Kiselyov

Kiselyov (Russian: Киселёв) is a Russian surname derived from the word кисель (kisel), meaning "jelly" or "kissel" – a traditional Eastern European sour fruit pudding. The name itself comes from кислый (kisly), meaning "sour," reflecting the dish's taste. As a surname, it belongs to the class of Russian occupational or nicknaming surnames, often given to those who made or sold kissel.

Distribution and Usage

The surname is common in Russia and among Russian-speaking communities worldwide. Its feminine form is Kiselyova (Киселёва), used by women. Variants in other languages include Kiselev, Kiseliov, and Kiseleva, all stemming from the same root.

Notable Bearers

Several prominent individuals bear the name, spanning diverse fields. Andrey Kiselyov (1852–1940) was a renowned Russian and Soviet mathematician, author of influential textbooks. In sports, Dmitri Kiselev (born 1989) is a Russian ice dancer, while Mariya Kiselyova (born 1974) represented Russia in swimming at the Olympics. Larisa Kiselyova (born 1970) was a Russian handball player who won Olympic gold.

In politics and public life, Mikhail Kiselyov (born 1986) serves as a Russian politician. The name of Nikolay Kiselyov (1913–1974) stands out for his heroism as a Soviet soldier and partisan, later recognized as Righteous Among the Nations for saving Jews during World War II. Also notable are the television presenter and propagandist Dmitry Kiselyov (born 1954), the film director of the same name, and the handball player Dmitrii Kiselev.

Outside Russia, Aharon Moshe Kiselev (1866–1949) was a rabbi in Manchuria. Argentine politician Axel Kicillof (whose father's surname is a variant of Kiselyov) also shares the lineage, though his surname is of Polish-Jewish origin.

• Meaning: "jelly, kissel" (from Russian kisel)
• Origin: Russian occupational/nickname surname
• Type: Surname derived from a food item
• Regional Usage: Russia, Eastern Europe, diaspora communities
• Variants: Kiselev, Kiseliov; feminine: Kiselyova