Your ancestors were quite wise if your last name sounds like that: check it against the list.

For ages, Ukrainians have had a unique tradition of highlighting the best character traits and abilities of individuals through their surnames. Among these, names that symbolize wisdom, cleverness, and intelligence held a special significance.

"Telegraf" will share which surnames were given to wise individuals and explore their origins.

It is important to note that Ukrainians assigned "wise" surnames as a way to honor the intellectual capabilities of the family and to create positive social expectations for future generations. Such surnames acted as a sort of social elevator, emphasizing respect for knowledge, education, and intellectual work within society.

Intellectual Surnames

• Umny
• Mudry
• Smyshleny
• Holovatyi
• Tiamko

Surnames Hinting at Ingenuity

• Verkholantsev (from the word "verk")
• Tiamchenko
• Holovko
• Umov
• Myslytskyi

Surnames from Professions

• Uchenyi
• Knyzhnyk
• Pysarenko
• Hramotny
• Shkolnyk

The highest concentration of people with such names can be found in Central Ukraine, particularly in the Poltava region, Kyiv region, and Cherkasy area.

Previously, "Telegraf" reported on witty Cossack surnames that evoke genuine laughter.