Чиликова is a Bulgarian surname, predominantly feminine, derived from the masculine form Чиликов.EtymologyThe masculine stem Chilikov originates from the Bulgarian word челик (chelik), meaning "steel," which itself was borrowed from Turkish çelik. This noun is also present in other Balkan languages and in many cases evolved into a prominent surname, associated with strength or the metal trade. The suffix -ova conforms to standard Bulgarian patronymic naming rules, where women inherit the feminine form of their father's surname.Cultural ContextTurkish influence on Bulgarian vocabulary reflects the centuries of Ottoman rule in the region. Many family names rooted in ordinary words—such as "Çelik/Челик"—were adopted across social layers. The related Turkish surname Çelik may be considered a cognate, sharing the same semantic core.Geographic DistributionAs a relatively rare surname, Чиликова appears almost exclusively among Bulgarian-speaking populations. Public records (via Forebears) confirm its presence in Bulgaria, but no notable diaspora concentrations have been documented.Notable BearersNo widely known historical or contemporary figures bearing the name have been recorded in available databases.Meaning: Feminine form of a name derived from "steel"Origin: Bulgarian (with Turkish roots)Type: Patronymic surnameRelated name: Çelik (Turkish)