Last Name Rusinova

The surname Rusinova is of Slavic origin and is derived from the male given name Rusin or Rusev, which means "Little Rus" or "Russian" in Slavic languages. In Central and Eastern Europe, it was common for a female to take her father's surname, thus the feminine form Rusinova would have been formed by adding the suffix -ova, which is commonly used to form feminine surnames in many Slavic languages such as Czech, Polish, Slovak, and Russian. The name Rusinova is most common among people from Central Europe, particularly those of Czech or Slovak descent.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Rusinova

The meaning and origin of the last name Rusinova

The surname Rusinova is of Slavic origin, particularly associated with Czechoslovakia (now the Czech Republic and Slovakia) and other Eastern European countries. It is derived from the male given name Rusin, which comes from the Old Russian word "Rus" or "Russ," meaning "from Russia." Over time, this name was feminized to create the surname Rusinova. This surname likely originated among individuals who had connections with or migrated from Russia. In some cases, it might have been used as a nickname for someone perceived to have characteristics associated with Russians, such as strength and bravery. However, the exact origins of any specific Rusinova family may vary due to factors like regional dialects, historical events, and personal circumstances.

Geographical distribution of the last name Rusinova

The surname Rusinova is predominantly found in Eastern Europe, particularly within Slovakia and the Czech Republic, where it originated. It is derived from the male name Rusin, which means Little Ruthenian or Little Russian, and was often given to people from regions that were once part of the Grand Duchy of Moscow or Kievan Rus'. Over time, it has evolved into a distinctive Slovak and Czech surname. While its frequency varies across regions, it remains relatively common in certain areas of these countries, reflecting its historical roots and cultural significance.

Variants and spellings of the last name Rusinova

The last name Rusinova has several variations and spelling adaptations, largely due to differences in transliteration, regional dialects, and changes over time. Some of these variants include: Rusinov, Rusynova, Ruzinova, Ruzinova, and Ruzinov (male variant). Additionally, there may be slight variations depending on the country or language, such as Russian Cyrillic transliterations like Рузинова, Рузинов, Русинова, or Русинов. It is important to note that surnames can also be influenced by local customs and traditions, leading to further variants and spellings of Rusinova.

Famous people with the last name Rusinova

Notable individuals with the surname Rusinova include:

1. Zuzana Rusinová (born 1983), a Slovak handball player who competed at the 2004 Summer Olympics and won a silver medal at the 2007 World Women's Handball Championship.

2. Hana Rusinova (born 1965), a Czech-American mathematician specializing in number theory, specifically modular forms, and algebraic geometry. She is a professor of mathematics at Purdue University.

3. Jitka Rusinová (born 1948), a Czech singer who won the Eurovision Song Contest 1968 for Czechoslovakia with the song "Jezinky".

4. Iva Rusinova (born 1975), a Bulgarian actress, best known for her role as Dara in the TV series The Bridge (2013-2020).

5. Anna Rusinová (born 1988), a Slovak ice hockey player who won silver at the 2014 Winter Olympics and gold at the 2012 IIHF Women's World Championship.

Genealogical research on the last name Rusinova

The Rusinova surname is predominantly of Slavic origin, specifically from the region that includes present-day Czech Republic and Slovakia. The name is derived from the male given name Rus, which is a diminutive of Russian or Ruso, meaning "from Russia" in Slavic languages. Over time, this surname has been spelled variously as Rusinova, Růžinová, Ružinová, and other variations due to differences in transcription and translation conventions.

The Rusinovas are believed to have migrated from Russia into the Czech and Slovak lands during the Middle Ages, likely driven by economic or political reasons. The family name would have been passed down through male descendants, with women taking on their husband's surname upon marriage in traditional Slavic cultures.

In terms of notable individuals bearing this surname, there are several Rusinovas who made significant contributions to the fields of science, art, and politics. For instance, Milena Rusínová (1901-1942) was a Czech playwright and actress known for her work in the theatre. Additionally, Jana Rusinová (born 1968) is a Slovak poet and author who has published numerous works of poetry and prose. These examples serve as testament to the family's rich cultural heritage and contributions throughout history.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "rusinova"
• 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 : 25 July 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends