Dolgorukov

The name Dolgorukov refers to a prominent Russian princely family, one of the oldest and most influential aristocratic houses in Russia. The family's origins are traced back to the Rurikid dynasty, with their lineage said to descend from Rurik himself, the semi-legendary Varangian chieftain who founded Kievan Rus'. The Dolgorukovs rose to prominence in the Muscovite Grand Duchy and later the Russian Empire, holding significant positions in government, military, and court life for centuries.

Throughout Russian history, members of the Dolgorukov family served as boyars, voivodes, diplomats, and advisors to tsars. They were known for their wealth, extensive landholdings, and involvement in major political events. Notable figures include Prince Yuri Dolgorukov, credited with the traditional founding of Moscow in 1147, though this attribution is debated by historians. Another prominent member was Prince Vasily Lukich Dolgorukov, a powerful statesman during the early 18th century, who played a key role in the succession of Catherine I. The family's influence waned somewhat in the later Imperial period but remained a symbol of the old Russian aristocracy. Following the Bolshevik Revolution, many Dolgorukovs emigrated, while others remained in Russia, often facing persecution. The name continues to be associated with Russian noble heritage.