Fewer than a hundred. Where in Ukraine do the Putins live, and what does this surname signify?

The head of Russia, Vladimir Putin, is not the only bearer of that surname. The surname Putin has Slavic roots and is predominantly found in Russia, particularly in the Perm and Krasnodar regions. Its bearers also reside in Belarus, Kazakhstan, France, and Ukraine.

In our country, there are 93 individuals with this surname, according to the genealogical portal "Ridni." They live across the country, but the largest number of Putins can be found in Kharkiv – 8 people, Odessa – 6 people, and Osokorivka in the Kherson region – 5 people. The most common first names associated with this surname are Sergey and Lyudmila. The ex-wife of the Russian president is named Lyudmila.

The surname Putin has been mentioned in records since the 17th century, originally held by merchants. There are several theories regarding its origin:

• from the name. A child born during a journey was called Putila, Putei, or Putyatei. It may also be a shortened form of ancient Slavic names such as Putislav and Putimir.
• from the word "putny," meaning "good, useful."
• from a distortion of the Finnish surname Putyainin.
• from the Lithuanian putinas – viburnum.

It is worth noting that with a different stress, putIn according to Dahl's dictionary signifies a lumbago pain in the lower back.

Previously, "Telegraf" reported on Ukrainian surnames that have Romanian origins. Most bearers reside in the western part of the country, although these surnames are not exclusively found there.