Zhuk

Zhuk is a surname of Slavic origin. It is derived from the Russian word zhuk, meaning beetle, and is believed to have originated as a nickname before becoming an inherited family name. The surname is found in various Slavic-speaking regions and among related diaspora communities.

The name is encountered in Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, and Poland, with transliteration variations reflecting different languages and alphabets. In Cyrillic, it is written as Жук and may be rendered in Latin scripts as Zhuk, Juk, or Zjuk. In Polish contexts, a related form is Żuk, which also means beetle and can serve as a surname. The different spellings commonly reflect local linguistic norms rather than separate origins.

As a surname, Zhuk is associated with a wide range of individuals across fields such as science, sports, arts, and academia, reflecting its broad geographic distribution. The name may appear in historical documents, contemporary biographical records, and genealogical studies, where it often appears without a single defining lineage due to its multiple independent origins in different regions.

Beyond personal names, Zhuk can also arise as a component in place-names or regional identifiers within Slavic-speaking areas, though specific examples depend on local history and language. For most purposes, Zhuk is treated as a surname linked to the meaning “beetle” and to a broad Slavic cultural heritage.