Bulgarian Surnames

The most common surnames in Bulgaria

In Bulgaria, as in many other countries, surnames can reveal a lot about a family's history and traditions. The most common surnames in Bulgaria are a mixture of names of Slavic, Greek, Turkish and Bulgarian origin.

Origins of Bulgarian surnames

Bulgarian surnames have a long history dating back to the Middle Ages. Many of these surnames have their origin in people's traditional occupations, such as ironmonger or carpenter. Other surnames are based on physical characteristics, such as tall or dark.

Surnames can also be related to the geographical location of a family, such as Mountain or River. Other surnames may have religious origins, such as Cruz or Santo. Whatever the origin of a surname, each one tells a unique story.

The most common surnames in Bulgaria

Below is a list of the most common surnames in Bulgaria, accompanied by the approximate number of people who bear that surname in the country:

- Ivanov: This is one of the most common surnames in Bulgaria, with more than 300,000 people bearing it. This surname means son of Ivan and is of Slavic origin.

- Petrov: This surname is also very common in Bulgaria, with around 250,000 people bearing it. It means son of Peter and has its roots in Orthodox Christianity.

- Dimitrov: With around 200,000 people bearing this surname, Dimitrov is another of the most popular surnames in Bulgaria. It means son of Dimitar and is of Slavic origin.

- Georgiev: This surname, which means son of George, is carried by more than 150,000 people in Bulgaria. It has its roots in the Greek influence in the region.

- Stoyanov: With around 100,000 people bearing this surname, Stoyanov is another of the most common surnames in Bulgaria. It means son of Stoyan and has its roots in Bulgarian tradition.

- Kolev: This surname, which means son of Kole, is carried by more than 80,000 people in Bulgaria. It has its roots in Bulgarian and Slavic tradition.

- Nikolov: With around 70,000 people bearing this surname, Nikolov is another of the most popular surnames in Bulgaria. It means son of Nicholas and has its roots in Greek influence in the region.

- Aleksandrov: This surname, which means son of Alexander, is carried by more than 50,000 people in Bulgaria. It has its roots in Greek influence in the region and in Orthodox Christianity.

- Iliev: With around 40,000 people bearing this surname, Iliev is another of the most common surnames in Bulgaria. It means son of Ilia and has its roots in Bulgarian tradition.

- Vasilev: This surname, which means son of Basil, is carried by more than 30,000 people in Bulgaria. It has its roots in the Greek influence in the region.

Conclusions

The most common surnames in Bulgaria reflect the rich history and cultural diversity of this country. From surnames of Slavic origin to those of Greek and Turkish influence, each surname tells a unique story about a family's traditions and roots. Whether a surname is related to a family's occupation, its geographical location, or its religious affiliation, each adds another layer to the history of Bulgaria and its people.

It is important to remember that surnames are more than just words: they are a connection with the past and a way to preserve the memory of previous generations. Through the most common surnames in Bulgaria, we can learn more about the history and culture of this fascinating country in southeastern Europe.