Some rare Ukrainian surnames are in danger of extinction as their bearers become fewer and fewer. We are talking primarily about ancient Cossack nicknames, as well as family names associated with folk beliefs, the life of ancestors and mocking or abusive meanings.

Linguist Yulian Redko spoke about this in his work “Modern Ukrainian Surnames”.. Witty Cossack nicknames are most at risk of disappearing. Cossacks often received such nicknames because of funny incidents from the life of their ancestors or their characteristic features. A century ago, the surnames Pidoprigora, Zasyadvovk, Vernidub, Zagubinoga, Tovchigrechka and Ubiyvok had hundreds of bearers. Today, such generic names are gradually disappearing: some change them to more euphonious ones, and in some genera only a few people remain bearers.

Also, surnames that retain references to ancient beliefs, mystical ideas and the way of life of our ancestors are becoming increasingly rare.. Among them are Chernobai, Vidmak, Bezbozhny, Pekelny, Holy Spirit, Digtyar, Bortnik, Medovar, Kovbasa, Solomakha and Tsirulnik.

Unusual nicknames with abusive or mocking meanings are most at risk of disappearing.. Among them are Bridun, Scipy, Khudoba, Deaf, Krivoshia, Shmarkach, Nezdara and Durnopyan. Today, parents almost never pass on such nicknames to their children, which is why they may completely disappear over time..

Let us remind you that in Ukraine more and more generic names are on the verge of extinction. Some surnames have remained only among a few speakers or have completely fallen out of use..