Fomenko

Fomenko is a Slavic surname found primarily in Russia and Ukraine. The name is derived from the given name Foma, a Russian form of Thomas, which itself comes from the Aramaic name Tamim or the Greek Toma. The suffix –enko is a diminutive patronymic marker common in Ukrainian and some Russian surnames, indicating "son of" or belonging to. Thus, Fomenko can be understood as "descendant of Foma" or "little Foma."

The surname is most frequently encountered in regions of eastern Ukraine and southern Russia, reflecting historical migration patterns of Cossacks and rural populations. Variants of the name include Fomienko, Fomienko, and Fomych. Transliterations may vary due to differences between Cyrillic and Latin alphabets; common English spellings are Fomenko or Fomienko.

Notable individuals bearing the surname include:

- Anatoly Fomenko (born 1960), a Russian historian known for the controversial Chronology of Ancient Kingdoms hypothesis. His theories propose alternative dates for ancient civilizations, challenging conventional archaeological timelines.

- Marina Fomenko (1949–2013), a Ukrainian operatic soprano who performed internationally and was a professor at the Kyiv Conservatory.

- Vasily Fomenko (born 1985), a Russian professional footballer who played as a midfielder for clubs in the Russian Premier League.

- Irina Fomenko (born 1975), a Ukrainian Paralympic athlete competing in sprint events and winning medals in the early 2000s.

The name appears in various cultural contexts, often associated with individuals in arts, sports, and academia. In demographic studies, the concentration of the surname in Eastern Europe correlates with historical ethnic settlements. While not among the most common Russian surnames, Fomenko retains a distinct Ukrainian flavor due to its patronymic structure.