting agility and alertness.

Chaykovsky – Originating from “seagull,” symbolizing freedom and coastal life.

Chernetsov – Refers to monks or dark-robed figures, linked to religious life.

Dolgopolov – Meaning “long fields,” associated with wide open farmland and rural roots.

Dubrovsky – Derived from oak groves, symbolizing strength and endurance.

Golubev – From the word “dove,” representing peace and gentleness.

Gorodetsky – Refers to someone from a fortified town or settlement.

Grigoriev – Meaning “son of Grigory,” associated with vigilance and watchfulness.

Ivanchenko – A diminutive patronymic meaning “young descendant of Ivan.”

Kalinovsky – Derived from the viburnum plant, symbolizing beauty and folklore.

Karpinsky – Associated with carp fish or watery regions tied to fishing.

Kashirin – From a word meaning “curly-haired,” describing physical traits.

Khristov – Refers to Christ or Christian belief, indicating religious ancestry.

Klimenko – Meaning “child of Klim,” associated with mercy and kindness.

Kovalenko – Occupational surname meaning “son of a blacksmith.”

Krasnov – Derived from “red,” often linked to beauty or strength in old Slavic usage.

Krutikov – Refers to steep terrain or sharp turns, symbolizing resilience.

Kupchikov – Meaning “merchant’s descendant,” associated with trade and commerce.

Lebedinsky – Linked to swans, symbolizing elegance and loyalty.

Leskov – Derived from forests or wooded areas, tied to nature.

Litvinov – Originally meaning someone connected to Lithuania or border regions.

Lobanov – From “broad forehead,” describing physical appearance.

Lukashevich – Meaning “son of Luka,” associated with light and guidance.

Makarov – Meaning “descendant of Makar,” linked to happiness and blessing.

Markevich – A patronymic surname meaning “son of Mark.”

Maslov – Derived from butter or oil, associated with food production.

Matveev – Meaning “son of Matvey,” connected to divine gifts.

Melnik – Occupational surname meaning “miller,” tied to grain and sustenance.

Mikhailenko – Meaning “child of Mikhail,” associated with divine protection.

Moskvin – Linked to Moscow or marshy riverlands.

Nazarov – Meaning “son of Nazar,” associated with dedication and watchfulness.

Nikitin – Meaning “descendant of Nikita,” linked to victory and success.

Obolensky – A noble surname tied to ancient princely families.

Orekhov – Derived from “walnut,” symbolizing abundance and nourishment.

Ostrovskiy – Refers to islands or isolated settlements.

Panov – Meaning “descendant of a lord,” implying status or authority.

Pchelkin – Derived from bees, symbolizing hard work and cooperation.

Pirogov – Occupational surname linked to baking or pastry making.

Platonov – Meaning “son of Platon,” associated with wisdom and philosophy.

Poltavets – Indicates origin from the Poltava region.

Pozdnyakov – From “late,” possibly referring to late birth or arrival.

Radimov – Derived from joy or gladness, symbolizing cheerfulness.

Rastorguev – Refers to someone freed from service or obligation.

Repin – Derived from turnips, indicating agricultural roots.

Rusanov – Linked to the Rus people or reddish hair.

Ryabinin – Derived from rowan trees, tied to folklore and protection.

Savelyev – Meaning “son of Savely,” associated with patience.

Selivanov – Meaning “descendant of Selivan,” linked to strength.

Sergeyev – Meaning “son of Sergey,” associated with service and duty.

Shapovalov – Occupational surname meaning “felt maker.”

Shubin – From fur coats, associated with warmth and trade.

Skvortsov – Derived from starlings, symbolizing liveliness.

Slavin – Derived from “glory,” representing honor and reputation.

Snegirev – From bullfinch birds, associated with winter imagery.

Solovyov – From nightingale, symbolizing music and song.

Starikov – Meaning “old man,” often denoting wisdom or age.

Sudakov – Linked to judgment or courts, suggesting authority.

Sukharev – Derived from dry bread, possibly indicating hardship origins.

Tarasenko – Meaning “child of Taras,” common in Ukrainian lineage.

Teplov – From “warm,” symbolizing kindness or temperament.

Tsvetkov – Derived from flowers, symbolizing beauty and growth.

Usachev – From “mustache,” describing appearance.

Usoltsev – Linked to salt production or salt settlements.

Vasilchuk – Meaning “young descendant of Vasyl.”

Vedenin – From “knowledge,” associated with learning.

Veselov – Derived from joy or cheerfulness.

Vetrov – From “wind,” symbolizing movement and change.

Vishnevsky – Derived from cherry trees, associated with fruitfulness.

Volodin – Meaning “son of Volod,” linked to leadership.

Yaroslavtsev – Originating from Yaroslavl or glory-rooted names.

Yefremov – Meaning “son of Yefrem,” associated with fruitfulness.

Yudin – Derived from Jude or Judah, indicating heritage.

Zabrodin – Refers to someone living beyond a ford or crossing.

Zagorsky – Meaning “beyond the mountain,” tied to geography.

Zelenkov – From “green,” symbolizing youth and vitality.

Zheleznov – Derived from iron, symbolizing strength.

Zhukovsky – From beetles, often used as nicknames.

Zlotnikov – Derived from gold or wealth-related terms.

Znamensky – Linked to signs or religious banners.

Bogoslavsky – Meaning “one who glorifies God.”

Dobrovolsky – Derived from “good will,” symbolizing kindness.

Miroslavsky – From peace and glory roots.

Radoslavov – Meaning “joyful glory.”

Svetlov – Derived from light, symbolizing brightness.

Velikanov – Meaning “giant,” symbolizing great stature.

Yablonsky – From apple trees, symbolizing fertility.

Zoryanov – Derived from dawn, symbolizing new beginnings.

Berkutov – From golden eagles, symbolizing power.

Dragunov – Derived from dragon or cavalry units.

Kreslavsky – From fire or spark-related roots.

Miloshevich – Meaning “son of mercy.”

Peresvetov – Associated with light and illumination.

Radchenkov – Derived from joy and celebration.

Stribogov – Linked to ancient Slavic wind deity.

Tumanov – From fog or mist, symbolizing mystery.

Velichkov – Derived from greatness or magnitude.

Zhdankin – Meaning “long-awaited child,” expressing hope.

Ivanov – Son of Ivan (John)

Kovalenko – Descendant of a blacksmith

Novak – Newcomer, newcomer to a village

Petrov – Son of Peter

Horvat – Croatian (ethnic designation)

Dmitriev – Son of Dmitry

Sokolov – Falcon (symbol of bravery)

Vasiliev – Son of Vasily

Mazur – From Masuria region

Borisov – Son of Boris

Kowalski – Blacksmith (Polish origin)

Stanković – Son of Stanko

Miloslav – Dear glory (from given name)

Rybak – Fisherman

Zelenka – Green (possibly linked to nature or youth)

Popov – Son of a priest

Janković – Son of Janko

Slavik – Glorious, related to “Slav”

Maly – Small, little one

Horváth – Croat (Hungarian spelling)

Dubrovsky – From “dub” (oak tree)

Kaczmarek – Innkeeper (Polish)

Bogdanov – Son of Bogdan (given name meaning “God-given”)

Zaytsev – Hare (animal nickname)

Kovács – Blacksmith (Hungarian/Slavic region)

Radek – Happy, joyful (from given name)

Tkach – Weaver

Bakalov – Merchant

Kozlov – Goat (animal nickname)

Novikov – Newcomer, new man

Chernov – Black, dark-haired

Belyaev – White, fair-haired

Pavlov – Son of Pavel (Paul)

Gorodetsky – From “gorod” (town)

Blagojevic – Son of Blagoje (meaning “good”)

Grigoriev – Son of Grigory

Dragović – Son of Drago (precious, dear)

Marek – From the given name Mark

Krupka – Grain (symbolic or occupational)

Zhukov – Beetle (nickname)

Leskov – From “les” (forest)

Orlov – Eagle

Petrenko – Son of Peter (Ukrainian)

Svetlakov – Light, bright

Tkachenko – Weaver’s son

Nikiforov – Son of Nikifor

Lazarev – Son of Lazar (Biblical name)

Malinowski – From “malina” (raspberry) or place name

Radovan – Joyful, happy

Vuković – Son of Vuk (wolf)

Chernyshov – Black, dark

Novotny – Newcomer (Czech/Slovak)

Stoyanov – Son of Stoyan (meaning “to stand, remain”)

Kalinic – Son of Kalina (meaning “viburnum,” a plant)

Baranov – Ram (animal nickname)

Andreev – Son of Andrei (Andrew)

Chmielowski – From “chmiel” (hops plant)

Fedorenko – Son of Fedor (Theodore)

Zhuk – Beetle

Rakov – Crab (animal nickname)

Novik – Newcomer

Skvortsov – Starling (bird)

Stepanov – Son of Stepan (Stephen)

Kostin – Son of Kostya (diminutive of Konstantin)

Gribov – Mushroom (nickname)

Kral – King (title/nickname)

Volkov – Wolf

Mareković – Son of Marek (Mark)

Pavlenko – Son of Pavel (Paul)

Golubev – Dove (symbol of peace)

Simeonov – Son of Simeon

Cherkasov – From Cherkasy region

Beliakov – White, fair

Ostrovsky – From “ostrov” (island)

Lukyanov – Son of Lukyan (Luke)

Sokolov – Falcon

Smirnov – Quiet, gentle

Mironov – Son of Miron (peace)

Konovalov – Son of a veterinarian (konoval = old term for vet)

Lysenko – Son of Lys (bald)

Makarenko – Son of Makary (blessed)

Cherny – Black

Bojanov – Son of Bojan (fighter)

Strelkov – Shooter

Ivankov – Son of Ivan (John)

Orlovsky – Of the eagle, or from a place named Orlov

Timoshenko – Son of Timosh (honoring God)

Polanski – From “pole” (field)

Zaitsev – Hare

Radic – Little happy one

Gavrilov – Son of Gavril (Gabriel)

Ponomarev – Son of a sexton/priest’s assistant

Kulikov – From “kulik” (a type of bird, curlew)

Shapoval – Furrier (occupational)

Voronov – Raven

Chudakov – Strange, odd person

Bogatyrev – Wealthy

Chernysh – Dark-haired or black

Golovko – Head, leader

Zinchenko – Son of Zinchen (diminutive of Zina)