Popov

The surname Popov is of Russian and Bulgarian origin, derived from the Russian word "поп" (pop) and the Bulgarian word "поп" (pop), both of which mean "priest." The name likely originated as a descriptive name for a person associated with the clergy or someone who worked for a priest.

Distribution and Migration

The surname Popov is commonly found in Russia, Bulgaria, and other countries with Slavic populations. Due to historical migrations and political changes, individuals with the surname Popov can also be found in various parts of the world, including the United Kingdom.

Notable Individuals

  • Alexander Popov (born 1971): Russian former swimmer and Olympic champion.
  • Anatoly Popov (born 1964): Russian cosmonaut who flew on two space missions.
  • Vladimir Popov (born 1940): Russian economist and academic.

Variants

Variants of the surname Popov include Popoff and Popovitch.

References

  • Reaney, P. H., & Wilson, R. M. (2006). A Dictionary of English Surnames. Oxford University Press.
  • Hanks, P., Coates, R., & McClure, P. (2016). The Oxford Dictionary of Family Names in Britain and Ireland. Oxford University Press.

There are approximately 391 people named Popov in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around six in a million people in Britain are named Popov.

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Alexander
  • George
  • Georgi
  • Igor
  • Ivan
  • Petar
  • Sergey
  • Stefan
  • Tihomir
  • Valeri
  • Viktor
  • Vladimir

Female

  • Angel
  • Audrey
  • Daniela
  • Dena
  • Jane
  • Marina
  • Olga
  • Svetlana
  • Toni
  • Valerie

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.

BritishSurnames.uk is a Good Stuff website.