Education
A Complete List of Ukrainian Last Names & Meanings
Ukrainian surnames reflect the country’s rich cultural heritage, often derived from occupations, personal characteristics, or patronymics. Here’s a selection of common Ukrainian last names and their meanings:
- Shevchenko: Son of a shoemaker
- Kovalenko: Son of a blacksmith
- Bondarenko: Son of a cooper
- Tkachenko: Son of a weaver
- Kravchenko: Son of a tailor
- Melnyk: Miller
- Shevchuk: Shoemaker
- Kovalchuk: Blacksmith
- Bondar: Cooper
- Tkachuk: Weaver
- Boyko: Fearless or fighter
- Kozak: Cossack
- Moroz: Frost
- Shcherbak: Pockmarked
- Lysenko: Bald
- Rudenko: Red-haired
- Savchenko: Son of Sava
- Petrenko: Son of Petro
- Pavlenko: Son of Pavlo
- Ivanenko: Son of Ivan
These surnames offer a glimpse into Ukraine’s history, reflecting the occupations, characteristics, and family structures that have shaped Ukrainian society over centuries. Many Ukrainian surnames end in -enko, -uk, or -chuk, which typically indicate “son of” or “descendant of.” Understanding these names provides insight into the country’s cultural tapestry and the diverse backgrounds of Ukrainian families.