Last Name Yakimov

The surname Yakimov (Якимов in Russian) is of Slavic origin and is common among ethnic Russians. It derives from a first name Yakim, which means "little John" or "John the Little" in Old Slavonic languages. This name was popularized by Saint John the Baptist, who was often referred to as "the little one". The diminutive suffix "-ov" is used in many Slavic countries to form a surname from a given name.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Yakimov

The meaning and origin of the last name Yakimov

The surname Yakimov is of Slavic origin, particularly prevalent among Eastern European populations such as Russians and Ukrainians. The name derives from the Old East Slavic word "yakim" meaning "baked," "burnt," or "tanned." This could have been an occupational surname for a baker or tanner, or possibly a geographical name for someone living near a bakehouse or a place with baked soil. Over time, variations in spelling and transliteration have led to numerous forms of the name, including Yakimovich, Yakimenko, and Yakimchuk, among others. The name first appeared during the Middle Ages as Russian feudalism developed, and has been widely distributed throughout Eastern Europe since then.

Geographical distribution of the last name Yakimov

The last name Yakimov is predominantly found in Russia, particularly within the northwestern regions such as Karelia, Komi Republic, Arkhangelsk Oblast, and Perm Krai. It also has significant presence in the Ural Mountains and Siberia. The highest concentration of Yakimov surnames can be found in the cities of Petrozavodsk, Syktyvkar, Vorkuta, Perm, and Yekaterinburg. Outside Russia, small numbers of individuals bearing the name Yakimov reside in countries with a large Russian diaspora, such as the United States, Canada, Germany, Israel, and Australia. The distribution pattern suggests that the name originated from the territories that were once part of the Grand Duchy of Moscow or the Russian Empire.

Variants and spellings of the last name Yakimov

The surname Yakimov has several spelling variations, primarily due to differences in transliteration from Cyrillic to Latin script and regional dialects. Some of these variants include: Yakimoff, Jakimow, Jakimoff, Yakymov, Iakymov, Iakimov, Yakymoff, Iakymoff, Yakymich, Yakimych, and Jakymich. These variations can also be found in different countries where the surname is prevalent, such as Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, and Poland. It's important to note that these variations may represent a single ancestral line or distinct lines, depending on migration patterns and localized linguistic influences over time.

Famous people with the last name Yakimov

Notable individuals with the surname Yakimov include Mikhail Yakimov (born 1984), a Russian professional ice hockey player who currently plays for HC Dinamo Minsk in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL). He has represented Russia at various international tournaments, including the World Junior Championships and the World Championships. Another significant figure is Alexei Yakimov (born 1962), a Soviet-Russian ice hockey player who played for teams such as Dynamo Moscow and the New York Rangers. He was part of the Soviet team that won gold at the 1984 Sarajevo Olympics and the 1983 Ice Hockey World Championship. Furthermore, Vladimir Yakimov (1907-2002) was a Russian Soviet mathematician and academician known for his work in probability theory and mathematical statistics.

Genealogical research on the last name Yakimov

The surname Yakimov has origins traced to Eastern Europe, primarily Russia and Ukraine. Historically, the name is associated with the Slavic tribes, particularly those inhabiting the regions of Kiev, Novgorod, and Moscow. The Yakimov family can be linked to the Rurik Dynasty through various records, indicating a noble lineage. The name "Yakimov" is derived from the occupational title "yakim", which means "blacksmith" in Slavic languages. Notable individuals bearing this surname include Yakov Yakimov, a 19th-century Russian composer, and Nikolai Yakimov, a renowned Russian archaeologist and ethnographer. Genealogical records suggest that the Yakimov family expanded and migrated across Europe during the Middle Ages and beyond, establishing various branches in different countries, such as Poland, Belarus, and Lithuania. The Yakimov name remains prevalent in Eastern European communities today.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Yakimov"
• 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 : 11 June 2025

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