Last Name Orlovski

Learn more about the origin of the last name Orlovski

The meaning and origin of the last name Orlovski

The surname Orlovski is derived from the Slavic language, specifically Russian, where it means "of the eagle," referring to the bird. The name is an patronymic, formed by adding the diminutive suffix "-ov" to the masculine given name "Orlov," which translates to "eagle." Historically, surnames like Orlovski were often associated with noble or warrior classes in Eastern Europe, as they were a way of distinguishing individuals and tracing lineage. The name may have also been used by those who worked with or kept eagles for hunting purposes. Over time, variations such as Orlowski, Orlowsky, and others emerged due to differences in spelling and pronunciation as people migrated across borders.

Geographical distribution of the last name Orlovski

The surname Orlovski is predominantly found in Slavic countries, particularly in Russia and other former Soviet Union states such as Ukraine, Belarus, and Kazakhstan, due to its Slavic origin. It is also present in other Eastern European countries like Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Hungary, where it may be a result of historical migration or assimilation. In the United States, Canada, Australia, and other Western nations with significant Russian immigrant populations, Orlovski can also be found. However, its distribution is relatively concentrated compared to more common surnames, reflecting its Slavic ethnic origin.

Variants and spellings of the last name Orlovski

The surname Orlovski can have various spelling variations due to differences in transliteration from Cyrillic to Latin script, regional dialects, and individual preferences. Some common spelling variations of the surname Orlovski include Orlowski, Orolowski, Orlowskaya (female form), and other regional variations such as Orłowski in Polish and Орловски in Bulgarian. In some cases, the name may be hyphenated or combined with a first name to create a double-barreled name, such as Ivanovich-Orlovski or Petrovich-Orlovski. These spelling variations reflect the diverse history and migration patterns of individuals bearing this surname.

Famous people with the last name Orlovski

Alexander Orlovsky (1928-2019), an American businessman and philanthropist, was one of the best-known individuals with the surname Orlovsky. Born in Vienna, he emigrated to the United States as a child and built a successful career in real estate and finance. His philanthropic efforts focused on education, arts, and Jewish causes, including serving as a board member for several organizations such as the New York Public Library and The Jewish Museum.

Notably, his daughter, actress, and model Tziporah Salamon (born 1963), also known professionally as Tziporah Malkah, gained fame in Australia as a model and television personality. She has appeared on various reality shows and has been an advocate for body positivity and mental health awareness.

In Russia, Sergei Orlovsky (1925-2007) was a prominent literary scholar and translator. He translated many works from English into Russian, including those by James Joyce, William Faulkner, and Tennessee Williams. His translations contributed significantly to the popularization of modern Western literature in Russia.

Genealogical research on the last name Orlovski

Orlovski is an East Slavic surname of Russian origin, derived from various male given names with the diminutive suffix -ovsky or -ovski. Notable individuals with the surname include:

1. Pavel Orlovski (born 1946), a Russian actor and theater director.
2. Boris Orlovski (1897-1937), a Soviet politician who served as the People's Commissar for Agriculture of the RSFSR.
3. Alexander Orlovsky (1750-1831), a Russian diplomat, soldier, and adventurer who fought against Napoleon's army in Russia.
4. Andrei Orlovsky (born 1968), a Russian musician and member of the band Tequilajazzz.
5. Leonid Orlovski (1903-1972), a Soviet film director and screenwriter.

The Orlovski family is believed to have originated from the city of Orlov in Russia, with many members holding prominent positions in Russian society throughout history. The surname is relatively common in Eastern Europe and Russia today.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "orlovski"
• 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 : 27 July 2025