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Last Name Tihonova

What is the origin of the last name Tihonova?

The surname Tihonova originates from Russia. It is derived from the given name Tikhon, which means "thankful" in Russian. In this case, the suffix "-ova" indicates that it is a female surname. The -ova suffix is common in Slavic and Eastern European countries for female names.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Tihonova

The meaning and origin of the last name Tihonova

The surname Tihonova is a Russian name derived from a given name, specifically "Tihon." In Russian, Tihon (Тихон) is a masculine name that means 'peaceful' or 'quiet'. It originates from the Greek word 'takhys', which means 'slow.'

In the context of surnames, the -ova ending is common in Slavic languages and typically indicates female lineage. Therefore, Tihonova is a feminine Russian surname that was likely given to women who were descended from men named Tihon. The name's origin dates back to ancient times, with variations of the name appearing in different cultures and languages throughout history. In Russia, the name Tihon became more common during the 19th century, as it gained popularity due to religious figures with this name, such as Saint Tikhon of Zadonsk.

Geographical distribution of the last name Tihonova

Tihonova is predominantly a Russian surname, reflecting its origins from the Slavic language. According to various sources, it is most frequently found in Russia, particularly in regions such as Central Russia (Moscow and surrounding areas), Northwestern Russia (Saint Petersburg), the Ural region, Siberia, and other parts of the Russian Federation. The name also appears with lower frequency among the Russian diaspora, primarily in countries that were once part of the Soviet Union or have significant Russian immigrant populations, such as Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Belarus, and some European countries like Germany, France, and the United States.

Variants and spellings of the last name Tihonova

The surname Tihonova has several variants and alternate spellings due to transliteration from the Cyrillic alphabet used in Russian language to the Latin alphabet commonly used in English. Some of these variations include Tyhonova, Tihonov, Tihonoff, Tihonovich, Tihonova-Yakovleva, and Tykhonova. These differences arise from factors such as regional dialects, personal preference, or errors during transcription. It's essential to note that each variation might be more common in specific geographical locations, immigration waves, or family lineages. However, the most widely recognized and accepted spelling in English is Tihonova.

Famous people with the last name Tihonova

Notable individuals with the surname Tihonova include:

1. Elena Tihonova (born 1947), a Russian politician who served as the Chief of Staff of the President of Russia from 2008 to 2011. She was previously a deputy of the State Duma, the lower house of the Federal Assembly of Russia.

2. Anna Tihonova (born 1964), a Russian actress known for her roles in films such as "Moscow Does Not Believe in Tears" and "The Adjutant of His Excellency". She has won several awards, including the Golden Eagle Award and the Nika Award.

3. Natalia Tihonova (born 1987), a Russian tennis player who peaked at number 250 in the WTA rankings in singles. She is also a former junior World No. 1 in doubles, winning several Grand Slam titles in that category.

4. Mariya Tihonova (born 1993), a Russian rhythmic gymnast who won a bronze medal at the 2016 Summer Olympics as part of the Russian team. She is also a four-time European champion and a three-time World Cup series winner.

These women have made significant contributions in various fields such as politics, acting, tennis, and rhythmic gymnastics.

Genealogical research on the last name Tihonova

The surname Tihonova is a Russian variation derived from the given name Tikhon, which means "thankful" or "grateful." This patronymic surname indicates that the original bearer was a male descendant of a man named Tikhon. Historically common in Slavic countries, patronymic surnames evolved as an identification system to distinguish family members from neighboring clans. The Tihonova lineage can be traced back to medieval Russia, where records show that the name was predominantly concentrated in regions such as Moscow and surrounding areas due to historical migrations and political events during that period. Notable individuals with the surname Tihonova include Russian actresses like Anna Tihanova and Galina Tikhovna Tikhonova. Genealogical research indicates that the Tihonova lineage is part of a larger group of Russian families with similar Slavic roots, reflecting the historical cultural and linguistic homogeneity within medieval Russia.

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 : 26 July 2025

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