Russian last names have evolved similarly to last names elsewhere - the names or nicknames ancestors were called by eventually determined the family name that person's descendants would use. For example, some Russian last names are derived from the first names of their ancestors (Antonov or Antonova is derived from the first name Anton) and others are derived from nouns or nicknames (Medvedev or Medvedeva is derived from the word medved, the Russian word for bear).
The ending on Russian last names depends upon the gender of the person. Female last names are given the feminine ending, a.
More Russian Culture Monday
Comments
No comments yet. Leave a Comment