Lankov

Lankov is a surname of Slavic origin, found in Russia and in other countries of the former Soviet Union. The feminine form is Lankova. In Slavic naming patterns, the suffix -ov typically denotes a patronymic or possessive relation, with the root of the name often deriving from a given name, nickname, or occupation of an ancestor. Because surname formation varied regionally, multiple etymologies are possible for different families bearing the name. In English-language texts, the name may also appear as Lankoff or other transliterations, depending on historical or editorial conventions.

Notable bearers of the name include Andrei (Andrey) Lankov, a Russian-born scholar and analyst born in 1963 who specializes in North Korea and Korean studies. He has lived in South Korea since the 1990s and is associated with academic and research institutions, contributing to analysis of North Korean politics, society, and cross-border issues. Lankov’s work is widely cited in policy discussions, journalism, and academic forums, where he is described as an expert on the Korean Peninsula.

The surname is used by individuals across Slavic-speaking communities and diaspora populations. Because it is a family name rather than a geographic title, its distribution reflects historical migration and the broader patterns of Slavic surname formation.