NomOrigine Background

Origin and meaning of the name Orlov

What is the origin of the name Orlov?

The name Orlov (Орлов) is of Russian origin and means "eagle" or "falcon". It's a surname that has been used as a given name in some Slavic countries. In Russia, Orlov is one of the most common surnames and is often associated with the noble family of the same name. The family originated from Smolensk, Russia, in the 15th century and produced several prominent figures in Russian history. The female form of the name is Orlova (Орлова).

Learn more about the origin of the name Orlov

The meaning, etymology, and origin of the name Orlov

The surname Orlov (Орлов in its original Russian spelling) has Slavic origins, specifically within the Eastern Slavic group of names. It is derived from the word "orly" which means "eagle" in Russian. In many Slavic cultures, eagles were often associated with power and nobility, making Orlov a name that connotes strength and dignity. Over time, it has been adopted as a given name in some contexts. The use of animal names as personal names is not uncommon in Slavic countries, reflecting their rich folklore and mythology.

Character traits associated with the name Orlov

Names often reflect or influence perceived personality traits, but it is essential to note that these associations are based on cultural stereotypes and do not always hold true for every individual bearing a particular name. In the context of the Slavic name Orlov, which means "eagle" in Russian, one might expect characteristics such as courage, strength, and nobility, attributes traditionally associated with eagles. People named Orlov may exhibit leadership qualities, boldness, and a keen sense of observation, much like an eagle soaring above its territory. However, it is crucial to remember that the true nature of any individual cannot be accurately determined by their name alone. Instead, one should look at the person's actions, beliefs, and experiences to gain a deeper understanding of who they are.

Popularity of the name Orlov

The name Orlov is primarily of Russian origin and has a moderate level of popularity within the Russian-speaking world. It is a patronymic surname derived from the male given name "Igor" or "Aleksey," both of which are common in Russia, making it a relatively frequent surname and, by extension, first name. The name Orlov translates to "eagle" in English, which could be considered an appealing factor for parents seeking strong, animal-related names. However, its popularity outside of the Russian community is limited, reflecting cultural and linguistic differences that often influence naming trends. Overall, while Orlov is not universally recognized or commonly used, it remains a respected and traditional name within its native culture.

Famous people with the name Orlov

Notable individuals named Orlov hail from various fields, showcasing versatility and achievement across multiple domains. In music, Sergei Orlov (1930-2001) was a renowned Russian bass-baritone opera singer who performed in numerous productions worldwide. In the realm of sports, Vasiliy Orlov (b. 1987), a Russian professional ice hockey player, has played for teams such as the New York Rangers and Washington Capitals in the National Hockey League. Artur Orlov (b. 1946), a Soviet-born American artist, is recognized for his contributions to modern painting, particularly his abstract expressionist works. In science, Sergei Nikolayevich Orlov (1870-1951) was a prominent Russian geographer and academic who made significant contributions to cartography and the study of Russia's Far East region. These individuals are a testament to the diverse talents and accomplishments associated with the name Orlov.

Variations of the name Orlov

The name Orlov has several variations, primarily based on regional and linguistic differences. Some of these variants include:

1. Orlow - This is a less common variation, found predominantly among speakers of English. It retains the original Russian spelling but with a slight phonetic adjustment to better fit the English language.
2. Orelov - This variant, also spelled as Orelov in some cases, is a Slavic form of Orlov, where the prefix "o" has been replaced by "o-r".
3. Orlova - In Russian, the feminine form of the name Orlov is Orlova, indicating a female bearer of the surname Orlov. It can also be used as a given name, although this usage is less common.
4. Aurelian - This is a Latinized version of the name Orlov, tracing its roots back to Roman times. The meaning of the name, "the lion-man," remains constant across languages and translations.
5. Orleone - As Orlov has Italian origins, it can also be found in modified forms such as Orleone, which retains the original meaning while following Italian naming conventions.
6. Orlík - In Czech, Orlov can take on the form Orlík, which translates to "little eagle" and is a popular given name in that language.
7. Orloff - This spelling variation is found primarily among speakers of English, German, and French. It represents an anglicized or westernized version of the original Russian name.
8. Urvalli (Estonian) - In Estonian, Orlov can be translated as Urvalli, which means "eagle" and is a popular given name among Estonians.
9. Urvo (Finnish) - The Finnish translation of Orlov is Urvo, which also means "eagle." It serves as a unique given name in Finland.

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 15 June 2025

Share the origin and meaning of your name with your friends

Search the origin of a first name

Enter the first name you are looking for below:

Similar First Names

Orla-leah (First name)

forenames > orla-leah

The name Orla is of Irish origin, meaning "golden princess" or "golden lady." Leah is of Hebrew origin, meaning "weary" or "faint."

Orlaith (First name)

forenames > orlaith

Orlaith is an Irish name that comes from the Gaelic name Órlaith, which means "golden princess." It is the feminine form of the name Orla.

Órlaith (First name)

forenames > rlaith

The name Orlaith is of Irish origin. It is derived from the Gaelic name Órfhlaith, which means "golden princess" or "queen".

Orlando (First name)

forenames > orlando

The name Orlando has a Latin origin. It is derived from the Latin word "orlannus", which means "famous land" or "glorious land". This name was popularized by the character Orlando ...

Orlay (First name)

forenames > orlay

O nome Orlay tem origem incerta, mas segundo algumas fontes acredita-se que seja uma variação do nome francês Arlette, que por sua vez deriva do nome germânico Carlotta, signif...

Orledis enrique (First name)

forenames > orledis-enrique

The name "Orledis" is likely of Latin American origin, specifically from Spanish-speaking countries. Enrique is a Spanish name of Germanic origin meaning "ruler of the household" o...

Orliany (First name)

forenames > orliany

The first name Orliany is of Spanish origin.

Orlin (First name)

forenames > orlin

The name Orlin is of Bulgarian origin. It is derived from the Bulgarian word "орлин" which means "eagle-like" or "eagle".

Orlinda (First name)

forenames > orlinda

The name Orlinda is of Italian origin. It is derived from the name Orlanda, which is a feminine form of the Italian name Orlando.

Orlis maria (First name)

forenames > orlis-maria

The name Orlis is of unknown origin and meaning. The name Maria is of Hebrew origin, meaning "bitter" or "beloved."