Goranov (masculine; Bulgarian: Горанов) is a Bulgarian surname. It is a patronymic meaning "son of Goran". The root name Goran derives from the South Slavic word gora meaning "mountain", so the surname Goranov can be interpreted as "son of the mountaineer". The name Goran was popularized in the 20th century by the Croatian poet Ivan Goran Kovačić (1913–1943), who adopted his middle name due to his birth in a mountain town. As a patronymic, Goranov follows the common Slavic naming pattern where the suffix -ov indicates lineage. The feminine equivalent of the surname is Goranova. Notable Bearers Aleksandar Goranov (born 1988), Bulgarian footballer Ivan Goranov (born 1992), Bulgarian footballer Ivet Goranova (born 2000), Bulgarian karateka Kamen Goranov (born 1948), Bulgarian sport wrestler Milcho Goranov (1928–2008), Bulgarian footballer Orlin Goranov (born 1957), Bulgarian musician Plamen Goranov (1976–2013), Bulgarian photographer and activist Rumen Goranov (born 1984), Bulgarian footballer Rumyancho Goranov (born 1950), Bulgarian footballer Vladislav Goranov (born 1977), Bulgarian politician The surname is concentrated in Bulgaria, with notable bearers spanning sports, music, academia, and activism. Bulgarians with this surname can be found in the diaspora, particularly in countries like the United States, where Maria Goranova works as an academic.