What is the origin of the last name Kiseleva?

The surname Kiseleva is of Russian origin. It derives from a male given name "Kiselov" which is a diminutive form of the name "Nikolai" or "Nikita," both common names derived from the Greek name Nikolaos, meaning "victory of the people." Over time, the surname evolved into Kiseleva for females in Russia.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Kiseleva

The meaning and origin of the last name Kiseleva

The surname Kiseleva is a Russian patronymic derived from the male given name Kiselov, which has Slavic origins. The name Kiselov itself is derived from the word "kisloe," meaning sour or acidic in Russian, and was often given to children born during the souring of a batch of home-made wine or beer. Over time, the patronymic form Kiseleva evolved as a surname for females related to a man named Kiselov. In the Russian naming system, patronymics are formed by adding -ev/-evich for male descendants and -eva/-evna for female descendants to the father's given name. Thus, Kiseleva signifies that the woman is the daughter of a man named Kiselov or has the same last name due to being related through her father's lineage.

Geographical distribution of the last name Kiseleva

The surname Kiseleva is predominantly found in Russia and other former Soviet Union countries, reflecting its Slavic origins. According to various sources, it is one of the most common female-ending surnames in Russia. The name can be traced back to the Russian patronymic naming system, where it derives from the male given name Kiselev, which originated from the Old Slavonic term "kisy" meaning "handsome". The distribution of the surname Kiseleva outside Russia is relatively limited, with small populations in countries with large Russian diasporas such as Ukraine, Kazakhstan, and Israel. In these communities, the surname may have been passed down through emigration or adoption by converts to Russian Orthodoxy.

Variants and spellings of the last name Kiseleva

The surname Kiseleva has several variants and spellings due to differences in transliteration from Cyrillic to Latin script and regional pronunciations. Some of these include:

1. Kisileva
2. Kysel'eva
3. Kizyuleva
4. Kizyul'eva
5. Kisyul'eva
6. Kiselevskaia
7. Kiselyova
8. Kizil'eva
9. Kiziul'eva
10. Kizileva
11. Kisyel'eva

These variations may occur due to differences in the pronunciation of the Russian letter 'ё', which can be translated as 'yo', 'ye', or left untranslated, and the use of different vowel sounds. It is important to note that while these variations exist, the original spelling is Kiseleva.

Famous people with the last name Kiseleva

One of the most notable individuals with the surname Kiseleva is Tatiana Kiseleva (born 1962), a Russian journalist and television presenter who has worked for various Russian media outlets including Russia Today (RT). She is known for her talk show "Let's Get It Straight," where she discusses political and social issues. Another prominent figure is Elena Kiseleva (born 1957), a Russian politician who served as the Governor of Arkhangelsk Oblast from 2003 to 2018. She was also a member of the State Duma, the lower house of the Federal Assembly of Russia. Lastly, Maria Kiseleva (born 1984) is a Russian contemporary artist known for her large-scale installations that explore themes of memory, identity, and history. Her works have been exhibited internationally in museums and art institutions.

Genealogical research on the last name Kiseleva

The surname Kiseleva originates from Russia and is derived from the male given name Kiselov, which comes from the Russian word "kiseliya," meaning sour or tart. The term was originally used as a nickname for someone with a sour disposition or a sour-tasting food or drink. The surname Kiseleva emerged as a patronymic form, indicating the female offspring of a man named Kiselov.

The Kiseleva family can be traced back to the 16th century in Russia. They were primarily found in the regions of Tver, Yaroslavl, and Moscow. During the Soviet era, many members of the Kiseleva family migrated from rural areas to urban centers in search of better opportunities. The surname remains common in Russia today, with significant populations also found in other countries with a large Russian diaspora, such as the United States, Canada, and Israel.

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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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