Marnov

Marnov is a surname found primarily in Eastern European countries such as Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine. The name is considered to be of Slavic origin, with linguistic scholars suggesting it derives from the root "mar-" meaning “stone” or “rock,” combined with the common Slavic suffix "-nov," indicating “belonging to” or “son of.” This construction is typical of many patronymic surnames in the region.

The distribution of the surname Marnov displays a concentration in the western parts of the former Soviet Union, especially in Belarus, where it ranks among the top 200 most common family names. In Russia and Ukraine, it appears at a lower frequency, with most bearers residing in the southern and central areas. Census data from the 1990s show a gradual decline in the use of the name in newer administrative regions, possibly due to migration patterns and changing naming conventions after the dissolution of the Soviet Union.

Notable individuals with the surname include:

* Vladimir Marnov (born 1951), a Russian operatic tenor known for his interpretations of Russian Romantic repertoire and for teaching at the Moscow Conservatory.

* Anna Marnov (born 1974), a Belarusian politician who served as a member of the National Assembly during the 2000s and advocated for educational reform.

* Dmitri Marnov (born 1982), a Ukrainian professional football midfielder who played for several clubs in the Ukrainian Premier League and later transitioned into coaching.

The surname also appears in historical records of the Siberian gubernatorial administrations of the 19th century, where several officials bearing the name served in various civil service roles. Though relatively uncommon, Marnov remains a marker of cultural continuity in the Slavic naming tradition.