Asenov (Bulgarian: Асенов) is a Bulgarian surname meaning "son of Asen". The root name Asen is of uncertain etymology, likely of Turkic origin, and was borne by Ivan Asen I, the 12th-century Bulgarian emperor who founded the Second Bulgarian Empire, as well as several of his successors. The suffix -ov is a common Slavic patronymic ending, indicating descent. Notable Bearers The surname Asenov appears among Bulgarian revolutionaries, athletes, and other public figures, reflecting its enduring presence in Bulgarian culture. Notable individuals include the revolutionary Hadzhi Dimitar (1840–1868), born Dimitar Nikolov Asenov, a hero of the Bulgarian liberation movement who fought against Ottoman rule. His revolutionary work continued through Krastyo Asenov (1877–1903) and Yordan Asenov (1869–1936), both active in the same struggle. In sports, the name is represented by Borislav Asenov (born 1959), a cyclist; and Stefan Asenov (born 1972), a modern pentathlete. The feminine form Asenova is also attested, as in chess grandmaster Venka Asenova (1930–1986). Additionally, Asenov is a town in Bulgaria's Veliko Tarnovo Province, illustrating the name's geographic imprint. Distribution The surname Asenov is predominantly found in Bulgaria, where it stands as a patronymic preserving the historical given name Asen. It is less common in other Slavic countries, with the vast majority of bearers concentrated in Bulgaria and its diaspora. Meaning: Son of Asen Origin: Bulgarian (patronymic from Turkic-derived given name) Type: Surname Usage: Bulgaria