Last Name Goncharova

Learn more about the origin of the last name Goncharova

The meaning and origin of the last name Goncharova

The surname Goncharova is of Russian origin, derived from the masculine given name Gonchar, which means "hare" in Old Slavonic. It is an occupational name for someone who was a hare trapper or hunter, or a metonymic occupational name for a furrier or dealer in furs. The feminine form of this surname is Goncharova. The name's earliest records date back to the 17th century in Russia, with notable bearers including the Russian artist and writer Natalia Goncharova (1881-1962), who was a key figure in the development of Russian avant-garde art.

Geographical distribution of the last name Goncharova

Goncharova is a Russian surname primarily concentrated in Eastern Europe, particularly Russia and Ukraine. According to statistics from FamilySearch, one of the largest genealogical organizations, a significant number of Goncharovas reside in these countries. In Russia, it's most frequent in regions such as Moscow Oblast, Saint Petersburg, and the Volga Federal District. In Ukraine, it's particularly common in the Cherkasy, Dnipropetrovsk, Kharkiv, and Zaporizhia Oblasts. Goncharovas have also emigrated to other parts of the world, with a notable presence in the United States, Israel, Canada, and Australia, largely due to historical events like the Russian Revolution and World War II. In these diaspora communities, Goncharova is often spelled with variations such as Goncharov or Goncharoff, reflecting differences in transliteration from Cyrillic script to Latin.

Variants and spellings of the last name Goncharova

Goncharova is a Russian surname, and it has several variations and spellings in English due to differences in transliteration from the Cyrillic alphabet. Some common variations include Goncharov, Gontcharov, Gontscharow, Gontscharow, Gontsjaroof, Gontcharoff, Gontscharoff, Gontsjarow, Gontsjaroff, and others. These variations may arise from slight differences in pronunciation or phonetic transliterations of the original Russian spelling (Гончарова). It is important to note that the correct spelling can depend on the specific conventions used for transliterating Russian names into English, as well as regional differences and personal preferences.

Famous people with the last name Goncharova

Notable individuals with the surname Goncharova include Natalia Goncharova (1881-1962), a Russian painter and artist who played a significant role in the development of Russian avant-garde art during the early 20th century. She was a prominent member of the Jack of Diamonds, an artists' group that challenged traditional artistic norms in Russia. In addition to painting, Goncharova worked in various other media such as graphic design, theater sets, and costume designs. Her work is characterized by a fusion of Cubo-Futurism, Symbolism, and folk art elements. Another well-known figure with the surname Goncharova is Yelena Goncharova (1940-2016), a Soviet and Russian athlete who won two Olympic gold medals in synchronized swimming in 1968 and 1972, as well as numerous world championship titles. She was inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame in 1975.

Genealogical research on the last name Goncharova

The surname Goncharova originates from Russia and is predominantly found among Slavic populations. The name is derived from a diminutive form of the male given name Gonchar, which means "fox" in Old Russian. Historically, the name may have been given to someone who was considered cunning or clever, much like a fox.

Goncharova is believed to be a female variant of Goncharov, another common Russian surname. The first known records of the name date back to the 17th century in various regions of Russia. Some notable bearers of this surname include Wassily Kandinsky and Natalia Goncharova, both prominent Russian artists in the early 20th century.

The distribution of the name today reflects its Russian origin, with a significant concentration in Russia, as well as among Russian diaspora communities around the world. Variations of the surname, such as Goncharoff and Goncharovich, may also be found, particularly among immigrants from Russia.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "goncharova"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

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.
Last updated : 26 July 2025