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Last Name Iliev

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What is the origin of the last name Iliev?

The surname Iliev originates from Bulgaria. It is a patronymic surname derived from the given name Ivan, which means "God is gracious" in Slavic languages. In this case, Iliev is a variant of Ivanov, a common Bulgarian surname for people named Ivan or their descendants. The ending "-ev" is a typical Slavic patronymic suffix indicating son or descendant of.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Iliev

The meaning and origin of the last name Iliev

The surname Iliev is of Slavic origin, specifically from Bulgaria, where it is one of the most common surnames. The name is derived from the personal name Ivan (John), which was extremely popular in Bulgaria and other Eastern European countries throughout history. The surname Iliev is a patronymic, meaning it indicates the son or descendant of someone named Ivan. Over time, different variations such as Ivanov, Ivankov, Iliev, etc., have emerged due to regional dialects and spellings adopted over centuries. It's important to note that names in Eastern Europe often change significantly when transliterated from Cyrillic to Latin scripts, contributing to the various forms of the name seen today.

Geographical distribution of the last name Iliev

The surname Iliev is predominantly of Bulgarian origin, reflecting its geographical distribution primarily within Bulgaria. However, due to migration and diaspora, variants of this name can also be found among Bulgarian communities residing in various parts of the world. Significant populations of Ilievs are present in neighboring countries like Romania, Moldova, Greece, and Turkey, as a result of historical ties and population movements. In North America and Western Europe, particularly in countries with larger Bulgarian immigrant populations such as Germany, Canada, the United States, and Australia, the surname Iliev can also be encountered. The global dissemination of the name reflects the broader migration patterns of Bulgarians over the last century.

Variants and spellings of the last name Iliev

The surname Iliev has several variations and spellings due to differences in translation, phonetic interpretation, and regional dialects. Some of these variations include Il'ev (Cyrillic), Iliev, Iljov, Ilievski, and Iliew. These variations may be found among people from Bulgaria, Russia, and other Slavic countries, as the name is of Slavic origin. The first name Ivan is often associated with this surname due to its common usage in combination, such as Ivan Il'ev or Ivan Iliev. However, it's essential to note that these variations may also be found among individuals with different ethnic and cultural backgrounds, given the worldwide migration and adoption of names over time.

Famous people with the last name Iliev

Notable individuals with the surname Iliev include:

1. Hristo Iliev (born 1972), a Bulgarian footballer who played as a defender for clubs such as Levski Sofia and CSKA Sofia, and represented the Bulgaria national team.

2. Boris Iliev (1868-1935), a Bulgarian painter known for his vivid landscapes and still lifes that captured the beauty of rural Bulgaria.

3. Plamen Iliev (born 1976), a Bulgarian football coach who has managed teams such as Lokomotiv Plovdiv and Levski Sofia, and coached the Bulgaria national team from 2020 to 2021.

4. Vladimir Iliev (born 1963), a Bulgarian writer and journalist, known for his investigative journalism and political satire.

5. Emil Ivanov Iliev (born 1987), a Bulgarian chess grandmaster who has won several international tournaments and represented Bulgaria at the Chess Olympiad.

Genealogical research on the last name Iliev

The Iliev surname is primarily of Slavic origin, particularly prevalent among Bulgarians and Macedonians. It is derived from the given name Ivan (John), which has been a popular name in these regions for centuries. This patronymic surname indicates that the original bearer was a son of Ivan or Yvan. The Iliev lineage can be traced back to medieval times, with significant migrations and population shifts influencing its distribution over time. In Bulgaria, the Iliev surname is found primarily in regions such as Plovdiv, Sofia, Varna, and Ruse. In Macedonia, it is commonly found in Skopje, Bitola, Ohrid, and Kumanovo. The Ilievs have made significant contributions to their respective societies in various fields, including politics, education, arts, and military service.

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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