What is the origin of the last name Emilov?

The surname Emilov is of Slavic origin, specifically associated with Bulgaria and other Eastern European countries. It's derived from the given name Emil, which itself has Germanic roots. The name Emil comes from Aemilius, a Roman family name, and is composed of two elements: "aemulus," meaning rival or emulator, and "ilis," a diminutive suffix. Over time, the name was brought to Bulgaria by Slavic settlers and became a last name through various historical processes.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Emilov

The meaning and origin of the last name Emilov

The surname Emilov is of Slavic origin, specifically from Bulgaria. It derives from the given name Emil, which is a variant of Aemilius, a Roman family name that was borne by several prominent figures in ancient Rome. In the Middle Ages, it evolved into various forms in different languages, including Amel, Amiel, and Emil, among others. When used as a surname, Emilov often indicates a familial relationship or geographical origin related to the given name Emil. Over time, the surname has been adopted by individuals with Bulgarian ancestry in various parts of the world, reflecting the diaspora of Bulgarian people throughout history.

Geographical distribution of the last name Emilov

The surname Emilov is predominantly found in Eastern Europe, particularly in Bulgaria, where it originated. It is one of the most common Bulgarian surnames and is derived from the given name Emil, which means eager or rival in Latin. A significant number of individuals with this surname can also be found in Russia and other Slavic countries due to historical migrations and cultural exchanges between the two regions. Additionally, there are Emilov families in other parts of the world as a result of diaspora, immigration, and assimilation, such as in North America, Australia, and Western Europe.

Variants and spellings of the last name Emilov

The last name Emilov can have various spelling variations due to differences in translation, transcription, and regional dialects. Some common spelling variations of Emilov include:

1. Emiloff
2. Emilof
3. Emilovich
4. Emeliov
5. Emylow
6. Emelove
7. Emilioff
8. Emelof
9. Emelyov
10. Aemilius (Latin form)

It is essential to note that the correct spelling of a name can depend on factors such as ethnic origin, country of residence, and personal preference. Additionally, some families may have different spellings within the same lineage due to historical factors like immigration, language changes, or inconsistencies in record-keeping.

Famous people with the last name Emilov

Among the notable individuals with the surname Emilov are:

1. Georgi Emilov (born 1946), a Bulgarian poet and dissident who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1982, but refused to travel to Sweden to accept it due to political reasons.

2. Dimitar Emilov (born 1957), a Bulgarian politician who served as the Minister of Health from 2014 to 2016 and again from 2017 to 2019.

3. Nikolay Emilov (1884-1940), a Bulgarian chemist known for his work in the field of organic chemistry, particularly in the synthesis of aromatic compounds. He was awarded the Davy Medal by the Royal Society in 1935.

4. Alexander Emilov (born 1983), a Russian professional footballer who currently plays as a midfielder for FC Spartak Moscow and the Russia national team.

These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields, ranging from literature and politics to science and sports.

Genealogical research on the last name Emilov

The surname Emilov originates from Eastern Europe, particularly Russia and Bulgaria. Variations such as Emilev, Emylov, and Aemilov can also be found. In Russia, Emilov is most prevalent in the regions of Tver, Novgorod, and Moscow due to historical migration patterns. In Bulgaria, it's common in areas like Varna, Ruse, and Plovdiv. The name is patronymic, derived from the first name "Emil" or "Aemilius", which means rival or emulous in Latin. Notable individuals bearing this surname include Russian poet Nikolay Emilev (1907-1985) and Bulgarian footballer Borislav Emilov (born 1986). The origin of the name can be traced back to the early Slavic tribes, suggesting a long and rich historical background.

Last name distribution maps

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NomOrigine Team
About the author :

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.

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