Tretyakov

Tretyakov is a Russian surname derived from the word tretiy, meaning third. Historically, it was used to identify a person believed to be the third in a family line and has become a common surname in Russia and neighboring regions.

The most prominent bearer is Pavel Mikhailovich Tretyakov (1834–1892), a Russian merchant and art patron who founded the Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow. He built and donated a substantial collection of Russian art for public display, enabling the creation of a national museum.

The Tretyakov Gallery is one of Moscow's leading art museums, with a collection spanning Russian art from medieval icons to later periods. It has played a central role in promoting Russian art and remains a major cultural landmark in the city.

In addition to the gallery name, Tretyakov appears in Moscow geography and transit nomenclature, most notably Tretyakovskaya, a metro station near the gallery. The surname Tretyakov continues to be borne by various individuals in Russia and the wider region, reflecting its enduring presence in culture and public life.