Zaharieva

Zaharieva is a Slavic surname common in Bulgaria and among Bulgarian communities abroad. The name is derived from the male given name Zahary, which has roots in the Greek name Zacharias (meaning “the Lord has remembered”) or from the Slavic term “zahari” meaning “to dawn”. In Bulgarian naming conventions the suffix –ova indicates a feminine form, while the masculine counterpart is Zahariev. Consequently, Zaharieva is used primarily as a family name for women, with men typically using Zahariev.

The surname is most frequently found in northeastern Bulgaria, especially in the provinces of Dobrich, Varna and Burgas, where historical records show a significant presence during the Ottoman era. In addition to its concentration in Bulgaria, the name has spread to other countries through migration, notably in the United States, Canada, Australia, and Russia. According to surname distribution databases, roughly a fifth of all individuals bearing the name are located outside Bulgaria.

Notable bearers of the name include several Bulgarian artists, athletes, and public figures. For example, Maria Zaharieva, a renowned folk singer of the 1970s; Elena Zaharieva, a professional cyclist who represented Bulgaria in the 2004 Olympic Games; and Dilyana Zaharieva, a contemporary sculptor whose works have been exhibited in Sofia and internationally. The surname has also appeared in political contexts, with several local officials carrying the name in regional elections.

Genealogical research into the Zaharieva family reveals a mixture of land‑owning and peasant lineages, with many families tracing their roots back to the 19th‑century village of Zaharia, located near the Danube Delta. Church records, census rolls, and immigration documents are primary sources for tracing familial ties. In the diaspora, the name often appears in various transliterations, such as Zaharova or Zaharieva, reflecting adaptation to local languages.