Ukrainian surnames are an intriguing piece of history, echoing the rich cultural tapestry of families tied to their past. Many of these names have origins tied to professions, locations, natural elements, personal characteristics, or significant events. If you’re curious about your heritage or just want to learn something new, here’s a curated list of over 30 Ukrainian last names along with their meanings and Cyrillic spellings. You might just discover the roots of your own name!
- Chornovil (Цхорновил) – Meaning: Black ox.
- Nimchuk (Нимчук) – Meaning: Someone from Germany.
- Ponomarenko (Пономаренко) – Meaning: Clergyman.
- Chumak (Цхумак) – Meaning: Salt trader.
- Perebiynis (Перебиынис) – Meaning: Break the nose.
- Kryvonis (Крывонис) – Meaning: Curved nose.
- Orel (Орел) – Meaning: Eagle.
- Syromakha (Сыромакха) – Meaning: Orphan.
- Sverbylo (Свербыло) – Meaning: Itchy person.
- Vovk (Вовк) – Meaning: Wolf.
- Kravchenko (Кравченко) – Meaning: Tailor.
- Moroz (Мороз) – Meaning: Frost.
- Rosomakha (Росомакха) – Meaning: Wolverine.
- Harbuz (Харбуз) – Meaning: Pumpkin.
- Pidiprygora (Пидипрыгора) – Meaning: Bolster the mountain.
- Obbizhysvit (Оббижысвит) – Meaning: Run around the world.
- Dobryivechir (Добрыивечир) – Meaning: Good evening.
- Nudylo (Нудыло) – Meaning: Tedious person.
- Pavluk (Павлук) – Meaning: Of Paul.
- Bondaruk (Бондарук) – Meaning: Cooper.
- Kolisnychenko (Колисныченко) – Meaning: Wheelwright.
- Kripak (Крипак) – Meaning: Serf.
- Malyar (Малыар) – Meaning: Painter.
- Pekar (Пекар) – Meaning: Baker.
- Rybalka (Рыбалка) – Meaning: Fisherman.
- Melnyk (Мелнык) – Meaning: Miller.
- Shynkar (Схынкар) – Meaning: Innkeeper.
- Vladyka (Владыка) – Meaning: Archbishop.
- Rudiak (Рудиак) – Meaning: Red-haired.
- Kovalchuk (Ковалчук) – Meaning: Blacksmith.
- Chaika (Цхаика) – Meaning: Seagull.
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In summary, exploring the meanings behind Ukrainian surnames can lead to a greater appreciation for the culture while igniting a desire to visit Kyiv. Each name carries its own story, connecting individuals to their history and traditions.