How the surname Zelenskyi could have originated in Ukraine and why it is associated with immortality

Today, it is unlikely that there is a person in the civilized world who has not heard the name Zelenskyi. Researchers have decided to analyze possible hypotheses about the origin of the surname, which many consider Polish due to its typical ending.

Surnames are an interesting source of knowledge about one's family history. The NV publication invites you to consider hypotheses about how the Zelenskyi surname could have appeared in Ukraine and why it is associated with immortality.

According to the first version, the surname Zelenskyi probably originated from a place name, such as the village of Zelene. In ancient times, residents of such place names were given characteristic nicknames that later transformed into surnames.

Another hypothesis is related to typical Polish endings. The variation of the surname "Zieliński" indicates the Polish tradition of ending with -ski or -ska.

The most interesting hypothesis concerns immortality. The Zelenskyi surname could be derived from the non-church ancient name "Zelena," which could be added to a child's name during baptism. The name Zelenia symbolizes fertility, rebirth, maturation, spring, and life.

The adjective "evergreen" in ancient times meant immortality, so wishing the child a happy life and long years, they chose a name associated with the color green. A son named Zelena could have acquired the nickname Zelenskyi, which eventually transformed into a permanent surname.

According to public records, the Zelenskyi family name was first recorded in 1756. Information about it can be found in the chronicles of the clergy.

Most of the surname's bearers are currently recorded in Kyiv, Kharkiv, Dnipro, Kryvyi Rih, and Zaporizhzhia.

Earlier, OBOZ.UA discussed whether men could change their surnames after marriage in ancient times.

Subscribe to OBOZ.UA channels on Telegram and Viber to keep up with the latest events.