Georgian surnames in Ani. Georgian surname rules

Before the revolution, due to the prevailing circumstances, Ossetian surnames in South Ossetia, with rare exceptions, were written with Georgian endings (“-shvili”, “-dze”, “-uri” (*), etc.), moreover, they were often deformed beyond recognition . This is confirmed by many historical documents, as well as inscriptions on gravestones. For employees of the Georgian diocese, such distortions of Ossetian surnames were in the order of things.

This is what historian G. Togoshvili writes in the book “Georgian-Ossetian relations in the 15th-18th centuries”: “On the territory of Georgia, especially in regions where the plain prevailed, the Christian religion of the Ossetians was one of the reasons for their settlement on these lands. Salary books often emphasize the fact that this or that Ossetian is a “new Christian,” “naosari” (who came from Ossetia) or “oskhopila” (former Ossetian). In all three cases, this means that the Ossetian to whom these concepts refer belongs to the Christian faith. This also means that the residence of such an Ossetian among the Christian Georgian population is natural and very desirable, because if he is a Christian, then the Ossetian will in every sense this word is no longer, he is already considered a Georgian (Sabchota Sakartvelo Publishing House, Tbilisi, 1969, p. 205).

Georgian clerical officials also contributed to the transformation of Ossetian surnames into Georgian ones, in order to speed up the process of assimilation of Ossetians. To this should be added the lack of necessary literacy of some deacons and registrar officials in remote Ossetian villages, who simply did not know how to adequately write this or that Ossetian surname in Georgian, since the phonetic laws of these languages ​​differ significantly from each other. And another important reason for the transformation of Ossetian surnames is the desire of a certain part of the Ossetians, who found themselves as a result of migration processes among Georgians, to be recorded under Georgian surnames. Perhaps they believed that the Georgian sound of their surnames would give them certain privileges and would be more honorable. This is tantamount to how it seemed to the Georgians themselves Russian sound their surnames (Tsitsianov, Tseretelev, Andronnikov, Mardzhanov, etc.) are more honorable.

There is information that as a result tragic events in the early 1990s in South Ossetia, some Ossetians who remained in Georgia were also forced to change their surnames. All this has led to the fact that many Ossetian surnames today are so distorted in the Georgian nomenclature that it is difficult to establish their authenticity. The Driaevs' surname was especially affected - more than half of them were recorded as “Meladze” (Georgian “mela” - “fox”, i.e. translated into Russian the surname means “Lisitsins”). (See also “Okroperidze” and others).

Georgian surnames have characteristic structure and are easily recognized due to their finite elements. In most cases, the etymology is unclear. The most common elements are “-dze” and “-shvili”. The first of them originally meant “born”, the second - “son”. Nowadays, however, the semantic differences between them have been erased, and both of them play the role of patronymic suffixes. There is also a chronological difference between them: “dze” is found in more ancient surnames, “-shvili” - in more modern ones. In general, we can say that surnames with “-dze” and “-shvili” are not formed in parallel from the same roots.

Some surnames are formed from baptismal names, that is, given at birth: Nikoladze, Tamaridze, Georgadze, Davitashvili, Matiashvili, Ninoshvili, etc. There are surnames formed from Muslim names of various origins: Japaridze (“jafar”, unless this surname is formed from the Persian dzapar - “postman”), Narimanidze, etc. Most surnames (especially with “-dze”) are formed from other less clear roots: Vachnadze, Kavtaradze, Chkheidze, Enukidze, Ordzhonikidze, Chavchavadze, Svanidze (from “Svan”) , Lominadze (lomi- “lion”), Gaprindashvili, Khananashvili Kalandarishvili (from Persian kalantar - “first person in the city”), Dzhugashvili (“dzug” - “flock”, “flock” / Osset./ G. Kolodaev, Ch Bagaev, “Who are you, Stalin?”, 1995, p.5) In addition to these two main types (patronymic in origin), there are other, less common, but also very fully represented types of surnames indicating a place or family, from which their bearer comes. One of these types are surnames ending in “-eli” (rarely “-ali”): Rustaveli, Tsereteli, etc. A number of surnames end in “-eti”. “-ati”, “-iti”: Dzimiti, Oseti, Khvarbeti, Chinati, etc.

Another type consists of surnames starting with “-ani”: Dadiani (rulers of Megrelia), Akhvelediani, Chikovani, etc. Megrelian surnames are characterized by specific endings “-iya”, “-aya”, “-ua”, “-ava”, “-uri” "(-uli): Beria, Kvirkelia, Danelia, Zhordania, Gulia, Shengelaya, Dondua, Sturua, Khuchua, Okudzhava, Lezhava, Eliava, Tsiklauri, Sulakauri.

Surnames starting with “-nti”, quite rare, are of Svan or Chan origin: Glonti, Zhgenti. Among them, a group of profession names with the participial prefix “me-” (“m-”) stands out: Mdivani
- “scribe” (from the Persian “divan” - “advice”); Mebuke - “bugler” (“buki” - “horn”); Menabde - “burka maker” (“nabadi” - “burqa”). The surname "Amilakhvari" - "horsemaster", Persian
origin, is also a suffixless formation.

Penetrating into Russian onomastics, Georgian surnames usually did not undergo distortions, despite their length and unusual combinations of sounds. However, individual cases their “Russianizations” still occur: Orbeliani - Orbeli; Shengelaya (Shengelia) - Shengeli; Muskhelishvili - Muskheli; Bagrationi - Bagration; Iashvili - Yashvili; Eristavi (literally “head of the people”) - Eristovs. Some Georgian surnames were appended with the suffixes “-ov”, “-ev”, “-v”: Panchulidzev, Sulakadzev, In surnames, “-shvili” is often abbreviated during Russification: Avalishvili - Avalov, Andronikashvili - Andronnikov, Javakhishvili - Javakhov, Sumbatoshvili - Sumbatov, Tsitsishvili - Tsitsianov, Manvelishvili - Manvelov, Shalikoshvili - Shalikov, Baratashvili - Baratov. Examples with a different type of surname: Gamrekeli - Gamrekelov, Tsereteli - Tseretelev.

To the considered Kartvelian surnames, Abkhaz surnames should be added. Abkhazian language belongs to the North Caucasian group. Currently, Abkhazians make up only about 15% of the population of Abkhazia. This is probably explained by the fact that many Abkhazians have Georgian or Mingrelian surnames. There are, however, specifically Abkhaz surnames with the final element “-ba”: Lakoba, Eshba, Agzhba.

Dze
1,649,222 people
The ending corresponds to the Russian ending -ov. Most common in Western Georgia (Guria, Imereti, Adjara). As a result of migration, their speakers appeared in Racha-Lechkhumi and Kartli. Gongadze (Imereti), Dumbadze (Guria), Silagadze (Lechkhumi), Archuadze (Racha). If you pay attention to the root of the surname, then by some signs you can determine it exact origin. Excl.: Japaridzes are mainly Svans. The surname Beridze is most often borne by Georgian Jews.

Shvili
1,303,723 people
Translated as child, child. It is usually found in Eastern Georgia (Kartliya, Kakheti, Meskheti, Javakheti). The surname Maharashvili is found mainly among Kakhetians. In frequent cases, bearers of surnames in -Shvili (especially in -Ashvili) are of non-Kartvelian (including Jewish) origin: Aslanikashvili (root Aslan), Gligvashvili (this surname is found among Chechens living in Kakheti), Saakashvili (from Armenian name Sahak), Dzhugashvili (from the Ossetian surname Dzhugaity).

Eeyore(s)
-aia (-aya)
494,224 people
Diminutive endings for nouns. Distributed in Megrelia and Abkhazia. Often found in Abkhazia. Example: Beria, Gulia, Gurtskaya, Tsviritskaya.

Ava(s)
200,642 people
Also, the Mingrelian ending probably corresponds to the Slavic -skiy, but it is usually not pronounced by Mingrelians. Example: Girgolava, Girgola.

Ani(s)
129,204 people
Svan ending (analogous to -skiy), now common in Svaneti, Lechkhumi, Imereti and Racha.

In Eastern Georgia there is a consonant Georgian ending -ani, indicating a very noble birth. The difference can only be determined by knowing equally the Svan and Georgian languages ​​based on an analysis of the root of the surname.
Armenian surnames in -yan in Georgian transcription are read with the ending -iani. Petrosiani.

Examples: Gordesiani (Svaneti), Dadeshkeliani (Svaneti, princely surname), Mushkudiani (Lechkhumi), Akhvlediani (Lechkhumi), Gelovani (Lechkhumi, princely surname), Ioseliani (Imereti), Zhorzholiani (Imereti), Chikovani (Megrelia), Dadiani ( Megrelia, a princely family, they were the rulers of the entire region), Orbeliani (princely family), Kitovani.

Uri
76,044 people
This ending is common in Mountainous Georgia among the peoples of the Pkhov group (Khevsurs, Mokhevians, Tushins). For example: Dzidziguri, Apkhazuri.

Ua (-uya)
74,817 people
Megrelian ending, most often found in Abkhazia and, less commonly, in Georgia. For example: Chkaduya, Gogua.

Ate (-ate)
55,017 people
The endings are usually found in Racha; outside its borders only Pirveli (Svaneti) and Machabeli (Kartliya) are known. They are a form used to form participles, for example, Mkidveli (from kidva - to buy). Pr: Pshavel, Rustaveli.

Uli
23,763 people
The phonetic variant is Uri, common among the peoples of the Mtiul-Pshavian group (Mtiuls, Gudamakarians, Pshavs) in Mountainous Georgia.

Shi (-sh)
7,263 people
Laz ending. Found in Adjara and Guria. Kind plural numbers.
For example: Khalvashi, Tugushi.

Ba
Quantity unknown
Laz analogue of Mingrelian -ava. A very rare ending. Not to be confused with Abkhazian -ba

Skiri (-skiria)
2,375 people
Rare Mingrelian ending. For example: Tsuleiskiri.

Chkori
1,831 people
Rare Mingrelian ending. For example: Gegechkori.

Kwa
1,023 people
Rare Mingrelian ending. For example: Ingorokva. Kva - stone.

Enti (-onti)
Quantity unknown
Lazian and Adjarian suffix. For example: Glonti, Zhgenti.

Skua (-skua)
Quantity unknown
Megrelian version - shvili. Found in Megrelia.

Ari
Quantity unknown
Rare ending. Example: Amilakhvari.

The surnames of Pontic Greeks starting with -idi, -adi and -aki are often considered Georgian.
(Savvidi, Kivelidi, Romanidi, Kandelaki, Andriadi, Kazanzaki).

The surname Marr is found in Georgia, whose bearers also live in Europe.

Chechen origin have the following genera: Chopikashvili, Kazbegi, Tsiklauri, Tsitskashvili.

Megrelian endings: -ia, -iya, -aia, -aya, -ava, -va, -ua, -uya, -skiri, -skiria, -chkori, -kva, -skua, -skaya.
Laz and Adjarian endings: -enti, -onti, -ba, -shi, -sh.
West Georgian ending: -dze.
Without territory bindings: -ari.
East Georgian ending: -shvili.
Svan endings: -ani, -oni.
Rachin endings: -ate, -ate.
Pkhov ending: -uri.
Mtiulo-Pshava ending: -uli.

You can find out Georgian surnames from other peoples of the world quite simply. They are distinguished not only by their beautiful sound, but by the presence of their own specific structural system and special suffix endings. They are formed by attaching one of them to the root. Common in every area different roots and endings, which allows you to determine historical origin person.

Story

The Georgian state has existed for several thousand years, but in ancient times it was divided into two regions: Colchis and Iberia

• Georgian male surnames with “-dze” are most numerous in western Georgia, and “-shvili” are common only among representatives of eastern Georgia. Representatives of noble families had the endings “-ani”.
• The endings of Georgian surnames “-ua” and “-ia” determine Mingrelian origin.

“Like its analogue from Georgia, Armenia has princely surnames with “-uni” and it also denotes the noble origin of its bearer”

Statistics of Georgian surnames from 1997, their meaning and interpretation

If we consider all Georgian regions together, the most popular here will be the same famous “-shvili” and “-dze”. The latter is most common in the western regions. It is found in the regions of Imereti, Guria and Adjara. Surnames starting with “-dze” have ancient roots, while “-shvili” is much newer and dates back to the times of united Georgia. The ending “-shvili” is common in the regions of Kakheti and Kartli.

1. The suffixes “-eti”, “-ati”, “-iti” and “-eti” are the third most common after “-shvili” and “-dze”. Example: Rustaveli, Tseretili..
2. Suffixes “-ani” to the descendants of kings and nobles of the Migreli tribes. Example: Dadiani.
3. Surnames with “-uli”, “-uri”, “iya”, “-ava”, “-aya” are less common, but among Georgian celebrities they are quite common: Okudzhava, Danelia.
4. A very rare ending “-nti”, which has Chan/Svan roots. Example: Glonti.
5. The prefix "m-" with a root denoting profession was popular in the eastern regions, closely associated with Persia. Mdivani means “scribe”, Mebuke means “bugler”. Many of them have been translated from the Persian alphabet into Georgian. People with such surnames can be found in the eastern regions.

“The most unique of all is Amilakhvari. This surname has its roots in Persia. Its main feature is that it does not have a suffix or ending. Found mainly among eastern highlanders"

List of the most common surname endings in Georgia as of 1997

1. Dze – 1.65 million. Adjara, Imereti. Means "son". The ending is found in men in western Georgia.
2. Shvili – 1.3 million. West of the country. Means “child”, “child”, “descendant”. Many female surnames are formed with this suffix.
3. Uri – 760 thousand Tsageri district, Mestia, Chkhetiani
4. Uli – 237 thousand. Eastern Georgia
5. Iani – 129 thousand. Western Georgia
6. Shi - 7263, Adjara, Guria
7. Skiri – 2375 Areas in the east
8. Chkori – 1831 Regions in the east
9. Kva – 1023 Regions in the east

Structure

Family names of Georgians are given and built on the basis of established rules.

• If a child is baptized, he is given a name, which can later be turned into a surname by adding a suffix ending to it. Example: Nikoladze. This is a fairly common practice. In the same way, they can be formed from Muslim (mostly Persian) names, words and titles. The Georgian surname Japaridze is derived from the Persian name for the profession “dzapar” (postman).
• Often there are surnames that indicate the origin of its bearer from a certain Georgian area. Example: Tsereteli from the village and fortress of the same name Tseret. They often have princely origin, although not all of its bearers are descendants of princes.
• There can only be one ending.

“There are many Georgian surnames with Russian elements in them. Some of them acquired Russian endings “-ev” and “-ov”, like Panulidzev, Sulakadzev, etc. It is also possible to Russify them by removing the Georgian suffix and replacing it with Russian ones. Example: Avalishvili - Avalov, Batashvili - Baratov. Some of them have undergone changes due to translation into the Russian alphabet and vice versa."

List of declension rules

Today, there are no particularly strict rules on this matter, but it is recommended to pay attention to the list of main cases when they cannot be persuaded.

• In case the male and female forms are the same.
• Ending with unstressed vowels
• Suffixes “-iya”, “-ia” and “-aya”

Example: Gurtskaya, Garcia, Heredia. They never bow down.

“Many linguists, believing that it is possible to inflect surnames from Georgians, do not recommend doing this in order to avoid subsequent mistakes”

The topic of Georgian surnames is certainly interesting and requires an in-depth study of the history of this ancient region. They are not only beautiful, but also carry important Georgian culture role and significance. It is not difficult to identify them. Most often, they are built from the names of their speakers, by adding special suffixes; on behalf of the region or locality in which he was born or simply inherited from his parents. Since Georgia is in ancient times was divided into eastern and western part, the surnames of the residents of these regions differ from each other. Thus, in the west of the country, surnames with the ending “-shvili” and roots derived from Christian names are common, while in the east, Persian influence is felt. Also in connection with the presence of Georgia in the Russian Empire And Soviet Union, some residents of Georgia have certain surnames with Russified endings, such as “-ov” and “-ev” in addition to the existing suffixes or even completely replacing them. There are more Georgian surnames on Dze than anyone else.

Many people don’t even realize how many different endings Georgian surnames have, because everyone is used to the fact that a Georgian surname should end in -DZE or -SHVILI. However, this is not the case:)

Dze - the ending corresponds to the Russian ending “-ov”. Most common in Western Georgia (Guria, Imereti, Adjara). As a result of migration, their speakers appeared in Racha-Lechkhumi and Kartli. Gongadze (Imereti), Dumbadze (Guria), Silagadze (Lechkhumi), Archuadze (Racha) - if you pay attention to the root of the surname, then by some signs you can determine its exact origin. Excl.: Japaridzes are mainly Svans.

-shvili - translated as “child, child.” It is usually found in Eastern Georgia (Kartliya, Kakheti, Meskheti, Javakheti). The surname Maharashvili is found mainly among Kakhetians. In frequent cases, bearers of surnames starting with “-shvili” (especially with “-ashvili”) are of non-Kartvelian (including Jewish) origin: Aslanikashvili (root “Aslan”), Gligvashvili (this surname is found among the Kists - Vainakhs living in Kakheti ), Saakashvili (from Jewish name Isaac, or from the Armenian Sahak). Georgianized surnames were formed using this suffix.

Ia (-iya), -aia (-aya) - diminutive ending of nouns. Distributed in Megrelia and Abkhazia. Often found in Abkhazia. Example: Beria, Gulia, Gurtskaya, Tsviritskaya, Chanturia, Kvaratskhelia. Excl.: Jewish surname Luria (Loria), originating from the name Italian. cities. It is possible to distinguish between Abkhazian and Mingrelian surnames with these endings only by the origin of the root of the surname.
The ending comes from the complex suffix /-i-an-i/, which was reduced to /-ia-/

Ava (-va) is also a Mingrelian ending, probably corresponding to the Slavic “-sky”, but it is usually not pronounced by Mingrelians. Example: Girgolava - Girgola, Okudzhava, Lemonjava, Eliava.

Ani(s)
The Svan ending (analogous to “-ski”), now common in Svaneti, Lechkhumi, Imereti and Racha.
In Eastern Georgia, the consonant Georgian ending “-iani” is found, indicating a very noble origin. The difference can only be determined by knowing equally the Svan and Georgian languages ​​based on an analysis of the root of the surname.
Armenian surnames starting with “-yan” in Georgian transcription are read with the ending “-iani” - Petrosiani.
Examples: Gordesiani (Svaneti), Dadeshkeliani (Svaneti, princely surname), Mushkudiani (Lechkhumi), Akhvlediani (Lechkhumi), Gelovani (Lechkhumi, princely surname), Ioseliani (Imereti), Zhorzholiani (Imereti), Chikovani (Megrelia), Dadiani ( Megrelia, a princely family, they were the rulers of the entire region), Orbeliani (princely family), Kitovani.

Uri - this ending is common in Mountainous Georgia among the peoples of the Pkhov group (Khevsurs, Mokhevians, Tushins). For example: Dzidziguri, Apkhazuri, Patashuri.

Ua (-uya) is a Mingrelian ending most often found in Abkhazia and, less frequently, in the rest of Georgia. For example: Gogua, Todua. By origin - Abkhazian ending.

Eli (-el) - endings are usually found in Racha; outside its borders only Pirveli (Svaneti) and Machabeli (Kartliya) are known. Example: Rustaveli, Tsereteli, Mitreveli. The surname Gverd-tsiteli is compound and may not be related to Racha

Uli is a phonetic variant of “-uri”, common among the peoples of the Aragvi group (Mtiuls, Gudamakarians, Pshavs) in Mountainous Georgia.

Shi (-sh) is a Laz ending. Found in Adjara, Guria and Abkhazia. Plural view numbers. For example: Khalvashi, Tugushi.

Balaz is the analogue of Mingrelian “-ava”. A very rare ending. Not to be confused with the Abkhazian “-ba”.

Skiri (-skiria) is a rare Mingrelian ending. For example: Tsuleiskiri, Panaskiri, Kvekveskiri.

Chkori is a rare Mingrelian ending. For example: Gegechkori ("Servant of Gege")

Kva is a rare Mingrelian and Gurian ending. For example: Ingorokva, Helekva, Rokva. “Kva” – “stone” (Georgian), “son” (Cherc.). There is a version that the bearers of these surnames are of non-Georgian origin

Enti (-onti) is a Laz and Adjarian suffix. For example: Glonti, Zhgenti

Skua (-skaya) is the Megrelian version of “-shvili” (son). Found in Megrelia. Uchascua, Curascua

Ari is a rare ending for any term to become a surname. Example: Amilakhvari (military position), Emukhvari.

Ki, -zi, -avi, -bi, -asi, -esi, -iri - very rare Georgian endings. For example: Abameliki, Abkhazi, Eristavi, Amirejibi, Khavtasi, Megvinetukhutsesi, Mujiri.

There are also Georgian surnames ending in “-ovi”, “-evi”, “-ski” (Tarkhanovi, Barataevi, Gruzinski). The endings have Russian origin, and this means that once upon a time they tried to Russify surnames, that is, surnames Georgian origin added Russian ending, however, over time, the surnames still switched to the Georgian way. It should not be confused with Russian or Russified surnames, which in Georgian transcription are read with the ending “i”.

The surnames of Pontic Greeks starting with “-idi”, “-adi”, “-iki” and “-aki” (Romanidi, Andriadi, Khomeriki, Kandelaki) are often considered Georgian.

It is quite easy to recognize Georgian surnames among others. They are distinguished by their characteristic structuring and, of course, famous endings. Surnames are formed by merging two parts: the root and the ending (suffix). For example, a person well versed in this topic will be able to easily determine in which area certain Georgian surnames are common.

Origin

The history of the country goes back several thousand years. In ancient times, it did not have a name, and Georgia was divided into 2 regions: Colchis (western) and Iberia (eastern). The latter interacted more with its neighbors - Iran and Syria - and had virtually no contact with Greece. If in the 5th century Georgia adopted Christianity, then by the 13th century they were talking about it as a powerful country with reliable ties with European continent and the East.

The history of the country is steeped in the struggle for sovereignty, but, despite the difficulties, the people were able to create their own culture and customs.

It is generally accepted that real Georgian surnames should end in “-dze”, and they come from the parent case. But a person with a surname ending in “-shvili” (translated from Georgian as “son”) was added to the list of those who do not have Kartvelian roots.

If the interlocutor’s family name ended in “-ani,” people knew that in front of them was a representative of a noble family. By the way, Armenians have surnames with a similar suffix, only it sounds like “-uni”.

Georgian surnames (for men) ending in “-ua” and “-ia” have Mingrelian roots. There are many such suffixes, but they are rarely used now.

List by region

Whatever one may say, the most common surnames in Georgia are those ending in “-shvili” and “-dze”. Moreover, the last suffix is ​​the most common. Often people with a surname ending in “-dze” can be found in Imereti, Guria and Adjara. But in the eastern region there are practically no such people.

On this moment surnames starting with “-dze” are attributed to old genealogies, respectively, “-shvili” - to modern or young ones. The latter (the suffix is ​​also translated as “born”) are widespread in Kakheti and Kartli ( eastern regions countries).

The meaning of some surnames

A special group of generic names are those that have the following endings:

• -eti;
• -ati;
• -iti;
• -ate.

For example, Rustaveli, Tsereteli. Also on the list of the most common surnames in Georgia are Khvarbeti, Chinati and Dzimiti.

Another group consists of surnames ending in “-ani”: Dadiani, Chikovani, Akhvelidiani. It is believed that their roots belong to famous Migrelian rulers.

Surnames ending in:

• -uli;
• -uri;
• -ava;

By the way, among them there are many famous stars: Okudzhava, Danelia, etc.

The suffix “-nti” with Chan or Svan origin is considered a rare example. For example, Glonti. These also include surnames containing the participial prefix “me-” and the name of the profession.

Translated from Persian, nodivan means “advice,” and Mdivani means “scribe,” Mebuke means “bugler,” and Menabde means “burka-making.” Most Interest The surname Amilakhvari evokes. Having Persian origin, it is a non-suffixed formation.

Construction

Georgian surnames are built according to certain rules. During the baptism of a newborn child, he is usually given a name. Most of surnames begin with it, and the necessary suffix is ​​subsequently added to it. For example, Nikoladze, Tamaridze, Matiashvili or Davitashvili. A considerable number of such examples can be given.

But there are also surnames formed from Muslim (usually Persian) words. For example, let's study the roots of the surname Japaridze. It originated from the common Muslim name Jafar. Translated from Persian dzapar means “postman”.

Quite often, Georgian surnames are tied to a specific area. Indeed, often their first bearers became the origins of the princely family. Tsereteli is one of them. This surname comes from the name of the village and fortress of the same name, Tsereti, located in the northern region of Zemo.

Russification of some Georgian surnames

Despite the length and unusual combination of letters and sounds, Georgian surnames that penetrated into Russian linguistics (in particular, onomastics) were not distorted. But, as practice shows, sometimes, albeit very rarely, there are cases when Russification occurred: Muskhelishvili turned into Muskheli.

Some surnames now have suffixes that are uncharacteristic for Georgia: -ev, -ov and -v. For example, Panulidzev or Sulakadzev.

Also, when Russifying some surnames into “shvili”, shortening very often occurs. Thus, Avalishvili turns into Avalov, Baratov - Baratashvili, Sumbatashvili - Sumbatov, etc. We can name many other options that we are accustomed to taking for Russians.

Declension of Georgian surnames

Inclination or indeclinability depends on the form in which it is borrowed. For example, a surname ending in -iya is inflected, but a surname ending in -ia is not.

But today rigid framework does not exist in relation. Although there are 3 rules according to which declension is impossible:

1. The male form is similar to the female one.
2. The surname ends in unstressed vowels (-а, -я).
3. Has the suffixes -ia, -ia.

Only in these three cases is neither male nor female surname are not subject to inclination. Examples: Garcia, Heredia.

It should also be noted that it is undesirable to decline surnames ending in -ya. Let’s say there is a person named Georgy Gurtskaya who received a document that says: “issued to citizen Georgy Gurtsky.” Thus, it turns out that the person’s last name is Gurtskaya, which is not entirely typical for Georgia, and the name loses its flavor.

Thus, linguists do not advise inflecting Georgian surnames and recommend writing the endings correctly. There are often cases when, when filling out documents, the letters at the end changed. For example, instead of Gulia they wrote Gulia, and this surname no longer has anything to do with Georgia.

Popularity of surnames in numbers

Below is a table showing the most common endings of Georgian surnames. Let's look at them in more detail and find out in which regions they are most often found.

Endings -shvili and -dze in surnames (Georgian)

At the moment, linguists identify 13 main suffixes. In many areas, surnames with -dze, which translated means “son,” have become very common. For example, Kebadze, Gogitidze, Shevardnadze. According to statistics, in 1997, 1,649,222 residents of Georgia had a surname with this ending.

The second most common suffix is ​​-shvili (Kululashvili, Peikrishvili, Elerdashvili), which translates as “child”, “child” or “descendant”. As of 1997, there were approximately 1,303,723 surnames with this ending. They became more widespread in the regions of Kartli and Kakheti.