Surname Semyonova - Meaning and Origin

Semyonova: What does the surname Semyonova mean?

The last name Semyonova is a Russian patronymic surname derived from a masculine given name Semyon. Patronymic surnames are derived from the name of the father of the bearer; in this case, it is derived from the given name Semyon. The Russian language and culture is rooted in a tradition of patronymic naming and so the last name of Semyonova has a long history. In some cases, it may even ultimately derive from the Hebrew name Simyon, which means "God has heard".

Generally speaking, those bearing the Russian last name Semyonova are often members of Orthodox Christianity in particular, since that religion was heavily adopted in the nation of Russia. Russia had a very powerful influence on the culture and religion of its citizens from the tenth century up to the modern day. This influence is still seen when examining the last name Semyonova.

The word Semyonova is most likely a feminine form of the name Semyon, and is found as a family name in large numbers throughout Russia, including regions such as Ukraine, Belarus, and Kazakhstan. It is believed that the name is derived from the Greek term semi meaning “half” and the Russian term Don meaning “faith”, implying a strong religious conviction.

All in all, those bearing the last name Semyonova can trace their heritage to the Russian nation and culture, finding their first use of the past name being derived from the Christian faith and Orthodoxy. The name has a long and proud history of being used throughout Russia and the former Soviet Union for generations, and offers an identity that is strongly linked to the Russian culture and Orthodox Christianity.

Semyonova: Where does the name Semyonova come from?

The last name Semyonova is most common in Russia and other former Soviet republics, particularly Belarus, Ukraine, Latvia, and Lithuania. It is derived from the given name Semyon and typically associated with the Russian Orthodox Church as many of the Semyonovs took on this name when converting to Orthodoxy. In addition, some Semyonovs adopted the name from Cossacks or the military.

Outside of the former Soviet republics, the surname Semyonova is also somewhat common in other Slavic countries such as Poland, Serbia, Croatia, Bulgaria, and Macedonia. It can also be found in large numbers in the United States, where it is most common in large cities with a substantial population of Russian immigrants.

Overall, the popularity of this surname has steadily decreased in frequency over the past hundred years. In 2011, the last name Semyonova was ranked 4375th among the most common surnames in Russia. It continues to be found in smaller numbers throughout neighboring Slavic countries and in substantial numbers among Russian communities in the United States.

Variations of the surname Semyonova

The surnames Semyonova or Semyonov (feminine and masculine, respectively), are derived from the given name Semyon and are of Russian origin. It is historically derived from the Christian name Semyon (sometimes spelled Simon or Symon) which is derived from the Hebrew Shelomoh (שלמה) meaning peace.

Variations of Semyonova include Semyonoff, Simanov, Simanoff, Siminin, Simionow, Simionova, Simionov, Simionoff, Siminova, Siminov, Siminoff and Symonoff. Diminutives such as Semyoninka, Semyonka, Simka and Simochka may sometimes be used as endearments or nicknames.

Other Russian variations of Semyonova include Semjonova, Semjonov, Semjonoff, Semenova, Semenov, and Semenoff. Belarusian and Ukrainian versions may be found spelled in the Latin alphabet as Semienava, Semienov, and Semienoff (Семено́ва). It may also be encountered in a transliterated form, such as Semionova (Семёнова), or Semjonoff (Семёнов).

In the United States, people with the Semyonova surname may also have Anglicised their name to Simeonoff, Semanoff, Simonoff, Seminoff, Simonin, and Semjonoff.

Famous people with the name Semyonova

• Natalya Semyonova: a celebrated Russian prima ballerina and five time Honored Artist of the Soviet Union.
• Irina Semyonova: a Russian rhythmic gymnast and a two-time Olympic medalist.
• Sergei Semyonov: a popular Russian actor and stage director.
• Vera Semyonova: a Soviet dance instructor and a Merited Artist of the Russian Federation.
• Aleksandr Semyonov: a Soviet football player and two time UEFA Cup winner.
• Marina Semyonova: a Soviet rhythmic gymnast and individual world champion.
• Olga Semyonova: a Russian-born actress, who has made appearances in numerous authorized Russian films.
• Nikolai Semyonov: a Nobel laureate in Chemistry and a Soviet era academician.
• Oleg Semyonov: a two-time Olympic gold medalist in fencing.
• Vadim Semyonov: a former professional football player who represented the Soviet Union's national team.
• Yuliya Semyonova: a Soviet Olympic athlete who participated in the summer and winter games.
• Aleksandr Semyonov: a Soviet-era poet and translator.
• Evgeni Semyonov: a goalkeeper who represented the Soviet Union's national team.
• Tatyana Semyonova: a Russian screen actress, who has appeared in films made in the Soviet Union.
• Vladimir Semyonov: a Belarusian ice hockey player who represented the Soviet Union's national team.

Other surnames

Semyonov