Surname Simakova - Meaning and Origin
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Simakova: What does the surname Simakova mean?
The last name Simakova is a diminutive Russian surname that is derived from the name Sima, which in turn is derived from the Semitic name Simon. The sima root of the name refers to hearing or being heard and is commonly used in Russian nickname-forming. It was often used to refer to someone with a particularly captivating voice or loquaciousness. The -ov ending of the Simakova surname is a Slavic diminutive suffix that is used to create pet names from common names. Thus, the last name Simakova directly translates to Little Simon.
The Simakova name likely developed several centuries ago in Russia, though records of its history are hard to trace due to its commonality. Prior to the late nineteenth century, the surname was much more widespread in Russia. It then began to be adopted more widely throughout Central and Eastern Europe. Today, it is common for people of Slavic descent in places such as Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus, among others, to bear the Simakova name.
The Simakova name is often associated with traits such as friendliness, good-naturedness, and outspokenness. It is also believed to indicate a brave spirit and a willingness to embrace change. Whether these traits actually pertain to the true character of Simakovas is uncertain; however, the traits often associated with the surname attest to its long-standing history and cultural significance in Russia.
Order DNA origin analysisSimakova: Where does the name Simakova come from?
The last name Simakova is most commonly found in Russia and the former Soviet republics. In Russia it was the 23rd most popular surname in 2018, according to a survey by Russian media source Dni.ru. It is to be found around the world in countries such as Canada, the US, Belarus and Ukraine, and features in the surname databases of many countries, including Italy and Australia.
In recent years, the distribution of Simakova has become more global. This is probably due to the increased mobility of people within and outside the former USSR, as well as marriage and other family connections. Simakova families are now scattered across Europe, North America and even Australia.
In Russia, Simakova is concentrated in the Moscow region, St. Petersburg, the Leningrad region, and the Tver and Kaluga regions of Central Russia. In Ukraine it is especially widespread in the Zakarpattia Oblast in the west, and also has a strong presence in the south, in Dnipropetrovsk.
The last name Simakova is ultimately derived from the Russian word simka, meaning willow. This is likely due to its use to refer to somebody who lived near a stand of willow trees. This is a common motif in Russian surnames, as its forests are famous for their tall willow trees.
Variations of the surname Simakova
Simakova is a Russian surname of Slavic origin, with variants including Szymczak, Szymczyk, Szymkowicz, and Symek. In Belarusian, the surname is spelled “Szymakava”, and in Ukrainian, the surname is spelled “Symykova”.
The surnames Szymczak and Szymczyk are related to Simakova, and originate from the Polish and Belarusian versions of the surname, which are derived from the name ‘Szymek’, meaning ‘peaceful one’. These surnames are the most common variants of Simakova.
The surname Szymkowicz is another variant of Simakova, and originates from the Polish version of the name ‘Szymek’.
The surname Symek is often considered the Czechoslovakian version of Simakova, and it is derived from the name ‘Symon’, which means ‘listen’.
Finally, the surname Symykova is the Ukrainian version of Simakova, and it is derived from the name ‘Symon’, just like Symek. The difference between Symek and Symykova is that the latter has a longer ending, which includes the Ukrainian inflection marker ‘ova’, indicating the feminine version of the name.
Famous people with the name Simakova
- Margarita Simakova: Renowned Russian figure skater and two-time national champion
- Olga Simakova: Accomplished ballerina and former principal dancer of the Bolshoi Theatre
- Elena Simakova: Award-winning Russian operatic soprano who has performed in some of the most prestigious theatres around the world
- Olga Simakova: Renowned Russian Olympic swimmer and bronze medalist
- Ekaterina Simakova: Popular Russian TV actress and host
- Alla Simakova: Acclaimed Russian film, stage, and television actress
- Yana Simakova: World-renowned Russian classical violinist and soloist
- Mikhail Simakov: Famous Russian painter and an impressionist artist
- Marina Simakova: Distinguished Russian music conductor
- Vyacheslav Simakov: celebrated Russian film and theater director