Nikolov

Nikolov is a surname of Slavic origin, most commonly associated with Bulgaria. It is a patronymic name derived from the given name Nikolai, with the suffix -ov indicating lineage or "son of." The feminine form of the name is Nikolova. In Cyrillic, it is written Николов, and in many Latin-script renderings the spelling Nikolov is standard.

Variants and transliterations include Nicolov, Nikoloff, and other regional adaptations depending on language and country of residence. The name is widely used in Bulgarian and Macedonian communities, and it appears in neighboring countries with historical Slavic populations, including Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as among the global Bulgarian diaspora.

Distribution and usage: Nikolov is among the most common surnames in Bulgaria, where it functions as a general marker of paternal lineage in many families. The name is found across social strata and has been borne by individuals in various spheres, including sports, science, arts, and public life. As with other patronymic surnames, its prevalence reflects historical naming practices that linked individuals to an ancestral given name.

Notable people: The surname Nikolov is associated with numerous individuals across diverse fields, particularly in Bulgaria, where athletes, researchers, and politicians have carried the name. Because it is a common surname, specific notable figures may be identified in regional or professional contexts rather than through a single universally recognized bearer.