NomOrigine Background

Last Name Lebedeff

What is the origin of the last name Lebedeff?

The surname Lebedeff has its roots in Eastern Europe, particularly Russia and Ukraine. It is an adaptation from a Slavic patronymic surname derived from the given name Lebed (Swan) or Lebyod (Eagle). In Russian, "-eff" is often added to Slavic surnames to soften their harshness when pronounced in Western languages. This variation may have originated among Russian immigrants who settled in other countries, especially during the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Unlock and discover the hidden secrets of the surname Lebedeff

Unlock the Secrets of Your Surname Now

For only 3.95 $, you get:

  • Full access for 7 days
  • Unlimited access to all name and surname profiles
  • High-quality Origin Certificate
  • Download: Keep a precious memory with your origins downloadable in PDF format.
  • Unlimited search
  • Ad-Free: Enjoy a smooth and uninterrupted user experience.
  • ✅ 15-Day Money-Back Satisfaction Guarantee!
Unlock the Secrets of Your Surname Now
🎁 Special offer today: 3.95 $ instead of 6.95 $
⏳ This exclusive offer expires in:

✅ 15-Day Money-Back Satisfaction Guarantee!

What our users say

“I discovered fascinating details about my family history. This service is amazing for tracing our roots!” - Jean D.

“This site strengthened our sense of family belonging by uncovering our origins. Highly recommended!” - Marie L.

“The information was detailed and accurate. I learned interesting facts about my ancestors. A must-have!” - Paul S.

✅ Join the 5,000+ people who have already discovered the fascinating history of their last name!

Discover my family history now

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What will I discover by exploring my last name?
Answer: You will discover the geographical origin, etymology, and unique history of your last name. You can also explore family traditions and historical events connected to it.

Question: How long does it take to access the information?
Answer: Once your payment is confirmed, access is instant. You can start exploring right away.

Question: Are the details about my last name accurate?
Answer: Our data comes from extensive research in reliable archives and historical databases. While we cannot guarantee 100% accuracy, we strive to provide the most complete and precise information possible.

Payment Information

or pay by card

By clicking 'Confirm my payment', you agree to our refund policy, accessible via this link: Refund Policy, as well as our cancellation policy accessible via this link: Cancellation Policy

Learn more about the origin of the last name Lebedeff

The meaning and origin of the last name Lebedeff

The surname Lebedeff is of Russian descent. It is an adjectival-turned-surname derived from the Russian word "lebed", which means 'swan'. This surname, like many Slavic names, was often bestowed upon someone who was likened to a swan due to some distinctive feature or trait they possessed. The suffix "-eff" is a Germanized form of the Russian "-ev", indicating the male descendant of someone with that name. The name Lebedeff first appeared in records during the late Middle Ages, around the 15th century, as the Slavic population was adopting more formal surnames. Over time, variations in spelling and transliteration have arisen due to factors such as regional dialects, migration, and changes in the language over centuries. Today, the Lebedeff surname is found primarily among Russian-speaking populations around the world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Lebedeff

The surname Lebedeff is primarily distributed across Eastern Europe, particularly in Russia and Ukraine. It originates from Old Slavic personal names such as Lebed (Swan) or Ljubodrag (Beloved by Dragons), suggesting an ancestral connection to the region. Smaller populations of individuals with this surname can also be found in Belarus, Moldova, and other former Soviet republics. In addition, there are Lebedeff families in countries with significant Russian or Ukrainian diaspora communities, such as the United States, Germany, Canada, Israel, Australia, and others. The distribution pattern reflects historical migration and settlement patterns of people from the region.

Variants and spellings of the last name Lebedeff

The surname Lebedeff has several variants and spellings, largely due to differences in transliteration from Cyrillic script to Latin. Some of these variants include Lebedev, Lebedef, Lebedeiff, Lebedoff, Lebadéf, Lebédaeff, Lebédéf, and Lebédeff among others. Each variation may have different pronunciations depending on the region or country where it is used. However, all these forms can be traced back to the Russian surname Lebedev, which is derived from the Slavic word "lebed", meaning swan. This surname is relatively common in Eastern Europe and Russia.

Famous people with the last name Lebedeff

Amongst individuals bearing the surname Lebedeff, three notable figures stand out:

1. Mikhail Dmitriyevich Lebedeff (1831-1904) was a Russian mathematician and mechanical engineer known for his work on the theory of elasticity, hydrodynamics, and theoretical mechanics. He served as a professor at St. Petersburg University, where he made significant contributions to mathematical physics.

2. Sergei Lebedev (1874-1934) was a Russian physicist who played a crucial role in the development of Soviet nuclear weapons. He is best remembered for his work on the Thomson effect and the development of early electron tubes, which laid the groundwork for modern electronics.

3. Valery Lebedev (born 1948) is a Russian theoretical physicist who has made significant contributions to particle physics, particularly in the field of quantum chromodynamics. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2008 for his work on the discovery of the Higgs boson.

These individuals have left indelible marks in their respective fields, demonstrating the intellectual prowess and scientific achievements associated with the Lebedeff surname.

Genealogical research on the last name Lebedeff

The last name Lebedeff originates from Eastern Europe, predominantly Russia and Ukraine. It is a patronymic surname derived from the given name Lebed (meaning swan in Russian). One of the earliest recorded instances of the surname is found in the 18th century in the Russian Empire. The Lebedeff family was of the noble class, with many members serving in various roles within the imperial government and military. Notable descendants include Mikhail Lebedeff, a celebrated playwright and novelist during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. As the family migrated and dispersed throughout Europe and later to the United States, various branches of the Lebedeff lineage emerged, maintaining their ancestral roots while adapting to new cultures and environments.

Last name distribution maps

Chargement de la carte...

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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 : 11 June 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below:

Similar Last Names

Leban (Last name)

surnames > leban

The last name Leban is of Slovenian origin, derived from the personal name Leban, which is of uncertain etymology. It is believed to be a variant of the name Lev, which means "lion...

Lebarky (Last name)

surnames > lebarky

The origin of the last name Lebarky is uncertain. It does not have a clear etymology or specific historical background associated with it.

Lebasse (Last name)

surnames > lebasse

The last name Lebasse is of French origin. It is derived from the Old French word "baise," which means a low-lying or shallow area. This surname likely originally referred to someo...

Lebbad (Last name)

surnames > lebbad

The surname "Lebbad" is of Arabic origin. It is derived from the Arabic word "leb", which means heart or center. The surname may have been originally given to someone who was consi...

Lebbeh (Last name)

surnames > lebbeh

The last name "Lebbeh" is of German origin. It is derived from the Middle High German word "lebbe," meaning "flame" or "torch." This surname may have originally been a nickname for...

Lebbi (Last name)

surnames > lebbi

The origin of the last name "Lebbi" is likely to be Berber in origin, as it is a common surname in North African countries such as Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia. The name may have ...

Lebbos (Last name)

surnames > lebbos

The origin of the last name "Lebbos" is likely Arab or Middle Eastern. The surname may be of Lebanese or Syrian origin, as it is similar to common surnames found in those regions. ...

Lebcir (Last name)

surnames > lebcir

The last name Lebcir may have Berber origins from North Africa, particularly from the Kabyle region of Algeria. The name may have derived from a Berber word or phrase, but its exac...

Lebdai (Last name)

surnames > lebdai

The last name "Lebdai" is of French origin. It may be derived from a place name or possess a local origin. Unfortunately, there is limited information available about the specific ...

Lebeau (Last name)

surnames > lebeau

The surname Lebeau (pronounced [ləboh]) has French origins. It is derived from the Old French term "le beau," which translates to "the beautiful" or "the handsome." Originally, it...

Lebed (Last name)

surnames > lebed

The surname "Lebed" is of Slavic origin, particularly among Eastern Slavs such as Russians, Ukrainians, and Belarusians. It derives from the word "лебедь" (lebed'), which mea...

Lebedenko (Last name)

surnames > lebedenko

The last name "Lebedenko" is of Russian origin. It is derived from the word "lebed," which means "swan" in Russian. The suffix "-enko" is a common suffix in Russian surnames, often...

Lebedev (Last name)

surnames > lebedev

The surname Lebedev (Лебедев) is of Slavic origin, specifically Russian. It derives from the word "lebed" which means swan in Russian. Surnames were often derived from occup...

Lebedeva (Last name)

surnames > lebedeva

The surname Lebedeva is of Russian origin. It is derived from the Russian word "lebed" which means "swan". The suffix "-eva" is a common feminine ending in Russian surnames, indica...

Lebel (Last name)

surnames > lebel

The surname "Lebel" is of French origin. It is derived from the Old French word "l'éveilleur," meaning "the awakener" or "wake-up call." This name was often given to someone who h...