Last Name Kizilova

The surname Kizilova is of Russian origin. It is derived from a diminutive form of the female given name Kizila, which comes from the Turkic word "kızıl" meaning "red." This name may have been adopted by individuals who had Turkic or Tatar ancestry in Russia.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Kizilova

The meaning and origin of the last name Kizilova

The surname Kizilova is of Slavic origin, specifically Russian, with roots tracing back to the Middle Ages. "Kizil" in Russian means "red," likely referring to the family's association with something red or to a person with reddish hair or complexion. Surnames initially emerged in Europe during the High Middle Ages as part of a process to distinguish individuals within a community, and they were often derived from various attributes such as physical characteristics, occupation, or place of origin. Over time, these surnames became hereditary, forming distinct family lines. The spelling variations of Kizilova, such as Kizyloff, Kiziloff, and others, are a result of transliteration and phonetic changes over centuries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Kizilova

The surname Kizilova is predominantly of Russian origin and has its highest concentration within Russia. According to various sources, it is most frequently found in regions such as Tatarstan, Bashkortostan, Mari El, and Chuvashia – areas with significant populations of Tatars and other ethnic minorities. The surname also appears in Ukraine, Belarus, and Kazakhstan, reflecting the historical migration patterns of these ethnic groups. Additionally, some occurrences of Kizilova can be found in countries that once were part of the Soviet Union, such as Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. It is worth noting that this surname may also be spelled differently due to various transliteration methods, leading to its occasional appearance under alternative spellings in other parts of the world.

Variants and spellings of the last name Kizilova

The surname Kizilova has several variations and spellings due to differences in transliteration and local phonetics. Some common forms include Kiziloff, Kizilov, Kizilev, and Kizilova (which is the most accurate English transcription based on Russian orthography). These variations can arise from differences in spelling conventions, historical periods, or regional dialects. It's essential to note that the correct spelling may depend on specific cultural contexts or personal preferences of the individual bearing the name.

Famous people with the last name Kizilova

Notable individuals with the surname Kizilova include Anna Kuznetsova-Kizilova and Tatyana Kizilova. Anna Kuznetsova-Kizilova is a Russian journalist, known for her work at RIA Novosti, a state-owned news agency in Russia. She was one of the editors of the international department who resigned after the 2014 annexation of Crimea to protest against the actions of the Russian government. Tatyana Kizilova is a Russian human rights activist and journalist, currently serving as the executive director of the "Agora" human rights organization in Moscow. She has been recognized for her work on civil liberties and free speech issues in Russia. Both women have made significant contributions to their respective fields, earning recognition and respect within and beyond Russia.

Genealogical research on the last name Kizilova

The surname Kizilova originates from Russia and is primarily found in the Tatar and Bashkir ethnic communities. It is derived from the Tatar personal name "Qızıl" which means 'red' or 'vermilion.' The surname's formation reflects a common Slavic naming pattern whereby a given name is followed by the diminutive suffix "-ov" or "-ova." The Kizilovas, like many Russian families with Tatar ancestry, have a rich history dating back to the Mongol invasions in the 13th century. However, specific genealogical records are scarce due to historical events such as the Mongol conquest and the subsequent Tatar-Mongol invasion of Russia, which resulted in significant population shifts and loss of records. The Kizilova lineage is believed to have settled in various regions throughout Russia over time, with some branches moving to Central Asia during the 19th century due to geographical and religious factors.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "kizilova"
• 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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