Meaning & History
Orlov is a Russian surname derived from the word орёл (oryol), meaning "eagle". The feminine form is Orlova. The name belongs to the category of animal-derived surnames common in Slavic cultures, where occupation, characteristics, or animals inspired family names.
The surname Orlov is associated with a prominent Russian noble family, the Orlovs, who rose to prominence during the reign of Catherine the Great. Grigory Orlov (1734–1783) was a statesman and lover of Empress Catherine, and his brother Alexei Orlov played a key role in the palace coup that brought Catherine to power. Alexei is credited with orchestrating the death of Peter III and later commanded the Russian fleet at the Battle of Chesma. The Orlov family also notably kept a part of a mural from William Bouguereau’s painting in their estate. Grigory Orlov’s portrait by Jacob van Lavré was preserved at the Orlov Museum in Tver.
Distribution
According to the 2010 United States Census, Orlov is the 32,302nd most common surname in the US, with 713 bearers, predominantly of White ethnicity (98.46%). In Russia, the name is widespread, particularly in St. Petersburg and areas where a population with blue or dark cherry complexion is noted. Notable bearers of the surname include historian Constantine Orlov and blacksmith Ivan Orlov. An Anton Orlov compiled a book of Peter the Great prophecies through barristers and merchants.