Common Ukrainian Surnames (with Meanings)

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Learn about the most popular surnames in Ukraine

Co-authored by Devin McSween

Last Updated: January 20, 2026 Fact Checked

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Common

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Patronymic

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Occupational

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Toponymic

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Surnames in Other Cultures

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Ukrainian last names are rich with meaning and history, since they typically derive from an ancestor’s name, occupation, or place they came from. Whether you have Ukrainian ancestry, are creating a character with a Ukrainian background, or are simply interested in surnames from this country, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’re breaking down the most common names in Ukraine and what they mean.

The Most Common Surnames in Ukraine

Melnyk: “Miller.”
Shevchenko: “Son of the shoemaker.”
Kovalenko: “Son of the smith.”
Bondarenko: “Son of the cooper.”
Boyko: “To fight” or “combat.”

Section 1 of 5:

Common Ukrainian Last Names

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In Ukraine, some last names are more popular than others. Most of these last names are derived from an ancestor’s past, whether that’s from their first name, occupation, or place of origin. Some of the most common names in Ukraine include:^{[1]
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- Melnyk: “Miller.”
- Shevchenko: “Son of the shoemaker.”
- Kovalenko: “Son of the smith.”
- Bondarenko: “Son of the cooper.”
- Boyko: “To fight” or “combat.”
- Tkachenko: “Son of the weaver.”
- Kravchenko: “Son of the tailor.”
- Kovalchuk: “Son of the smith.”
- Koval: “Blacksmith.”
- Shevchuk: “Son of the shoemaker.”
- Bondar: “Cooper” or “barrel maker.”
- Lysenko: “Son of the bald one.” From lys, meaning “bald.”
- Moroz: “Frost.”
- Marchenko: “Son of Marko.”
- Ivanova: “Son of Ivan” (John).
  - Ivanova is technically a Russian last name, but it’s also very popular in Ukraine.

Section 2 of 5:

Patronymic Ukrainian Surnames

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Patronymic surnames are last names that come from a male ancestor’s first name. These names typically end in the suffixes -uk or -enko, which roughly translates to “son of.” Some of the most common patronymic names include:
- Adamchuk: “Son of Adam.”
- Andrienko: “Son of Andriy” (Andrew).
- Danylyuk: “Son of Danylo/Danilo.”
- Demyanenko: “Son of Demyan.”
- Fedorenko: “Son of Fedir.”
- Hordiyenko: “Son of Hordiy.”
- Ivanenko: “Son of Ivan” (John).
- Klymenko: “Son of Klym.”
- Levchenko: “Son of Levko.”
- Maksymenko: “Son of Maksym.”
- Ostapchuk: “Son of Ostap.”
- Palahniuk: “Son of Palazhka.”
- Pylypchuk: “Son of Pylyp” (Philip).
- Romaschenko: “Son of Roman.”
- Sydorenko: “Son of Sydir.”

Section 3 of 5:

Occupational Ukrainian Surnames

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Occupational last names refer to an ancestor’s career or trade. Check out some of the most common occupational surnames in Ukraine below:
- Bortnik: “Beekeeper.”
- Hirnyk: “Miner.”
- Honchar: “Potter.”
- Kalashnyk: “Kolach maker.”
- Kolesnik: “Wheelwright.”
- Kravets: “Tailor.”
- Kushnir: “Furrier.”
- Oliynyk: “Oil.”
- Rybachenko: “Fisherman.”
- Stolyarchuk: “Son of the carpenter.”

Section 4 of 5:

Toponymic Ukrainian Surnames

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Toponymic surnames typically refer to a town, city, or region where an ancestor was born. However, they can also refer to geographical features, like meadows. Some of the most common toponymic surnames include:
- Barsky: “From Bar,” a town in Ukraine.
- Blonska: “From the meadow or wetlands.”
- Brodsky: “From Brody,” a town in Ukraine.
- Kolomiets: “From Kolomyia,” a city in Ukraine.
- Kulikovsky: “From Kulykiv,” a town in Ukraine.
- Olshansky: “From Olshana,” a village in Ukraine.
- Polishchuk: “From Polesia,” a region in Ukraine.
- Umansky: “From Uman,” a city in Ukraine.
- Volynets: “From Volhynia,” a region in Ukraine.
- Zhabotinsky: “From Zhabotin, “ a village in Ukraine.