Leontev

Leontev is a Russian masculine surname, transliterated from the Cyrillic Леонтьев. The feminine form is Leontyeva (Леонтьева). English-language spellings vary, most commonly Leontyev, Leontiev, and Leontev, reflecting different transliteration standards.

Origin and meaning: Leontev is a patronymic surname formed from the given name Leontiy (Leontius), itself derived from the Greek leōn meaning “lion.” The suffix -ev (or -yev) indicates “son of” or “belonging to,” so the name originally signified “descendant of Leontiy.”

Geographic distribution: The name is widespread in Russia and other Slavic countries with historical Russian influence, including Ukraine and Belarus, and among emigrant communities around the world.

Variations: In Cyrillic sources the standard form is Леонтьев; the feminine form is Леонтьева. In Latin script, Leontyev, Leontiev, and Leontev appear; some records use Леонтьёв with diacritic-bearing transliterations.

Notable bearers: The surname is carried by numerous individuals in science, culture, and public life. While specific biographies depend on context, Leontev/Leontyev is recognized as a common Russian surname with historical depth.

See also: Leontyev, Leontiev.