The origin of the name Pavlov is interesting because it is quite common in Russia and neighboring states. The popularity of this family name puts it in the second ten of a huge list of common hereditary (generic) names. Famous noble families, representatives of the middle class, and numerous peasant and working families had this surname. So what do we know about the Pavlovs? How did this last name appear?
Biblical origins
Most often, the origin of the name Pavlov is associated with the name of the Apostle Paul. His epistles are considered one of the most important texts in Christian theology and constitute a significant part of the New Testament. This significant and revered biblical personality is mentioned in the holy calendar many times. That is why many Christians received the baptismal name Paul, from which the hereditary surname Pavlov was later formed.
Surname value
The origin of the name Pavlov may be closely related to the meaning of the name Pavel. It has Greek origins, meaning "small" or "small." But, as you know, a small seed can give rise to a mighty tree. So here, Paul could be a patriarch of a large family, and the whole family received the name of Pavlova.
One of the mechanisms for the formation of surnames
Different peoples surnames formed in different ways. For example, some countries form complex surnames from several parts that combine the surname of father and mother. One of the mechanisms for the formation of surnames in Russia is also based on a relationship. But it does not reflect the surname, but the name of the father. Thus, the surname Pavlov, whose origin is considered here, can be represented as follows: Pavel → Pavlov son.
Toponymic education of a surname
The history of the origin of the name Pavlov may be associated with the name of the settlement from which there was a stranger who settled in a new place. And since there are many cities, towns and villages in Russia whose name appears the name Pavel, there are quite a lot of “settlers” of the Pavlovs. Examples of such cities and settlements are Pavlovsky Posad, Pavlovsk, Pavlovo, and so on.
Having these data, you can more accurately find out how the generic surname Pavlov was formed. The origin can be explained as follows: the first representative of each branched clan of the Pavlovs was either the son of Pavel, that is, Pavlovich by his patronymic name, or lived at one time in a clause whose name is based on this name.
The noble Pavlovs - who are they?
In the noble families to find the origin of the name Pavlov is much easier. She tried to collect accurate archival information about many generations of her family. As you understand, the common Pavlovs were most often mentioned only in registration or church books, while the history of the noble families was recorded as detailed as possible.
One of the old records tells about the ancient noble family of the Pavlovs, whose ancestor was the descendant of the famous Tatar warrior Oslan-Murza Celebey. Tatar was baptized in Russia at the end of the 14th century in the name of Procopius. Celebey was married to the daughter of Prince Dmitry Donskoy. Five sons were born in the family, one of whom was called Paul. He founded the ancient noble family of the Pavlovs.
The noble families of the Pavlovs are known, who served as governors in different places. Mention of them dates back to the XVI-XVII centuries. They were granted noble titles for significant public services. Mention of government officials of the Pavlovs, who were granted titles of nobility, is quite common. It is believed that there are more than 80 such genera, but this information is not final.
Surname Pavlov in history
The surname Pavlov, the origin and significance of which was considered here, left its mark in history. For example, the Russian physiologist Pavlov Ivan Petrovich is known for his work around the world. Moreover, he is a Nobel laureate. Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova conquered the scenes of several continents.
Yakov Pavlov, who commanded the assault group during the Battle of Stalingrad, also left his mark. The group recaptured a four-story house from the enemy and held it for 58 days under heavy fire. Pavlov’s House became a symbol of steadfastness and courage, and Sergeant Yakov Fedorovich Pavlov received the title of Hero of the Soviet Union.