Surname Wolkow - Meaning and Origin

Wolkow: What does the surname Wolkow mean?

The last name Wolkow, derived from the Russian word “wolk” which means “wolf”, is an aristocratic aristocratic surname of Russian and other East Slavic origin. It is one of the most ancient Russian surnames, first appearing in the records in the 13th century and believed to have been used by a princely family from the Kiev region of the ancient Kishenev lands.

The Wolkow family originated from Kiev and established itself as a prominent and influential noble family in the Kievan Rus before it spread and resettled in other regions. After the Mongol invasion of 1240-1480, the family scattered to different parts of the Russian Empire, and some members even traveled to other parts of Europe. Their coat of arms was registered in the Heraldic Office of the Russian Empire in 1798.

The name has since been found in many other countries, especially in Eastern Europe, with years of emigration. This most likely happened due to the expansion of the Russian Empire by the early 19th century, which brought a large number of immigrants from Russia and the Ukraine to other countries around the world.

The Wolkow family has had a huge impact on history and is widely respected in the Russian culture. They are seen not only as a symbol of noble pedigree, but also of a proud and strong legacy. As they spread across the world, they have gained respect and gratitude for their hard work in various industries throughout their journeys.

Wolkow: Where does the name Wolkow come from?

The last name Wolkow is a relatively uncommon surname. It is primarily found in places that were previously part of the Russian Empire. In particular, the name is most frequently found in countries that belonged to the Soviet Union such as Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, and Estonia. In these areas the name is shared to this day by families who trace their lineage to the part of the Russian Empire in which the name originated. Beyond these countries, the last name Wolkow can also be found sprinkled throughout much of Eastern Europe, and to a lesser extent in parts of Western Europe, Canada, and the United States.

In modern times, it is estimated that the total amount of people with the last name Wolkow is over 10,000, the majority of whom live in Russia, Ukraine, or Belarus. While the name has never been incredibly common, it does appear in records going back hundreds of years, though its roots are difficult to trace due to the complex history that many parts of the region have experienced. It is likely that, in many cases, the origin of the name is linked to professions practiced by people hundreds of years ago in these countries. As for wherever the name may be found in the future, that has yet to be seen.

Variations of the surname Wolkow

The surname Wolkow has several variants, spellings, and known surnames of the same origin.

The most common variant of Wolkow is its alternate spellings Wolkoff, Valkov, and Val'kov. These spellings are most commonly seen within Russian-speaking populations in Eastern Europe and beyond. All of these spellings are pronounced similarly and share a common origin.

The surname Wolkow also has several less common surnames of the same origin. These include Wolfov, Wolfovitch, Wolfovich, Volkov, Volkova, Volkovitch, Valkovich, Valkavitch, Valkavic, and Volkovich.

The surnames Wolfov, Wolfovitch, and Wolfovich are all derived from the Russian word for "wolf", volk. This is combined with the patronymic suffix -ov or -vich, which is often used to indicate paternal lineage.

Other variants and related surnames have slightly different components. For example, Valkov and Val'kov come from the word volk and the masculine suffix -ov or -ov, and Wolkoff comes from the diminutive form of volk, valk.

The Wolkow surname is likely derived from the common Eastern European given name Valk, a shortened form of Vladimir or Valerian. Many Eastern European surnames are based on patronymics, or a surname adopted based on a father's or ancestor's given name. The suffix -ov or -vich is likely added to indicate forming of a family lineage.

Regardless of the exact origin, the surname Wolkow and its many variants are derived from a common Eastern European heritage.

Famous people with the name Wolkow

• Cameron Wolkow: Actor
• Corinne Wolkow: Fashion designer
• Frank Wolkow: Actor
• Gregory Wolkow: Entrepreneur
• Howard Wolkow: Cheesemaker/businessperson
• Jack Wolkow: Radio host
• Jacob Wolkow: Artist
• Joseph Wolkow: Composer
• Kaitlyn Wolkow: YouTube star
• Keith Wolkow: Musician
• Manny Wolkow: Actor/writer/director
• Noah Wolkow: Actor
• Steven Wolkow: Screenwriter/producer
• Thomas Wolkow: Actor
• Victor Wolkow: Artist/photographer
• Vladimir Wolkow: Scientific specialist
• Yitzchok Wolkow: Author/editor.

Other surnames

Wolkowitz