Most Tatar surnames are a modified form of the name of one of the male ancestors in the family. In more ancient years, she came from the name of the father of the family, but at the beginning of the 19th century this trend gradually began to change, and with the advent of Soviet power, not only the sons, but also the grandchildren of the eldest in the family, were assigned a common surname for all. In the future, it no longer changed and all descendants wore it. This practice continues to this day.
Education of Tatar surnames from professions
The origin of many Tatar surnames (as well as the surnames of other peoples) is due to the professions that their carriers were engaged in. So, for example, Urmancheev - urman (forester), Baksheev - bakshey (clerk), Karaulov - caravan (guard), Beketov - beket (teacher of the Khan's son), Tukhachevsky - tukhachi (standard-bearer), etc. The origin of Tatar surnames, which today we consider Russian, for example, “Suvorov” (known since the 15th century) is quite interesting.
In 1482, the serviceman Goryain Suvorov, who got his surname from the profession of a rider (suvor), was noted by mentions of him in the annals. In subsequent centuries, when the descendants of the Suvorov family decided to somewhat ex alt the origin of their family name, a legend was invented about the Swedish progenitor of the Suvor family, who arrived in Russia in 1622 and settled here.
The surname Tatishchev has a completely different origin. Her nephew Ivan Shah - Prince Solomersky, who served the Grand Duke Ivan III, was given for the ability to quickly and accurately identify thieves. Thanks to his unique ability, he received the nickname "tatey", from which his famous surname originated.
Adjectives as the basis for the emergence of surnames
But much more often Tatar surnames came from adjectives that were used to name this or that person for his distinctive characteristic qualities or special signs.
So, the name of the Bazarovs came from ancestors born on market days. From the brother-in-law - the wife's sister's husband, who was called "bazha", the surname Bazhanov came from. A friend who was revered as highly as Allah was called "Veliamin", and the surname Veliaminov (Velyaminov) originates from this word.
Men with will, desire, were called murads, from them the surname Muradov (Muratov) came from; proud - Bulgak (Bulgakov); beloved and loving - dauds, dawoods, davids (Davydov). Thus, the meaning of Tatar surnames has ancient roots.
In the XV-XVII centuries in Russia there wasthe surname Zhdanov is quite widespread. It is believed that it bears its origin from the word "vijdan", 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 the pronunciation of surnames in Russian and Tatar environments
Tatar surnames that originated in ancient times have long adapted to Russian society. Quite often, we do not even guess about the true origin of our generic names, considering them to be primordially Russian. There are many examples of this, and there are quite funny options. But even those surnames that we consider invariable 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 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 surnames of individual Mishar clans and Tatar murzas, since they are somewhat different from the usual Tatar generic names. The reason for this is the formation of a surname from those names that have not been widely 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 could also have several pronunciations.
Tatar boy names that appeared at different times
on the pages of old documents, children have not been called them for a long time. Many of them are of Arabic, Persian, Iranian, Turkic origin. Some Tatar names and surnames consist of several words at once. Their interpretation is quite complex and not always correctly explained.
Old names that have not been called boys in the Tatar environment for a long time:
- Babek - baby, baby, little child;
- Babajan is a respected, respectable person;
- Bagdasar - light, a bouquet of rays;
- Badak - highly educated;
- Baibek is a powerful bek (master);
- Sagaydak - hitting enemies like an arrow;
- Suleiman - he althy, lively, prosperous, living in peace;
- Magdanur is a source of rays, light;
- Magdi - leading people along the path destined by Allah;
- Zakaria - always remembering Allah, a real man;
- Zarif – delicate, kind, pleasant, handsome;
- Fagil - hardworking, doing something, diligent;
- Satlyk is a purchased child. This name has a long ritual meaning. After the birth of a child, for protection from dark forces, it was given to relatives or friends for a while, and then they were "redeemed" for money, while naming the child Satlyk.
Modern Tatar names are nothing more than a Europeanized form of names formed in the 17th-19th centuries. Among them are Airat, Albert, Ahmet, Bakhtiyar, Damir, Zufar, Ildar,Ibrahim, Iskander, Ilyas, Kamil, Karim, Muslim, Ravil, Ramil, Rafael, Rafail, Renat, Said, Timur, Fuat, Hassan, Shamil, Shafkat, Eduard, Eldar, Yusup and many others.
Ancient and modern girl names
Perhaps, in remote Tatar villages you can still meet girls named Zulfinur, Khadia, Naubukhar, Nurinisa, Maryam, but in recent decades, female names have become more familiar to Europeans, as they are stylized after them. Here are just a few:
- Aigul - moonflower;
- Alsu - rose water;
- Albina - white-faced;
- Amina - gentle, faithful, honest. Amina was the name of the mother of the Prophet Muhammad;
- Bella is beautiful;
- Gallia - occupying a high position;
- Guzel - very beautiful, dazzling;
- Dilyara - pleasing the heart;
- Zainap - portly, full build;
- Zulfira - having superiority;
- Zulfiya – charming, beautiful;
- Ilnara - the flame of the country, the fire of the people;
- Ilfira is the pride of the country;
- Kadriya - worthy of respect;
- Karima is generous;
- Leila - dark haired;
- Laysan - generous;
- Naila - reaching the goal;
- Nuria - bright, radiant;
- Railya is the founder;
- Raisa - leader;
- Regina - the king's wife, queen;
- Roxanne - illuminating with bright light;
- Faina - shining;
- Chulpan - morning star;
- Elvira - protecting, protecting;
- Elmira –conscientious, illustrious.
Famous and widespread Russian surnames of Tatar origin
Mostly Russian surnames of Tatar origin appeared back in the years of the conquest of Russia by the Mongol-Tatars and after the expulsion of nomads far beyond the Slavic lands by the united Russian-Lithuanian army. Anthroponymic specialists have over five hundred names of noble and well-born Russians who are of Tatar origin. Almost every one of them has a long and sometimes beautiful story behind it. Mostly in 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;
- Velyaminovs;
- Gireevs, Gogol, Gorchakovs;
- Davydovs;
- Zhdanovs;
- Teeth;
- Izmailovs;
- Kadyshevs, Kalitins, Karamzins, Karaulovs, Karachinskys, Kartmazovs, Kozhevnikovs (Kozhaevs), Kononovs, Kurbatovs;
- Lachinovs;
- Mashkovs, Minins, Muratovs;
- Naryshkins, Novokreshchenovs;
- Ogarevs;
- Peshkovs, Plemyannikovs;
- Radishchevs, Rastopchins, Ryazanovs;
- S altanovs, 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 the Anichkovs came from the Horde. The mention of them dates back to 1495 and is related to Novgorod. The Atlasovs got their surname from a fairly common typical Tatar surname - Atlasi. The Kozhevnikovs began to be called so 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 "Khoja", which meant "master".
Tatar writers who brought fame to their people in the Soviet era
The surnames listed above, considered as Russian, but by origin Tatar surnames, the list of which is far from complete, are mostly well known to the current generation. They were glorified by 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. There are famous writers among them, which are worth talking about in more detail.
The most famous of them:
- Abdurakhman Absalyamov – prose writer of the 20th century. His essays, stories, novels "Golden Star", "Gazinur", "Inextinguishable Fire" were published both in Tatar and in Russian. Absalyamov translated into Russian "Spring on the Oder" Kazakevich, "Young Guard" Fadeev. He translated not only Russian writers, but also Jack London, Guy de Maupassant.
- Fathi Burnash, whose real name and surname is Fatkhelislam Burnashev - poet, prose writer, translator,publicist, theatrical figure. Author of many dramatic and lyrical creations that have enriched both Tatar fiction and theater.
- Karim Tinchurin, in addition to being famous as a writer, he is also an actor and playwright, is listed among the founders of the professional Tatar theater.
- Gabdulla Tukay is the most beloved and revered poet, publicist, public figure and literary critic among the people.
- Gabdulgaziz Munasypov – writer and poet.
- Mirkhaidar Faizullin – poet, playwright, publicist, compiler of folk songs collection.
- Zakhir (Zagir) Yarulla ugyly - writer, founder of Tatar realistic prose, public and religious figure.
- Rizaitdin Fakhretdinov is both a Tatar and Bashkir writer, scientist, and religious figure. In his works, he repeatedly raised the issue of women's emancipation, was a supporter of introducing his people to European culture.
- Sharif Baigildiev, who took the pseudonym Kamal, is a writer, an outstanding playwright and translator, who was the first to translate “Virgin Soil Upturned” into the Tatar language.
- Kamal Galiaskar, whose real name is Galiaskar Kamaletdinov, was a true classic of Tatar dramaturgy.
- Yavdat Ilyasov wrote about the ancient and medieval history of Central Asia.
Naki Isanbet, Ibragim Gazi, Salih Battalov, Ayaz Gilyazov, Amirkhan Eniki, Atilla Rasikh, Angam Atnabaev, Shaikhi Mannur, Shaikhelislam Mannurov, Garifzyan Akhunov also glorified Tatar surnames and left their greatest mark on native literature. There isamong them is a woman - Fauzia Bayramova - a writer, a prominent political figure, 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 are given above, lived and worked in Soviet times, but modern Tatarstan also has something to be proud of.
Writers of Tatarstan of a later period
Undoubtedly, Shaukat Galliev deserved the greatest fame among his compatriots with his high writing talent. The real name of the writer is Idiyatullin, he took his pseudonym on behalf of his father. Galliev is an outstanding son of his generation, the brightest representative of the Tatar writers of the second half of the 20th century.
Worthy of every respect of the Tatar people and Raul Mir-Khaidarov, who received high recognition in the Soviet and then Russian years. Like Rinat Mukhamadiev and Kavi Najmi.
Let's recall some more names and surnames of Tatar writers known outside the republic: Razil Valeev, Zarif Bashiri, Vakhit Imamov, Rafkat Karami, Gafur Kulakhmetov, Mirsay Amir, Foat Sadriev, Khamit 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 theaterfigures.
Great Tatar composers and artists
Outstanding Tatar writers, whose names and surnames are highly valued by enlightened minds throughout the post-Soviet space, undoubtedly made their own contribution to ex alt the glory of their people, as well as the outstanding world-famous violinist Alina Ibragimova, and many famous athletes: football players, hockey players, basketball players, wrestlers. Their game is heard and stared at by millions. But after some time, their traces will be erased by new idols who have come to replace them, who will be applauded by 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 in canvases. 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 Fattakhov, Baki Urmanche, so that true lovers and connoisseurs of modern painting understand who they are talking about.
Famous Tatar composers are also worthy of mention by name. 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 opera, w altzes, the favorite among the people; Enver Bakirov; Salih Saidashev; Aidar Gainullin; Sonia Gubaidullina, who wrote the music for the cartoon "Mowgli", 25 films, amongwhich "Scarecrow" by Rolan Bykov. These composers glorified Tatar surnames all over the world.
Famous contemporaries
Almost every Russian knows Tatar surnames, the list of which includes Bariy Alibasov, Yuri Shevchuk, Dmitry Malikov, Sergei Shokurov, Marat Basharov, Chulpan Khamatova, Zemfira, Alsu, Timati, whose real name is Timur Yunusov. They will never be lost among singers, musicians, cultural figures, and they all have Tatar roots.
The land of Tatarstan is rich with outstanding athletes, whose names are impossible to list, there are so many of them. What kinds of sports they represent, it was said above. Each of them glorified not only the name of their family, but also their entire region with its ancient history. Many of them also have very beautiful Tatar surnames - Nigmatullin, Izmailov, Zaripov, Bilyaletdinov, Yakupov, Dasaev, Safin. Behind each is not only the talent of its bearer, but also an interesting story of origin.
