Often, having heard this or that surname, we unwittingly think about its origin. For example, what is the origin of the name Medvedev? Maybe the distant ancestor had a bearish appearance, or did the name Bear exist in ancient Russia in honor of this strong and intelligent animal? Or was there a bear cub in the family, that is, a person opening locks? In any case, one can sit and ponder over each Russian surname for a long time - where it came from and why.
Version one: peasant
There is an opinion that initially the Samoilovs were from serfs, and the surname supposedly comes from the word "himself." That is, a person coped with many things on his own (both the reaper, and the priest, and the player on the dude!). This is not surprising, because peasant children early became men, and had to help their father and take care of a family, which was often very small. They became responsible from the age of 14 and before marriage they worked independently on the household, for the benefit of the family and their master.
Version Two: Jewish
The origin of the surname Samoilov can also be attributed to the name Samuel, who came to Russia with baptism. In Hebrew, the name sounds like "heard by God," and from it also formed the names:
- Samokhin;
- Samonin;
- Samoshin;
- Samulev;
- Samoshkin;
- Samunin;
- Samusev;
- Samusev;
- Samylin;
- Samygin;
- Samylov;
- Samylin;
- Samyshkin.
Therefore, the Jewish origin of the surname is possible. Samoilova Tatyana Evgenievna (born in 1934) is also its carrier. This is an actress known throughout the USSR who has played in such films as Anna Karenina, Cranes Are Flying, and Unsent Letter. In addition, she was awarded the title of Honored Artist.
Version Three: Noble
In Russian history, the count dynasty of Samoilovs is also mentioned, the founder of which was the representative of the Belarusian gentry of the coat of arms of Sulim - Nikita Samuiko. He migrated to Russia at the beginning of the 16th century.
Under Peter I in Pereslavl-Zalessky served governor Samoilov Bartholomew Lavrentievich. One of his grandchildren, Nikolai Borisovich (b. 1791), had the post of senator, and the other, Alexander Borisovich (b. 1778), was governor of the Vladimir province.
Another clan founded by Karp Samoilov, the Siberian streletsky head, took its name from the name of Samoilo, which sounds so vernacular. And as indicated in the previous version, the name Samoilov is of Jewish origin, that is, a derivative on behalf of Samuel.
Version Four: Varangian
The first mention occurs at the end of the X century, as there was a certain Viking Radomir Samkhilo. He was a high-ranking official in the prince's squad, but as the battle near Chesones (Korsun) showed, he turned out to be a vile coward and intriguer who abandoned the prince at a time of mortal danger. After which, fearing a brutal reprisal, he adjoins the retinue of Vard Fock, but there he manifests himself from the worst side. Companions contemptuously called him "cook" for intrigue.
Unable to withstand constant mockery, he left Varda and died around 990-991 in disgrace, either at the hands of his own lackeys, who, having undressed his debt (for debt), threw the body to be eaten by pigs wandering around the outskirts of the city, or simply drowned, being mortally drunk, in a pool of sewage. After that, the servants returned to Russia to Prince Vladimir and begged forgiveness from him, but by the name of the former owner they began to be called - Samoilovs. And by the XVII-XVIII century, they spread throughout the Russian Empire. Therefore, the origin of the surname Samoilov, based on this, can be considered as a Varangian and a serf.
Version Five: The Baptismal Name of Samuel
In Russia until the 20th century, this Hebrew name was popular in the Russian version of the pronunciation - Samoilo or Samokh. And in the North, the middle name from the baptismal name Samuel sounds like Samalov. Also there you can find such variations as: Samosha, Samylka, Samyl, Samoshka, Samon and Samos. From them came a great many names, including Samuylenkov. Thus, probably, the South Russian origin of the surname Samoilov.
Here are five basic versions that should help you understand who your ancestors were and where they came from. The origin of the surname Samoilov and the nationality of its carriers are not necessarily Jewish, because in Russia, along with the Christian faith, all Russian people began to give foreign names at the time of baptism.
Among famous people - Evgeny Samoilovich Samoilov, born in the 12th year of the last century and who played more than one role in the Soviet theater and cinema. And also brothers Gleb and Vadim - musicians of the legendary rock band "Agatha Christie".