Last Name Israilov

The surname Israilov has roots in various Slavic languages, primarily Russian and Ukrainian. It derives from the biblical name Israel, which means "he who strives with God." In these Slavic countries, the names ending in "-ov" or "-ovich" are patronymics, indicating that the name-bearer's father had a name ending in "-a" (for female names, the suffix is usually "-ova" or "-ovna"). For instance, if a person named Ivan (which means "God's gracious gift") had a son, the son might be named Israilov. This patronymic naming system is still commonly used in Russia and some other Eastern European countries today.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Israilov

The meaning and origin of the last name Israilov

The surname Israilov originates from Slavic ancestry, particularly in Eastern Europe, specifically Russia. The name is derived from the biblical name "Israel," which means "he who struggles with God" or "God rules." In Russian, "Israilov" translates to "descendant of Israel." This surname was likely given as a tribute to the patriarch Jacob (renamed Israel by God) or in honor of the ancient nation of Israel. Over time, various variations of the name have emerged due to transliteration and regional dialects, such as Israilev, Izrailov, or Isaakov among others. The surname Israilov is relatively common in Russia and other Slavic countries with a Jewish population due to historical Jewish migration patterns.

Geographical distribution of the last name Israilov

The surname Israilov is predominantly found in regions with historical ties to Russia and former Soviet Union countries. According to data from FamilyEducation, the highest concentration of individuals with this surname can be found in Russia, particularly within the North Caucasus region such as Dagestan, Chechnya, and Ingushetia due to their diverse ethnic makeup. The surname also appears frequently in other parts of Eastern Europe and Central Asia, including Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Ukraine, and Belarus. It is less common but still present in countries with significant Russian or Soviet diaspora populations such as the United States, Canada, Israel, and Germany.

Variants and spellings of the last name Israilov

The surname Israilov has several variations and spellings due to differences in transliteration and regional pronunciation. Some common variants include Isaakov, Izrailovich, Izaacov, Issakow, Isaakow, and Isachow. Additionally, there might be variations due to name changes or natural evolution over time. These include Isrealov, Israelev, and Israelew. It's essential to note that the correct spelling can depend on factors such as the language of origin (Russian, Hebrew, etc.) and historical period. Furthermore, the name may also be written differently in different countries or cultures due to their specific translation rules or phonetic systems.

Famous people with the last name Israilov

Alexander Israilov and Vladimir Israilov are two well-known individuals with the surname Israilov. Alexander Israilov, born in 1973, is a Russian chess grandmaster who became a World Blitz Chess Champion in 2014. He was also the European Individual Chess Championship winner in 2006 and has competed in numerous other championships throughout his career.

Vladimir Israilov, born in 1983, is an accomplished Russian violinist. He began playing at the age of four, and by the time he was seven, he had performed with several orchestras. In 1992, he became the youngest winner of the International Violin Competition of Indianapolis. Throughout his career, Vladimir Israilov has collaborated with renowned musicians such as Yo-Yo Ma and Itzhak Perlman.

Genealogical research on the last name Israilov

The Israilov surname originates from Russia, specifically in the Jewish communities of the Pale of Settlement. The name is a variant of Israel, biblical for "God contends" or "struggles," reflecting its Hebrew origins. In Russian, it can be transliterated as Исраилов, which is derived from the Hebrew name Yitzhak (Yisrael), meaning he laughs.

The Israilov family can trace their roots back to the 18th century, during the time of the Russian Empire when significant Jewish migration and settlement occurred in the area. The surname became widely distributed across Russia, with notable concentrations in cities such as Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Odessa.

Over time, members of the Israilov family migrated to other countries, particularly Israel and the United States, following historical events like World War II and the establishment of the State of Israel. Today, the name remains relatively uncommon outside of these communities but carries deep cultural significance for those who bear it.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "israilov"
• 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 : 30 July 2025

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