Most Tatar surnames are a modified form of the name of one of the male ancestors in the family. In more ancient years, it came from the name of the father of the family, but at the beginning of the 19th century this tendency began to change, and with the advent of Soviet power not only the sons, but also the grandchildren of the older one, shared a common surname for everyone. In the future, it did not change and all descendants wore it. A similar practice continues to this day.
Education of Tatar surnames from professions
The origin of many Tatar surnames (as well as surnames of other peoples) is obliged to those professions in which their carriers were engaged. So, for example, Urmancheev - urman (forester), Baksheev - bakshey (clerk), Karaulov - caravil (guard), Beketov - becket (educator of the khan's son), Tukhachevsky - tukhachi (standard bearer), etc. The origin of Tatar surnames, which we consider Russian today, for example, “Suvorov” (known since the 15th century) is quite interesting.
In 1482, the servant Goryain Suvorov, who received his name from the profession of a rider (Suvor), was noted by references to him in the annals. In the following centuries, when the descendants of the Suvorov clan decided to somewhat magnify the origin of their surname, a legend was invented about the Swedish ancestor of the Suvor family, who arrived in Russia in 1622 and settled here.
The surname Tatishchev is of a completely different origin. Her nephew, Ivan Shakh - Prince Solomersky, who served Grand Duke Ivan III, was given for the ability to quickly and accurately identify thieves. Due to his unique ability, he received the nickname "Taty", from which came his famous surname.
Adjectives as the basis for the surnames
But much more often, Tatar surnames came from the names of adjectives with which they named one or another person for his distinctive characteristic qualities or special signs.
So, the surname of the Bazarovs came from ancestors born on bazaar days. From the brother-in-law - the husband of the wife’s sister, who was called “Bazha”, the name Bazhanov came. A friend who was revered as highly as Allah was called “veliamin”, and the name Veliaminov (Velyaminov) originates from this word.
Men who have will, desire, were called Murad, from them came the name Murad (Murat); proud - Bulgaks (Bulgakov); beloved and loving - by the Dauds, Dawuds, Davidis (Davydov). Thus, the meaning of Tatar surnames has ancient roots.
In the XV-XVII centuries, the name Zhdanov was quite widespread in Russia. It is believed that it derives its origin from the word “vidjan”, which has two meanings at once. So they called both passionate lovers and religious fanatics. Each of the Zhdanovs can now choose the legend that he likes best.
Differences in pronunciation of surnames in the Russian and Tatar environment
The Tatar families that arose in antiquity have long adapted in Russian society. Quite often, we don’t even guess about the true origin of our generic names, considering them to be native Russian. There are many examples of this, and there are quite funny options. But even those surnames that we consider unchangeable are pronounced with a slight difference in Russian and purely Tatar society. So, many Tatar composers, whose names and surnames will be given below, have long been perceived as primordially Russian. As well as actors, TV presenters, singers, musicians.
The Russian ending of the Tatar surnames -in, -ov, -ev and others are often smoothed out in the Tatar environment. For example, Zalilov is pronounced as Zalil, Tukaev - as Tukay, Arakcheev - Arakchi. In official papers, as a rule, the ending is used. The only exceptions are the names of individual Mishar clans and Tatar murzas, since they are somewhat different from ordinary Tatar clan names. The reason for this is the formation of a family name from those names that have not been used for a long time or are completely forgotten: Enikei, Akchurin, Divey. In the surname Akchurin “-in” is not the ending, but part of the ancient name, which also could have several pronunciation variants.
Tatar names of boys that appeared at different times
on the pages of ancient documents, they have not been named children for a long time. Many of them are of Arab, Persian, Iranian, Turkic origin. Some Tatar names and surnames consist of several words at once. Their interpretation is rather complicated and not always correctly explained.
Ancient names that have not been called boys for a long time in the Tatar environment:
- Babek - baby, baby, small child;
- Babacan is a respected, respectable person;
- Baghdasar - light, a bouquet of rays;
- Badak - highly educated;
- Baybek - a powerful beck (lord);
- Sagaidak - striking enemies like an arrow;
- Suleiman - healthy, lively, prosperous, living quietly;
- Magdanur - a source of rays, light;
- Magdi - leading people behind him along the path designated by Allah;
- Zakaria - always remembering Allah, a real man;
- Zarif - delicate, gracious, pleasant, beautiful;
- Fagil - hardworking, engaged in something, diligent;
- Satlyk is a purchased child. This name has a long ceremonial meaning. After the birth of a child for protection from the dark forces, he was given away to relatives or acquaintances for a while, and then he was "bought out" for money, blaming the child Satlyk.
Modern Tatar names are nothing more than a European type of names formed in the 17th-19th centuries. Among them are Ayrat, Albert, Ahmet, Bakhtiyar, Damir, Zufar, Ildar, Ibrahim, Iskander, Ilyas, Camille, Karim, Muslim, Ravil, Ramil, Raphael, Raphael, Renat, Said, Timur, Fuat, Hassan, Shamil, Shafkat, Eduard, Eldar, Yusup and many others.
Ancient and modern names of girls
Perhaps in remote Tatar villages you can still meet girls named Zulfinur, Khadiya, Naubuhar, Nurinisa, Maryam, but in recent decades, women's names have become more familiar to Europeans, as they are stylized. Here are just a few of them:
- Aigul - moon flower;
- Alsou - rose water;
- Albina - white-faced;
- Amina - tender, loyal, honest. Amina was called the mother of the prophet Muhammad;
- Bella is beautiful;
- Gaul - occupying a high position;
- Guzel - very beautiful, dazzling;
- Dilyara - a pleasing heart;
- Zaynap - full-bodied, full-bodied;
- Zulfira - having superiority;
- Zulfia - charming, beautiful;
- Ilnara - the flame of the country, the fire of the people;
- Ilfira - the pride of the country;
- Kadriya - worthy of respect;
- Karima - magnanimous;
- Leila - dark-haired;
- Leysan - generous;
- Naila - achieving the goal;
- Nuria - bright, radiant;
- Raila - the founder;
- Raisa - the leader;
- Regina - the wife of the king, the queen;
- Roksana - illuminating with bright light;
- Faina is radiant;
- Chulpan - the morning star;
- Elvira - protecting, protecting;
- Elmira - conscientious, illustrious.
Famous and widespread Russian surnames of Tatar origin
Basically, Russian surnames of Tatar origin appeared even during the years of the conquest of Russia by the Mongol-Tatars and after the nomads were expelled far beyond the Slavic lands by the united Russian-Lithuanian army. Anthroponymic specialists count more than five hundred names of noble and noble Russians of Tatar origin. Almost every one of them has a long and sometimes beautiful story. Mostly on this list are princely, boyar, count surnames:
- Abdulovs, Aksakovs, Alabins, Almazovs, Alyabyevs, Anichkovs, Apraksins, Arakcheevs, Arsenyevs, Atlasovs;
- Bazhanovs, Bazarovs, Baykovs, Baksheevs, Barsukovs, Bakhtiyarovs, Bayushevs, Beketovs, Bulatovs, Bulgakovs;
- Velyaminovy;
- Gireyevs, Gogol, Gorchakovs;
- Davydovs;
- Zhdanovs;
- Teeth;
- Izmailovs;
- Kadyshevs, Kalitins, Karamzins, Karaulovs, Karachinsky, Kartmazovs, Kozhevnikovs (Kozhaevs), Kononovs, Kurbatovs;
- Lachinovs;
- Mashkovs, Minins, Muratovs;
- Naryshkins, Novokreschenovs;
- Ogarev;
- Peshkovs, Plemyannikovs;
- Radishchev, Rastopchiny, Ryazanov;
- Saltanovs, Svistunovs, Suvorovs;
- Tarkhanovs, Tatishchevs, Timiryazevs, Tokmakovs, Turgenevs, Tukhachevskys;
- Uvarovs, Ulanovs, Ushakovs;
- Khitrovs, Khrushchovs;
- Chaadaevs, Chekmarevs, Chemesovs;
- Sharapovs, Sheremetevs, Shishkins;
- Shcherbakovs;
- Yusupovs;
- Yaushevs.
For example, the first descendants of Anichkovs came from the Horde. The mention of them dates back to 1495 and is related to Novgorod. The Atlasovs received their surname from a fairly common typical Tatar surname - Atlasi. The Kozhevnikovs were named after they entered the service of Ivan III in 1509. What their family name was before is not known for certain, but it is assumed that their surname included the word "hodge", which meant "master."
Tatars who brought glory to their people in Soviet times
The above listed are considered as Russian, but by origin Tatar surnames, the list of which is far from complete, is mostly familiar to the current generation. Glorified by their great writers, actors, politicians, military leaders. They are considered Russian, but their ancestors were Tatars. The great culture of their people was glorified by completely different people. Among them are famous writers, which are worth talking about in more detail.
The most famous of them:
- Abdurakhman Absalyamov is a prose writer of the 20th century. His essays, short stories, and novels Golden Star, Gazinur, Unquenchable Fire were published both in Tatar and in Russian. Absalyamov translated into Russian “Spring on the Oder” by Kazakevich, “Young Guard” by Fadeev. He translated not only Russian writers, but also Jack London, Guy de Maupassant.
- Fathi Burnash, whose real name and surname Fathalislam Burnashev is a poet, prose writer , translator, publicist, theater figure. The author of many dramatic and lyrical creations that enriched both Tatar fiction and theater.
- Karim Tinchurin, in addition to being famous as a writer, he is also an actor and playwright, is among the founders of a professional Tatar theater.
- Gabdulla Tukai is the most beloved and revered poet, publicist, public figure and literary critic.
- Gabdulgaziz Munasypov is a writer and poet.
- Mirheidar Fayzullin is a poet, playwright, publicist, compiler of a collection of folk songs.
- Zahir (Zagir) Yarulla ugy - writer, founder of Tatar realistic prose, public and religious figure.
- Rizaitdin Fakhretdinov is both a Tatar and a Bashkir writer, scholar, and religious figure. In his works, he repeatedly raised the problem of female emancipation, was a supporter of the familiarization of his people with European culture.
- Sharif Baygildiev, who took the pseudonym Kamal, - A writer, an outstanding playwright and translator, the first to translate into the Tatar language "Virgin Soil Upturned".
- Kamal Galiaskar, whose real name is Galiaskar Kamaletdinov, was true a classic of Tatar drama.
- Yavdat Ilyasov wrote about the ancient and medieval history of Central Asia.
Tatar names were glorified and Naki Isanbet, Ibrahim Gazi, Salikh Battalov, Ayaz Gilyazov, Amirkhan Eniki, Atilla Rasikh, Angam Atnabaev, Shaykhi Mannur, Shaikhelislam Mannurov, Garifzyan Akhunov also left their greatest mark in their native literature. There is also a woman among them - Fauzia Bayramova, a writer, a prominent politician, and a human rights activist. The famous Polish writer Henryk Sienkiewicz, who came from the Polish-Lithuanian Tatars, can also be added to this list.
Tatar writers whose names and surnames are given above lived and worked in Soviet times, but modern Tatarstan also has something to be proud of.
Tatarstan writers of a later period
Undoubtedly, Shaukat Galliyev earned the greatest fame among his compatriots for his high writing talent. The real name of the writer is Idiyatullin, he took his pseudonym on behalf of his father. Galliev is the outstanding son of his generation, the brightest representative of the Tatar writers of the second half of the XX century.
Raul Mir-Khaidarov, who received high recognition in the Soviet and then Russian years, deserves all respect from the Tatar people. Like Rinat Mukhamadiev and Kavi Najmi.
Let us recall some names and surnames of Tatar writers known outside the republic: Razil Valeev, Zarif Bashiri, Vakhit Imamov, Rafkat Karami, Gafur Kulakhmetov, Mirsai Amir, Foat Sadriev, Hamit Samikhov, Ildar Yuzeev, Yunus Mirgaziyan.
So, Razil Valeev from 1981 to 1986 headed the board of the Union of Writers of the USSR, from 1981 to the present - a member of the board of the Union of Writers of Tatarstan. And Foat Sadriev is the author of about twenty plays for the theater, a member of the Writers' Union. His works have long been of interest to Tatar and Russian theater figures.
Great Tatar composers and artists
Prominent Tatar writers, whose names and surnames are highly valued by enlightened minds throughout the post-Soviet space, undoubtedly contributed to the exaltation of the glory of their people, as did the outstanding world-famous violinist Alina Ibragimova, and many famous athletes: football players, hockey players, basketball players , wrestlers. Millions are heard and watched by their play. But after some time their traces will be erased by new idols who have succeeded them, who will applaud the halls and stands, while writers, as well as composers, artists, sculptors, have left their mark for centuries.
Talented Tatar artists left their legacy for posterity. The names and surnames of many of them are known both in their native land and in the Russian Federation. It is enough to recall only Harris Yusupov, Lutfulla Fattakhova, Baki Urmanche, so that true lovers and connoisseurs of modern painting understand who they are talking about.
The well-known Tatar composers are also worth mentioning. Such as Farid Yarullin, who died at the front in the Great Patriotic War, the author of the famous ballet "Shurale", in which the incomparable Maya Plisetskaya danced; Nazib Zhiganov, who received the honorary title of People's Artist of the USSR back in 1957; Latif Hamidi, among whose works are operas, the most beloved waltzes among the people; Enver Bakirov; Salikh Saydashev; Aydar Gainullin; Sonia Gubaidullina, who wrote the music for the animated film “Mowgli”, 25 films, including “Scarecrow” by Rolan Bykov. These composers have glorified Tatar surnames all over the world.
Famous contemporaries
Almost every Russian knows Tatar surnames, the list of which includes Baria Alibasova, Yuri Shevchuk, Dmitry Malikov, Sergey Shokurov, Marat Basharov, Chulpan Khamatov, Zemfira, Alsu, Timati, whose real name is Timur Yunusov. Among singers, musicians, and cultural figures, they will never be lost, and they all have Tatar roots.
The land of Tatarstan is rich and outstanding athletes, whose names there is no way to list, there are so many of them. What kinds of sports they represent are mentioned above. Each of them glorified not only the name of his family, but his whole land with its ancient history. Many of them also have very beautiful Tatar surnames - Nigmatullin, Izmailov, Zaripov, Bilyaletdinov, Yakupov, Dasaev, Safin. For each, not only the talent of its carrier, but also an interesting history of origin.