What is the origin of the last name Kiselov?

The surname Kiselov is believed to have origins in Russia and Ukraine. It is derived from a Slavic personal name "Kisel", meaning "sour" or "acid". In some cases, it could also be associated with the occupational name for a brewer or vinegar maker. However, like many surnames, its exact origin can vary based on individual family histories and migration patterns.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Kiselov

The meaning and origin of the last name Kiselov

The surname Kiselov originates from Russia and is derived from an occupational or residential name for someone who was a maker or seller of kisel, a popular Slavic drink made from fruit, berries, or other plant matter that has been boiled and sweetened. The word "kisel" comes from the Old East Slavic language and means "sour." Over time, this surname has various spellings such as Kiselev, Kyselov, or Kiseliov due to transliteration and regional variations. It is most commonly found in regions of Russia that were once part of the Grand Duchy of Moscow and later the Russian Empire.

Geographical distribution of the last name Kiselov

The surname Kiselov is primarily distributed across Eastern Europe, particularly within Russia and Ukraine. According to various genealogical databases, it's one of the most common surnames in both countries. In Russia, the highest concentration of individuals with the surname Kiselov can be found in the Central Federal District, specifically in cities such as Moscow, Tver, and Yaroslavl. In Ukraine, Kiselov is particularly prevalent in the eastern regions, including Kharkiv, Donetsk, and Luhansk. The surname also has a presence in Belarus, Kazakhstan, and other former Soviet Union countries due to historical migrations and cultural exchanges.

Variants and spellings of the last name Kiselov

The last name Kiselov has several variants and spellings due to differences in transliteration and regional pronunciation. Some common variations include Kisilov, Kyselov, Kiselev, Kizelov, and Kyselev. These variations may arise from differences in the Cyrillic alphabet used in Russian and Eastern European languages, as well as variations in transliteration methods over time. It is essential to note that these variations might lead to confusion when searching for records or documents related to individuals with this surname. The original Russian spelling of the name is Киселов (Kisełov), pronounced [kʲiˈsɛləf] in Modern Russian.

Famous people with the last name Kiselov

Alexander Kiselov is a Russian former ice hockey player who won two Olympic gold medals as part of the Soviet Union national team at the 1984 Sarajevo and 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics. He also won four World Championship titles in 1983, 1986, 1989, and 1990, and two European Championships in 1985 and 1987. Kiselov played for HC Dynamo Moscow from 1979 to 1992, where he was a four-time Soviet Champion (1980, 1981, 1983, 1986) and a two-time European Champion (1981, 1984). He is regarded as one of the greatest ice hockey players in history. In addition to his sports career, Kiselov also works as a commentator for Russian television. Another notable figure with the last name Kiselov is Yuri Kiselov, a Russian politician who served as Minister of Natural Resources and Environment from 2004 to 2008 and as Deputy Prime Minister of Russia from 2008 to 2012.

Genealogical research on the last name Kiselov

The surname Kiselov is of Russian origin, derived from the occupational name for a maker or seller of vinegar, known as 'kisel' in Russian. The name has its roots traced back to the Middle Ages, particularly during the expansion of the Grand Duchy of Moscow. Early records show that the Kiselov family was prevalent in regions such as Tver and Yaroslavl, which were significant centers for vinegar production. Notable individuals with the surname include Ivan Kiselov, a 19th-century Russian painter, and Sergei Kiselgov, a contemporary Russian actor. The name has also spread globally due to migrations in the 20th century, particularly to countries like the United States and Germany.

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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