All surnames

Russian surname

Volkov

Of the wolf

Descriptive surname

Volkov is a Russian surname meaning 'of the wolf' or 'son of the wolf', from 'volk' (wolf). It may have originated as a nickname for a fierce or wolf-like person, or as a reference to a totemic association. The name is common in Russia.

Variants include Volkova for women. The surname carries strong natural and symbolic associations.

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Frequently asked questions

What does the surname Volkov mean?+

Of the wolf. From Russian "volk" (wolf), likely from an ancestor's nickname.

Is Volkov a common surname?+

Volkov 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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