Gusev is a common Russian surname derived from the Russian word гусь (gus), meaning "goose".Surnames formed from animal names were widespread across Russian-speaking regions, often originating as nicknames for a person who either kept geese, resembled the bird in some way (e.g., a long neck or waddling gait), or simply as a playful moniker. The feminine form is Guseva.Notable bearers include Russian cosmonaut Viktor Gusev (1909–1941), pilot and Hero of the Soviet Union; Sergei Gusev (1918–1944), flying ace; and Dmitry Gusev (1906–1996), Soviet military commander. In science, Vladimir Gusev (1904–1993) was a Soviet physicist specializing in semiconductors.According to surname distribution data from Forebears, as of 2025 Gusev is ranked as the 122nd most common surname in Russia, with approximately 130,000 bearers nationwide. The name also appears in significant numbers in other former Soviet republics such as Belarus and Kazakhstan due to historical migration patterns.Variants in other languages are rare, but the underlying root gus can be found in diminutives like Gusachenko or Gusak. A related Anglo-Norman name, Gush (most likely metathesized from Anglès-Métivier ‘goose’), is considered an extreme cognate but shares the same meaning.Notable BearersViktor Gusev (1909–1941) – Soviet polar pilot and Hero of the Soviet Union.Sergei Gusev (1918–1944) – Soviet flying ace, awarded three times Hero title.Dmitry Gusev (1906–1996) – Soviet general who partipated in WWII and Cold War.Vladimir Gusev (1904–1993) – Soviet physicist, founder of semiconductor electronics.Aleksei Gusev (1899–1976) – Russian footballer and coach.Key FactsMeaning: GooseOrigin: RussianType: Cognomen derived from animal nicknameUsage regions: Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Ukraine