Zakharov is a Russian surname meaning "son of Zakhar", thereby linking it to the biblical name Zacharias and ultimately to the Hebrew Zechariah, which means "Yahweh remembers." Etymology and Origin The surname Zakharov is derived from the given name Zakhar, a Russian, Belarusian, and Ukrainian form of Zacharias. Zacharias itself comes from the Greek rendering of the Hebrew Zechariah, a name found in the Old Testament as the prophet Zechariah and in the New Testament as the father of John the Baptist. Patronymic surnames like Zakharov are typical in Russian naming traditions, commonly formed by adding the suffix -ov (or -ev) to the father's name, indicating "son of." Distribution and Variants Zakharov is a fairly common Russian surname and can also be found among Belarusian and Ukrainian communities. The feminine form is Zakharova (Захарова). The Bulgarian equivalents are Zahariev (masculine) and Zaharieva (feminine). The surname does not imply any particular nobility or social class but is widely spread across all strata of Russian society. Notable Bearers Numerous noteworthy individuals have borne the surname Zakharov, excelling in diverse fields. Arts and Architecture: Andreyan Zakharov (1761–1811) was a prominent Russian architect known for his Neoclassical designs, including the Admiralty building in Saint Petersburg. Fyodor Zakharov (1919–1994) was a respected Russian and Ukrainian painter. Science and Engineering: Alexander V. Zakharov (born 1941) is a Soviet and Russian scientist. Gennadi Zakharov was a Soviet physicist and spy involved in Cold War espionage. Military and Politics: Georgy Zakharov (1897–1957) served as a Soviet army general in World War II. Maria Zakharova (born 1975) is a Russian diplomat and journalist who serves as the Director of the Information and Press Department of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Sports: Halyna Zakharova (born 1947) is a Ukrainian former handball player who won an Olympic gold medal. Anastasia Zakharova (born 2002) is a rising Russian tennis player. The suffix -ov makes Zakharov one of the many Russian surnames frozen in the masculine form, a hallmark of Slavic patronymic systems. Meaning: Son of Zakhar ("God has remembered") Origin: Russian patronymic Usage: Primarily Russian, also Belarusian, Ukrainian Related Names: Zakharova (feminine), Zahariev (Bulgarian masculine), Zaharieva (Bulgarian feminine)