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Last Name Orechowa

What is the origin of the last name Orechowa?

The surname Orechova is of Slavic origin, specifically from Eastern and Central Europe. It is derived from a variety of place names containing the element 'Orekh' which means 'nut' or 'walnut tree' in Russian and Ukrainian languages. This name could have been originally occupational for someone who lived near a walnut grove, or topographical, referring to a settlement near such a place. Variations of this surname can be found in multiple Slavic countries, including Russia, Ukraine, and Poland.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Orechowa

The meaning and origin of the last name Orechowa

The surname Orechova is of Russian origin, derived from various place names that have 'Orekh' as a common element, which means 'nut grove' or 'walnut tree' in Russian. One such location is the town of Orekhovo-Zuevo in Moscow Oblast, Russia. The surname may have been originally associated with inhabitants from these locations. Over time, the spelling and pronunciation of the name might have evolved due to factors such as migration, assimilation, or transcribing errors. In a broader context, Slavic surnames generally developed after Christianization, in the Middle Ages, as part of serfdom reforms when peasants were required to adopt permanent surnames for taxation and administrative purposes.

Geographical distribution of the last name Orechowa

The surname Orechova is predominantly distributed in Eastern Europe, particularly in Ukraine and Russia. According to various genealogical sources, it originates from the Russian word "орех" (orekh), which means "nut". This suggests that the surname may have been occupational or topographical, referring to a person who worked with nuts or lived near a nut-producing area. Outside of Ukraine and Russia, smaller populations of Orechova bearers can be found in other parts of Europe, such as Germany, Poland, and Belarus, likely due to migration or assimilation over centuries. Additionally, there are also instances of the surname in North America, where it has been brought by immigrants from Eastern Europe.

Variants and spellings of the last name Orechowa

The surname Orechowa can be found with various spellings and variations due to differences in transliteration and local phonetic interpretations. Some common versions include:

1. Orekhova (Cyrillic: Орехова) - this is the most commonly used Russian spelling.
2. Orechoff (Ореховф), Orechov (Орехов), and Orechow (Орехоу) are less common but also valid Russian spellings.
3. In English transcriptions, it might be written as: Orechova, Orechof, Orechov, or Orechow, depending on the specific conventions used for transcribing Cyrillic names into the Latin alphabet.
4. Other possible variations include Orechoffe, Orechove, and Orechowe, which may be found in different contexts or translations of Russian texts.

Famous people with the last name Orechowa

The Orechowas are a notable Russian family known for their contributions to various fields such as acting, music, and politics. One of the most recognized members is Chulpan Khamatovna Martynova-Orekhova, a prominent Russian actress who has received multiple awards for her work in cinema and theater. Another well-known figure is the former Russian politician Viktor Petrovich Orekhov, who served as a deputy of four convocations of the State Duma of Russia from 1993 to 2016. In the realm of music, Dmitry Orechov is a renowned composer and conductor, best known for his work in orchestral music and ballet. Furthermore, Nikolai Orekhov, a Soviet scientist and academician, made significant contributions to mathematics and computer science, particularly in the field of numerical analysis.

Genealogical research on the last name Orechowa

The Orechowa surname is of Russian origin and is believed to have derived from various geographical locations or occupations, such as 'Orekhovo', which translates to 'nut town' or 'village with nut trees', or 'Orekhovets', a diminutive form meaning 'little nut town'. The name was initially found in the Novgorod and Vladimir regions of Russia. Notable figures with the surname Orechowa include Russian actress Chulpan Khamatova and her brother Timur, both known for their contributions to the Russian film industry. The Orechowas are also a prominent family in Belarusian politics, with Viktar Orechov serving as Prime Minister of Belarus from 2006 to 2010.

Last name distribution maps

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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 : 30 July 2025

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