Last Name Zlatev

The surname Zlatev is of Slavic origin and is derived from the Slavic masculine given name Zlatan, which means "golden" or "shining". This surname is common among Slavic peoples, particularly in Bulgaria and other Balkan countries. It is a relatively modern surname, having emerged during the Middle Ages as a way for individuals to distinguish themselves from others with the same given name.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Zlatev

The meaning and origin of the last name Zlatev

The surname Zlatev originates from Slavic roots and is predominantly found among South Slavic peoples, particularly in Bulgaria. The name is derived from the Old Slavic word "zlato" which means gold or golden. It is a patronymic surname, indicating that it was originally a descriptive name for someone associated with a person named Zlatko (a hypocoristic form of the name Zlatan, also meaning gold). The name Zlatev has been carried by notable figures in Bulgarian history, such as Nikola Zlatev, a prominent politician and writer during the late Ottoman period. It is also a common surname in contemporary Bulgaria, often found among various ethnic groups such as Bulgarians, Macedonians, and Serbians.

Geographical distribution of the last name Zlatev

The surname Zlatev is predominantly found in Eastern Europe, specifically in Bulgaria where it originates from. It is also present in neighboring countries such as Macedonia and Serbia, due to historical migrations and cultural exchange. A smaller number of individuals with the last name Zlatev can also be found in other parts of the world, particularly in countries with significant Bulgarian diaspora communities like Canada, Australia, Germany, and the United States. The distribution reflects both the historical roots of the surname as well as contemporary migration patterns.

Variants and spellings of the last name Zlatev

The surname Zlatev can have various spellings due to differences in transliteration and regional variants. Here are some common variations:

1. Zlatev - This is the most common spelling, originating from Bulgaria where it is a patronymic derived from the given name Zlatan, meaning 'golden' in Slavic languages.
2. Zlatic - A Serbian variant that transliterates the original Bulgarian name more closely to the Cyrillic alphabet. This form means 'son of Zlatan.'
3. Zlatech - A Czech variant, derived from the Slovak spelling of the name. In this case, it also means 'son of Zlatan.'
4. Zlatov - A Russian variant that reflects the Russian pronunciation and transliteration of the Bulgarian surname.
5. Zlaticz - This is an alternative spelling found in some Western countries, where double consonants are sometimes added to accommodate English language conventions.
6. Slatov (Слатов) - A Macedonian variant, derived from the local pronunciation of the Bulgarian name, which means 'from Slato,' a town named after Zlatan in ancient times.
7. Zlataj (Златај) - Another Macedonian variant, meaning 'golden' or 'rich.' This may be an alternative spelling for individuals with the given name Zlatan.
8. Zlatich (or Zlatitch) - A Croatian and Slovak variant that transliterates the original Bulgarian name more closely to their respective alphabets, meaning 'son of Zlatan.'

Famous people with the last name Zlatev

Notable individuals with the surname Zlatev include:

1. Dimitar Berbatov (born 1981), a Bulgarian professional footballer who played as a striker for clubs such as Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, and Fulham, among others. He also represented the Bulgarian national team.

2. Veselin Topalov (born 1975), a Bulgarian chess grandmaster and a former World Chess Champion. He has been ranked world No. 1 in classical chess on several occasions.

3. Hristo Zlatev Stoichkov (born 1966), commonly known as Stoichkov, is a retired Bulgarian professional footballer who played as a forward. He was part of the "Dream Team" that won the gold medal in football at the 1992 Summer Olympics and also played for Barcelona where he helped the club win four consecutive La Liga titles.

4. Ivan Zlatev (born 1975), a Bulgarian long-distance runner who competed in the men's 3000 meter steeplechase at the 2000 Summer Olympics.

These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields, particularly in sports and chess.

Genealogical research on the last name Zlatev

The Zlatev surname originates from the South Slavic region, specifically Bulgaria, where it is derived from the given name Zlatko, meaning "golden." This name has been used as a patronymic or occupational name for someone associated with goldsmithing.

In Bulgarian history, the Zlatev family played significant roles, particularly during the Ottoman rule. Notable members include Petar Zlatev, a revolutionary who participated in the April Uprising of 1876 against Ottoman oppression, and Stefan Zlatarev, a key figure in the Bulgarian National Liberation Movement.

The Zlatevs also migrated to other parts of Europe and North America, particularly during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In many cases, they assimilated into their new societies while maintaining elements of their cultural heritage. Today, descendants of the Zlatev family can be found worldwide, with a significant presence in countries such as Canada, the United States, Australia, and New Zealand.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "zlatev"
• 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 : 29 July 2025

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