Russian Empire Naming Customs

Introduction
Traditional Russian names consist of three parts - the surname (фамилия), given name (имя) and patronymic (oтчество). The patronymic is a middle name derived from the given name of the father.

Surnames
Many Slavic surnames are created by adding possessive and other suffixes to given names, occupations, descriptions, residences, and other words.

Patronymics
The oтчество is a patronymic middle name derived from the name of the father. Male patronymics end in “oв/ov” or “oвич/ovich” while female patronymics end in “oвa/ova” or “oвна/ovna.” These endings literally mean son or daughter of. Thus, the patronymic allows us to determine the name of an individual’s father. Keep in mind that this is a traditional Russian naming practice, but other ethnic groups (Jews, Germans from Russia, etc.) living in the former Russian empire may have patronymics recorded in their records. These will help you to determine the name of the father.

For Further Reading
Many countries that were formerly a part of the Russian Empire have their own naming customs. See the articles below.


 * Lithuania Personal Names