All surnames

Russian surname

Smirnov

Quiet/meek one

Descriptive surname

Smirnov is a Russian descriptive surname meaning 'quiet', 'meek', or 'gentle', from 'smirny'. It was typically applied as a nickname for a mild-mannered person. The name is one of the most common in Russia.

It remains highly frequent. Variants include Smirnova for women. The surname preserves a clear character description of an ancestor.

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Frequently asked questions

What does the surname Smirnov mean?+

Quiet/meek one. From Russian "smirnyi" (quiet, meek, peaceable).

Is Smirnov a common surname?+

Smirnov is a Russian-origin surname. Popularity varies widely by country and region, and the same surname can be common in one place and rare in another.

Can two families with the same surname be unrelated?+

Yes. Surnames, especially occupational and descriptive ones like this, were often adopted independently by many unrelated families who happened to share a trade, appearance, or location.

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