Surname Sokolova - Meaning and Origin
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Sokolova: What does the surname Sokolova mean?
Sokolova is a Slavic surname, generally derived from the word sokol, which means “falcon”. This suggests that the original bearer of the surname held a connection to falcons or a reverence for the strength and speed of the proud bird.
The name initially appeared in the mid-14th century in parts of what is now the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Hungary, as some of the earliest documents were found in those regions. Throughout its history, Sokolova has spread across Europe, reaching as far as Russia and the Baltic states. The surname also gained popularity in other countries like the United States and the United Kingdom, due to increased immigration by Slavic peoples.
Sokolova implies a proud heritage, as the falcon is a symbol of strength and power. Those who carry this name often take pride in the historical significance of the falcon, and frequently use this symbol as part of their family crest or coat of arms. By embracing such a powerful image, many of the Sokolova family can feel an essential connection to their ancestors.
Order DNA origin analysisSokolova: Where does the name Sokolova come from?
The last name Sokolova is a quite common last name in Russia and other Slavic countries today. It has also been historically found in Poland, Ukraine, Czech Republic, and Belarus. Its meaning translates to “falcon” in several Slavic languages.
In Russia, the last name Sokolova is quite widespread, making up 0.18% of the population. It’s the seventieth most popular surname in the country, ranking ahead of both Petrov and Ivanov. It’s also quite common in Belarus and Ukraine, both ranking it around the hundredth most common surname.
In the United States, the last name Sokolova is not as popular as it is in Russia. It ranks in the top 1000 surnames nationwide, placing 828th most common surname in 2019. It’s more common in states like Alaska, Massachusetts, Michigan, and New York.
There are several variants of the surname Sokolova, with other forms such as Sokoloff, Sokolov, and Sokolnikov. While the spelling and minor pronunciation difference are the same, the subtle difference may indicate a different origin for the name or a sign of origin from different Slavic countries.
Variations of the surname Sokolova
The surname Sokolova is derived from the Slavonic word "sokol" which means "falcon" in English. This means that people with this surname had most likely at one point in history been associated with falcons or falconry. This surname is found quite commonly in Eastern Europe, mainly in countries such as Poland, Ukraine, Belarus, Russia, and the Czech Republic.
The variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin for Sokolova are Sokolov, Sokoloff, Sokolof, Sokolow, Sokolowsky, Sokolevsky, Sokolowski, Sokolovitz, and Sokolovsky. These variants are based on the Slavic form of the word 'sokol' and may be used interchangeably with the original surname.
Other related forms of the surname include Sokol, Sokha, Sokhonok, and Sokoł. These versions all originate from the same source and contain the same root word with minor changes. An example of this is the Russian variant Sokha which may have derived from the word 'sokhrannost', meaning 'caution'.
A few other surnames which may have derived from the original surname Sokolova include Sokolnikov, Sokolnichenko, and Sikorsky. These forms which are quite similar to the original suggest that the surname was derived from an ancient profession which required the use of falcons for hunting or falconry.
Overall, people with the surname Sokolova, many of its variants, and related surnames have historically been associated with falconry. Most of these versions are found in the Slavic languages of Eastern Europe and may have also been derived from ancient professional associations.
Famous people with the name Sokolova
- Liudmila Sokolova: a former Soviet athlete, a three-time Soviet champion in the 100 metres being the first woman to break the 11-second barrier in the event’s history.
- Asya Sokolova: a Soviet and Russian actress and singer; her film credits include roles in My Sweet Little Village, Mimino, and Luchee Utro.
- Irina Sokolova: a Soviet and Russian actress.
- Natasha Sokolova: a Russian-American figure skater and coach who won the U.S. Figure Skating Association’s Senior Silver Badge in 1996.
- Irina Sokolova: a Russian-American womens fashion designer, television personality, and international blogger.
- Anastasia Sokolova: a Russian fitness model, blogger, and coach.
- Marianna Sokolova: a handball player who competed in the 2008 Summer Olympics.
- Katerina Sokolova: a Russian ice dancer who competed internationally since 2013.
- Yulia Sokolova: a Russian ice dancer who competed internationally since 2007.
- Anna Sokolova: a Russian short track speed skater who competed internationally since 2009.