When and how did surnames emerge in Ukraine, and what does the suffix "-enko" signify?

Surnames in Ukraine have a rich historical context that dates back to ancient times. They emerged no earlier than the 14th-15th centuries when Ukrainians began using them for self-identification within society.

Previously, as chronicles indicate, individuals only had a given name, and surnames arose from the need for a more precise identification of individuals, especially during the documentation processes such as birth and marriage registrations. "Telegraph" has uncovered interesting facts about the origins of Ukrainian surnames.

Historical Context

In ancient times, particularly during the period of Kievan Rus, our ancestors did not possess surnames. Princes and members of the nobility used their parents' names or the names of their estates. For example, Vladimir Svyatoslavich is Vladimir, son of Svyatoslav. Such naming formulas were characteristic of all princes: Svyatoslav of Kyiv, Igor of Novgorod-Seversky, and so forth. Surnames began to form based on nicknames, often reflecting the character traits or professions of ancestors.

Origins of Surnames

Surnames in Ukraine were formed based on various principles:

• By father's name: Petrenko (son of Peter), Sidorenko (son of Sidora);
• By profession: Shevchenko (from "shevtsia," shoemaker), Kovalenko (from "koval," blacksmith);
• By characteristics: Slabchenko (son of the weak), Slipchenko (son of the blind);
• By place of residence: Haievy (living in a "hai," grove), Dubovy (living near an oak).

Interestingly, many Ukrainian surnames originated from the nicknames held by the founders of the family. This became particularly relevant during the Cossack period when such surnames became widespread among the Cossacks.

Significance of the Suffix "enko"

The suffix "-enko" is one of the most common in Ukrainian surnames. Researcher Stepan Bevzenko notes that surnames ending in "enko" comprised about 60% of the entire list of family names in the Kyiv regiment in the mid-17th century.

This suffix has a diminutive meaning and emphasizes the connection to the father, literally meaning "little," "young man," or "son." For example, Petrenko means son of Peter or Yuschenko means son of Yuska.

Over time, this suffix lost its direct meaning and began to be used as a family component not only for patronyms but also for nicknames and professions, such as Zubchenko, Melnychenco.

Cultural Aspects

The use of names and patronymics in Ukrainian tradition is not borrowed from Moscow culture. It is part of ancient Oriana rituals, highlighting the importance of kinship ties and the cult of the father. In the modern world, this may be perceived as "Easternism," but in reality, it is a deeply rooted Ukrainian tradition.

Taras Shevchenko in his works also raises the issue of surname formation. He describes a situation where during registration, scribes would assign an orphan the surname Halayda — which means "wanderer." This indicates that even in difficult circumstances, Ukrainians sought to give their fellow countrymen dignified names.

Modern Challenges

Today, many Ukrainians abroad face difficulties due to their surnames. Some may sound awkward to foreigners or contain foreign roots, which can evoke feelings of inadequacy. Therefore, it is important to value one's native heritage and appreciate its beauty.

Surnames are not just words; they are part of our history and identity. Understanding their origins helps us better recognize our place in the world and preserve cultural heritage for future generations.

Previously, "Telegraph" reported on witty Cossack surnames that evoke genuine laughter. They too have a long-standing origin.