Kovalenko (Ukrainian: Коваленко) is a common Ukrainian surname. It is a patronymic surname derived from the Ukrainian word коваль (koval), meaning "blacksmith." EtymologyThe suffix -enko is a typical Ukrainian patronymic ending, signifying "descendant of" or "son of." Thus, Kovalenko means "son of the blacksmith." The name originated as an occupational surname for families specializing in metalwork, a respected trade in Ukrainian society. Related SurnamesCognate surnames are found throughout Eastern Europe and beyond. Belarusan equivalents include Kavalchuk, masculine Kavalioŭ, and feminine Kavaliova/Kavalyova and Kavalyow. The stripped-down form Koval and the -chuk variant Kovalchuk are widespread in the same linguistic area. A Slovene relative is Kovač, meaning "blacksmith", and Kovačević and its variations. DistributionKovalenko is one of the most frequent surnames in Ukraine. According to the publicly available data from the Ukrainian government's registry PostCode.PW it was number 8 by popularity in 2014. Since the dissolution of the Soviet Union large Ukrainian diaspora communities have spread the surname worldwide. Notable BearersDema Kovalenko (born 1977), Ukrainian footballerOleg Kovalenko (born 1988), Ukrainian footballerIryna Kovalenko (born 1986), Ukrainian high jumperIgor Kovalenko (born 1988), Ukrainian chess grandmasterAleksandr Kovalenko (disambiguation), multiple people Cultural significanceIn the Ukrainian heraldic tradition coats of arms frequently feature blacksmith's tools — an anvil, a hammer — alluding to the occupational origin. After Ukraine's independence in 1991 common surnames like Kovalenko have become markers of national identity. Meaning: "son of the blacksmith"Origin: Ukrainian occupational/patronymicSuffix: -enko (patronymic)Usage region: Ukraine, Belarus, worldwide Ukrainian diaspora