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Last Name Zakharov

What is the origin of the last name Zakharov?

The last name "Zakharov" is of Russian origin. It is derived from the given name "Zakhar," which is the Russian form of the name "Zacharias" or "Zechariah." The name "Zakharov" literally means "son of Zakhar" in Russian. It is a common surname in Russia and other Eastern European countries.

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Learn more about the origin of the last name Zakharov

The meaning and origin of the last name Zakharov

The surname Zakharov is of Russian origin and is derived from the given name Zakhar, which means "the Lord remembers" in Russian. The name is a patronymic form and is used to indicate the son of someone named Zakhar. Patronymic surnames were common in Russia and other Slavic countries, where they were used to identify individuals by their father's first name. The name Zakharov can be traced back to ancient Russia, where it was used as a way to distinguish one individual from another within the community. Over time, the surname Zakharov spread and became more widespread, with many individuals adopting it as their family name. Today, the surname Zakharov is still commonly found in Russia and among Russian diaspora communities around the world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Zakharov

The last name Zakharov is primarily found in Russia and other countries with significant Russian populations. It is a common surname in countries that were part of the former Soviet Union, such as Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan. Outside of Russia and Eastern Europe, Zakharov can also be found in countries with Russian diaspora communities, including the United States, Germany, Canada, and Israel. Due to historical migration patterns and geopolitical influences, the surname Zakharov may also be present in other parts of the world, albeit in smaller numbers. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Zakharov reflects the cultural and historical ties of the Russian-speaking diaspora and the legacy of the Soviet era.

Variants and spellings of the last name Zakharov

The last name Zakharov can be spelled and written in a variety of ways, including Zhakharov, Zakharoff, Zhacharov, Zacharov, Zacarov, and Zacharow. These variations may be seen due to transliteration differences between the Cyrillic and Latin alphabets. In some cases, the "kh" sound in Zakharov may be represented by the letter "ch" or "x," leading to variations like Zacharov or Zacarov. Additionally, the ending of the last name may vary with different spellings such as Zakharoff or Zacharow. These variations in spelling can result from regional dialects or personal preferences when it comes to transliterating the name from Russian to English. Despite these different spellings, the name Zakharov remains a common and recognizable Russian surname.

Famous people with the last name Zakharov

One famous individual with the last name Zakharov is Andrei Zakharov, a Russian film director known for his work on the films "White Explosion" and "The Kite". Another prominent figure is Mikhail Zakharov, a former Soviet water polo player who won a gold medal at the 1980 Olympics. Irina Zakharova is a celebrated Russian ballerina who has performed with the Bolshoi Ballet. Oleg Zakharov is a well-known pianist and composer who has received critical acclaim for his work in contemporary classical music. Overall, the Zakharov family has produced talented individuals in various fields, from filmmaking to sports and music, leaving a lasting impact on the arts and entertainment industry.

Genealogical research on the last name Zakharov

The last name Zakharov is of Russian origin and is derived from the given name Zakhar, which means "God remembers" in Russian. The name Zakharov is a patronymic surname, meaning it is based on the father's name, in this case, Zakhar. This surname is particularly common among Russian and Ukrainian populations. Through genealogical research, one may find that individuals with the last name Zakharov can trace their ancestry back to Eastern European countries such as Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus. The Zakharov family may have a long and rich history, with ancestors who may have been involved in various occupations and trades, or who held positions of importance in their communities. Additionally, variations of the surname Zakharov may be found in different regions, such as Zakharova for females, or Zakharevich for descendants of a Zakhar.

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 : 11 April 2025

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