Ponomaryova is the feminine form of the Russian surname Ponomaryov (also spelled Ponomariov or Ponomarev). The name is derived from the Russian word пономарь (ponomar'), meaning "sexton"—a church officer or caretaker. As a patronymic surname, it literally means "sexton's son" (or, in the feminine form, "sexton's daughter"). The Ukrainian equivalent is Ponomarenko.