Vlasovs

Vlasov is a surname of Slavic origin, commonly found in Eastern Europe, particularly in Russia and Ukraine. It is derived from the given name Vlas, which itself is a vernacular form of the Greek name Blasius. Blasius was a bishop of Sebaste in Armenia in the 4th century, known for his healing abilities and martyrdom. The surname Vlasov, therefore, literally means "son of Vlas" or "belonging to Vlas."

Historically, the surname Vlasov has been associated with various individuals across different fields. In Russia, it has appeared among nobility, military figures, and cultural personalities. The widespread nature of the given name Vlas throughout Slavic regions contributed to the commonality of the Vlasov surname.

One notable historical figure bearing the surname was Andrey Vlasov, a Soviet general who defected to the German side during World War II and led the Russian Liberation Army. His controversial role in history has made the surname prominent in discussions of collaboration and resistance during the conflict. Beyond this prominent, and often controversial, figure, the surname Vlasov is found in numerous families with no direct connection to historical events, simply representing a lineage tracing back to an ancestor named Vlas. The surname continues to be prevalent in modern Russia and other Slavic-speaking countries.