Last Name Ushakova

The surname Ushakova is of Russian origin. It is derived from a male given name, Ushakov, which means "from the place named Ushakovo." The name Ushakovo is believed to be derived from the Old Slavic words "ushat" meaning "goose" and "-ov" denoting the possessive form, indicating that the original bearer lived near a place named for geese. Over time, this surname spread throughout Russia and has various spellings in different regions and historical periods.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Ushakova

The meaning and origin of the last name Ushakova

The surname Ushakova is of Russian origin, derived from a patronymic form, indicating that it originated as a name for a son or daughter of a man named Usha. The given name Usha itself has Slavic roots and can be traced back to the Old East Slavic language. It is believed to have meant "little bear" or "bright one," as Usha is the diminutive form of the word uss, which means "bear." Over time, the surname Ushakova has been distributed across various regions within Russia and other parts of the world due to migration and historical events. It is a relatively common surname in present-day Russia.

Geographical distribution of the last name Ushakova

The surname Ushakova is predominantly found in Russia, particularly in regions such as Moscow Oblast, Tatarstan, and Chechnya. It has also been reported in other parts of the former Soviet Union, including Ukraine and Kazakhstan. This last name is a patronymic derived from the feminine form of the Russian given name Ushak, which means "eagle" or "falcon." The distribution of the surname Ushakova mirrors the historical migration patterns of Russian speakers, with many descendants of this lineage living in various parts of Eastern Europe and Central Asia today.

Variants and spellings of the last name Ushakova

Ushakova is a Russian surname that has several variants and spelling modifications due to transliteration from the Cyrillic alphabet into the Latin one. The most common English variations include Usakov, Ushakov, Ushakoff, and Ushakow. These differences arise from changes in pronunciation over time, as well as regional differences in how names are spelled when they are translated into English. Additionally, some people may intentionally change the spelling of their surname to make it more easily understood or pronounced in an English-speaking context. Regardless of the specific spelling, all variations are ultimately derived from the original Russian name Ушакова (Ushakova).

Famous people with the last name Ushakova

Notable individuals with the surname Ushakova include:

1. Elena Ushakova (born 1963), a Russian actress known for her roles in films such as "The Irony of Fate" and "The Master and Margarita."
2. Kira Ushakova (born 1984), a Russian volleyball player who won gold medals at the 2008 and 2012 Summer Olympics.
3. Nadezhda Ushakova (born 1965), a Russian musician, composer, and pianist, who has released several albums of classical music.
4. Natalia Ushakova (born 1978), a Russian television host, actress, and model, known for her work on shows such as "Dancing with the Stars" and "The Voice."
5. Tamara Ushakova (1932-1997), a Soviet and Russian archaeologist who made significant contributions to the study of ancient Greece, particularly the city of Olympia.
6. Yelena Ushakova (born 1986), a Russian professional tennis player who has won several WTA titles.

Genealogical research on the last name Ushakova

The surname Ushakova originates from Russia and is derived from the male given name Ushakov. It is a patronymic surname, indicating that it was formed by adding the diminutive suffix "-ov" to the name of the father.

The earliest recorded occurrence of the Ushakova surname can be traced back to the 16th century in the region of Novgorod, Russia. The name spread throughout Russia and other Slavic countries as a result of migration and assimilation of various ethnic groups.

Notable individuals with the surname Ushakova include Anna Ushakova, a Russian actress known for her roles in films such as "The Ninth Company" and "The Edge"; and Svetlana Ushakova, a Russian gymnast who competed at the 2012 London Olympics.

Today, the surname Ushakova is most common in Russia, but it can also be found in other countries with large Russian populations such as the United States, Germany, and Australia. Genealogical research on this surname is ongoing and continues to reveal new information about its origins and historical significance.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "ushakova"
• 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 : 30 July 2025

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