Last Name Kulak

Learn more about the origin of the last name Kulak

The meaning and origin of the last name Kulak

The surname Kulak originates from Slavic-speaking regions, particularly in Eastern Europe, specifically Russia and Ukraine. The name is derived from the word "kulak," which means "fist" or "handful." In historical context, the term was used to refer to wealthy peasants who owned more land than average during the late Tsarist Russia and early Soviet periods. The use of this surname as a label for the wealthy peasants evolved into a pejorative term, signifying oppressors by the Soviet regime, due to their perceived opposition to the collectivization of agriculture. The name Kulak has since become a common surname in various parts of Eastern Europe and Russia, though its original association with wealth and power remains part of its historical context.

Geographical distribution of the last name Kulak

The surname Kulak has a significant presence in Eastern Europe, particularly in Ukraine and Russia. It is one of the most common surnames in these regions, due to its historical roots dating back to the medieval period. The name is derived from the Russian word "kulak," which originally referred to a type of peasant who was relatively wealthy and owned more land than his peers. Over time, the term took on a derogatory connotation during the Soviet era, where the term "kulaks" was used to describe wealthy peasants targeted for persecution by the Communist regime. Today, the surname Kulak can also be found in various diaspora communities, particularly in countries with significant populations of Ukrainian and Russian immigrants such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and Western Europe.

Variants and spellings of the last name Kulak

The surname Kulak has several variations and spellings, primarily due to transliteration from Cyrillic to Latin script. Here are some of the common versions:

1. Kulak - This is the most common spelling and originates from Ukraine, Belarus, and Russia.
2. Koulak - A slightly altered form of Kulak, used in French-speaking regions.
3. Kolak - An alternate spelling found among individuals who have simplified their name or have encountered variations during migration.
4. Kułak - The Polish form of the surname, resulting from different transliteration methods.
5. Kulich/Kulyk - These are more specific regional forms found in parts of Ukraine and Belarus.
6. Koljak - A variant found among some Russian-speaking immigrants to North America.
7. Koulakh - An archaic or less common spelling of the surname, still used by some families.

Famous people with the last name Kulak

Notable individuals with the surname Kulak include:

1. Pavel Kulak (born 1987), a Russian professional ice hockey player who currently plays for Metallurg Magnitogorsk in the Kontinental Hockey League.
2. Mikhail Kulak (born 1994), a Russian ice dancer. He is the 2013 World Junior champion and has competed with partner Ksenia Monko since 2008.
3. Leon Trotsky (real name Lev Bronstein, adopted the surname Kulak from his mother's maiden name) was a Russian Marxist revolutionary, Soviet politician, and philosopher who was one of the founders of Soviet Russia and served as its commissar for foreign affairs and as the Red Army's first commissar of war.
4. Alexander Kulak (born 1958), a Russian-American mathematician known for his work in differential geometry, algebraic topology, and string theory.
5. Sergey Kulak (born 1968), a Russian entrepreneur who co-founded Yandex, one of the largest internet companies in Europe by market value.

These individuals have made significant contributions across various fields, including sports, politics, mathematics, and business.

Genealogical research on the last name Kulak

The surname Kulak originates from Slavic roots, specifically within Eastern European countries like Ukraine and Russia. It is derived from the word "kula" meaning "hut" or "cottage," suggesting an occupational name for someone who lived in a small hut or was a peasant farmer. The Kulaks emerged as a socio-economic group in Russia during the 16th and 17th centuries, primarily engaged in agriculture and trading activities. They were relatively wealthy compared to other peasants and played a significant role in the agricultural economy of the region. However, they faced persecution during the Soviet era due to their perceived opposition to collectivization policies, leading to mass arrests and deportations. Today, there are numerous Kulak descendants worldwide, with significant populations outside of Russia and Ukraine due to historical migrations.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Kulak"
• 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 : 28 July 2025