Zaitzev

Zaitzev is a Russian surname, a transliteration variant of Зайцев. It is derived from the Russian word зайц (zayats), meaning "hare," and likely originated as a nickname for a swift or alert person or as a toponymic/animal-based surname. The spelling Zaitzev, Zaitsev, Zaytsev, and Zajtsev reflects different transliteration systems from Cyrillic. The feminine form is Zaitseva.

The name is most common in Russia and among Russian-speaking populations, with bearers found across the former Soviet Union and in the diaspora. It is frequently encountered in historical and contemporary records and across various professions.

Notable individuals with this surname include Vasily Zaitsev (1915–1991), a Soviet sniper renowned for his actions during the Battle of Stalingrad, who became a symbol of Soviet military prowess in World War II and was portrayed in literature and film. The surname also appears among people in science, sports, and the arts, and can be found in fictional works as a representation of Russian heritage.

Variants and related spellings are common in different languages and transliteration schemes, leading to forms such as Zaitsev, Zaytsev, or Zaitseva for women. The name remains one of the most recognizable Russian surnames derived from an animal nickname.