Russian princely families. Origin of the surname Count


The study of the history of the origin of the surname Grafskaya opens up the forgotten pages of the life and culture of our ancestors and can tell a lot of interesting things about the distant past.

The surname Grafskaya belongs to the ancient type of Slavic family names formed from personal nicknames.

The tradition of giving a person an individual nickname in addition to the name received at baptism existed in Russia since ancient times and persisted until the 17th century. This is explained by the fact that out of the thousands of baptismal names recorded in the calendar of calendars and calendars, a little more than two hundred church names were used in practice. And the supply of nicknames that made it easy to distinguish a person from other carriers of the same name was inexhaustible.

Many Slavic surnames were formed from nicknames formed from common nouns denoting certain places. In the future, these nicknames were documented and became a real family name, the surname of descendants. In Russian, such surnames usually had the ending -skiy, for example, Lugovskiy, Polevskiy, Rudnitskiy. Surnames with this suffix usually appeared in the territories where residents of different regions moved. So Grafsky could be nicknamed a person who came from the settlement of Grafovo, Grafovka or with a similar name. So, for example, the villages of Grafovo used to exist in the Izhevsk, Kharkov and Smolensk provinces.

The nickname Grafsky could also have an urban origin, by the name of the street where he lived. So, for example, in Moscow there is Grafsky Lane, which is named after the noble title of Count Sheremetev, on whose land it was laid.

In addition, many peasants received their surnames by the title or title of their master, for example, Boyarsky, Knyazhinsky. One of these names, formed with the help of the suffix -sky, is the naming Grafsky.

It is also likely that the nickname Count appeared in the son of a man who for some reason had the personal nickname Count, or in an illegitimate son of a serf - a peasant son.

The artificial origin of the surname Grafskaya is also not excluded. At the end of the 17th century, a practice developed in the church environment to give clergymen new, as a rule, more euphonious surnames. Many artificial seminary surnames were formed according to the model with the ending -skiy, which was considered “noble” - such surnames corresponded in their form to the surnames of Russian aristocrats. Explaining the origin of the surnames they received, the seminarians joked: “Through the churches, the flowers, the stones, the cattle, and as if his Eminence will rise.” Often, peasant children who did not have surnames were given a seminary surname according to the name by which they were nicknamed, that is, “from the count's peasants” - Grafsky.

Obviously, the surname Grafskaya has an interesting centuries-old history and should be classified among the oldest generic names, indicating the diversity of ways in which Russian surnames appeared.


Sources: Superanskaya A.V., Suslova A.V. Modern Russian surnames. 1981. Unbegaun B.-O. Russian surnames. M., 1995. Nikonov V.A. Family geography. M., 1988. Dal V.I. Explanatory dictionary of the living Great Russian language. M., 1998 Geography of Russia: Encyclopedic Dictionary. M., 1998.

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The documentary film "Noble families of Russia" is a story about the most famous noble families of Russia - Gagarins, Golitsins, Apraksins, Yusupovs, Stroganovs. The nobles were originally in the service of the boyars and princes and replaced the combatants. For the first time in history, the nobles are mentioned in 1174 and this is due to the murder of Prince Andrei Bogolyubsky. As early as the 14th century, nobles began to receive estates for their service. But unlike the boyar layer, they could not inherit land. During the creation and formation of a single state, the nobles became a reliable support for the grand dukes. Since the 15th century, their influence in the political and economic life of the country has been increasing. Gradually the nobles merged with the boyars. The concept of "nobles" began to denote the upper class of the population of Russia. The final distinction between the nobility and the boyars disappeared at the beginning of the 18th century, when estates and estates were equated with each other.

Gagarins
The Russian princely family, whose ancestor, Prince Mikhail Ivanovich Golibesovsky, a descendant of the princes of Starodub (XVIII generation from Rurik), had five sons; of these, the three eldest, Vasily, Yuri and Ivan Mikhailovich, had the nickname Gagara and were the founders of the three branches of the Gagarin princes. The older branch, according to some researchers, ceased at the end of the 17th century; representatives of the last two exist to this day. The princes Gagarins are recorded in the fifth part of the genealogical books of the provinces: Nizhny Novgorod, Ryazan, Saratov, Simbirsk, Tver, Tambov, Vladimir, Moscow, Kherson and Kharkov.

Golicins
Russian princely family, descended from the Grand Duke of Lithuania Gediminas. The immediate ancestor of the family was Mikhail Ivanovich, nicknamed Golitsa, the son of the boyar Prince Ivan Vasilyevich Bulgak. In the 5th generation from the ancestor, the family of the princes Golitsyn was divided into four branches, of which three still exist. From this family there were 22 boyars, 3 okolnichi, 2 kravchi. According to the genealogy of the princes Golitsyns (see "The family of the princes Golitsyns", op. N. H. Golitsyn, St. Petersburg, 1892, vol. I), in 1891 there were 90 males, 49 princesses and 87 princesses Golitsyns alive. One branch of the Golitsyns, represented by the Moscow Governor-General, Prince Dmitry Vladimirovich Golitsyn, received in 1841 the title of lordship. The family of the princes Golitsyn is included in the V part of the genealogy book of St. Petersburg, Moscow, Tver, Kursk, Vladimir, Nizhny Novgorod, Ryazan, Smolensk, Tambov, Tula and Chernigov provinces (Gerbovnik, I, 2).

Apraksins
Russian noble and count family, descended from Salkhomir-Murza. In the old days they were written by the Opraksins. Salkhomir had a great-grandson Andrey Ivanovich, nicknamed Opraks, from whom the clan descended, whose representatives were first written Opraksins, and then Apraksins. The grandchildren of Andrei Opraksa (Apraksa), Erofey Yarets and Prokofy Matveyevich, under the Grand Duke of Moscow Ivan III, moved from Ryazan to serve in Moscow. From Yerofey Matveyevich, nicknamed Yarets, a branch went, the representatives of which were later elevated to the dignity of a count. From the brother of Erofey, Ivan Matveyevich, nicknamed Dark, another branch of the Apraksin family went. Stepan Fedorovich (1702-1760) and his son Stepan Stepanovich (1757/47-1827) Apraksins belonged to it.

Yusupovs.
Russian extinct princely family descended from Yusuf-Murza (d. 1556), the son of Musa-Murza, who in the third generation was a descendant of Edigei Mangit (1352-1419), the sovereign Khan of the Nogai Horde and a military leader who was in the service of Tamerlane. Yusuf-Murza had two sons, Il-Murza and Ibragim (Abrey), who were sent to Moscow in 1565 by the murderer of their father, Uncle Ishmael. Their descendants in the last years of the reign of Alexei Mikhailovich received holy baptism and were written by the princes Yusupov or Yusupovo-Knyazhevo until the end of the 18th century, and after that they began to be written simply by the princes Yusupov.

Stroganovs.
A family of Russian merchants and industrialists, from which came large landowners and statesmen of the 16th-20th centuries. Natives of the rich Pomeranian peasants. From the 18th century - barons and counts of the Russian Empire. A direction in Russian icon painting of the late 16th - early 17th centuries (the Stroganov school of icon painting) and the best school of church embroidery of the 17th century (Stroganov's facial sewing), as well as the Stroganov direction of the Moscow baroque, are named after them. The Stroganov family is descended from Spiridon, a Novgorodian, a contemporary of Dmitry Donskoy (first mentioned in 1395), whose grandson owned lands in the Dvina region. According to another version, not confirmed by anything, the surname allegedly comes from a Tatar who adopted the name Spiridon in Christianity.


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), supplemented according to the List of princely families on the website of the Heraldry of the Grand Duchess Maria Vladimirovna, which require additional verification.

  • Princes Bagration-Mukhransky-Georgian (with the title of Royal Highness), princes Brasov, prince Drutskoi-Sokolinsky-Dobrovolsky, princes Pagava (the second branch of the Mingrelian family, which received recognition in princely dignity), princes Ilyinsky, princes Krasinsky, princes Lopukhins, Most Serene Princess Romanovskaya (Golitsyna), Most Serene Princess Romanovskaya (de Goshtonyi), Most Serene Princess Romanovskaya-Knust, Most Serene Princess Romanovskaya-Kurakina, Most Serene Princess Romanovskaya (McDougall), Most Serene Princess Romanovskaya-Pavlovskaya, Most Serene Princess Romanovskaya-Strelninskaya, Most Serene Prince Romanovsky-Brasov , Most Serene Princes Romanovsky-Ilyinsky, Most Serene Princes Romanovsky-Iskander, Most Serene Princes Romanovsky-Krasinsky, Most Serene Princes Romanovsky-Kutuzov, Princess Strelninskaya, Princes Tumanov-Levashevs (2 clans), Princes Chkotua (from the Chkhonia (Chkonia) clan).
  • Prince Iosif Karlovich Wrede (b. 1800), the second son of K.-F. von Wrede entered into Russian citizenship ( Dolgorukov P.V. Russian genealogical book. - St. Petersburg. : Type-I E. Weimar, 1856. - T. 3. - S. 16.).
  • Until 1917, two clans remained vassals of Russia (with retention of ownership rights), bearing the titles of emirs (pers. امیر ‎) and khans, about corresponding to the title of prince:
    • The Mangyt dynasty, the rulers of the Emirate of Bukhara in 1756-1920, who had the title of emirs since 1785 (amir ul-muminin); vassals of Russia since 1868.
    • The Kungrat dynasty, the rulers of the Khiva Khanate in 1804-1920, who bore the title of Khans of Khorezm; vassals of Russia since 1873.
    The rulers of the Nakhichevan Khanate, who lost their sovereignty in 1828, were known in Russia under the title of Khans of Nakhichevan (Azerb. Xan Naxçıvanski) and descended from Ehsan Khan Kangarli (1789-1846) (Azerb. Ehsan xan Kəlbəli Xan oğlu Naxçıvanski (Kəngərli), however, this title was not officially assigned to them.
  • The basis for dividing the list of Georgian princes was a similar division given in the list of Georgian princely and noble families, attached to the Treaty of Georgievsk of 1783, in which the Kartli and Kakhetian princes are indicated separately (see the List of titled families and persons of the Russian Empire), as well as in the official the 1889 edition of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Empire "List of princely and count families, for which titles were recognized or approved, granted to them by foreign sovereigns or belonging to them by origin from ancient titled or sovereign families, as well as those who were allowed to join their own titles and surnames of their relatives”, where the Gurian and Imereti clans, approved in princely dignity on December 6, 1850, are highlighted (pp. 26-33). At the same time, it should be borne in mind that from the point of view of Russian legislation, different branches of even one clan, but recognized in the Russian Empire in princely dignity at different times, were formally considered different clans, which is recorded, for example, in the List of 1892. It should also be taken into account that in Russian official documents the surnames of many Georgian clans were often given in Russified form, therefore the Georgian variants of surnames are also given in the list.
  • According to S.V. Dumin (with reference to K.L. Tumanov), the Abkhazian princely (Atuad) families of Inal-Ipa (Inalypa, Inalishvili), Marshania (Marshan, Amarshan), Chkhotua (Chkotua) and Emukhvari (Emhaa, Emkhua) were formally approved in princely dignity Russian Empire in 1902, 1903, 1901 and 1910 accordingly, while two more Abkhazian princely families (Dzyapsh-Ipa (Zepishvili) and Chaabalyrkhva) did not receive such recognition (Noble families of the Russian Empire. - Vol. 4) and, accordingly, are not included in the list.
  • The basis for the allocation of these genera was compiled in 1866-1867. a list of princely families of Megrelia, officially published in 1890, and including the following Megrelian princely families: Anchabadze, Apakidze, Asatiani, Akhvlediani, Gardapkhadze, Gelovani, Dadeshkiliani, Dadiani, Dgebuadze, Jaiani, Kochakidze, Mikadze, Mkheidze, Pagava, Chikovani , Chichua and Shelia (Noble families of the Russian Empire. - Vol. 4). Of these clans, the Gelovani and Dadeshkiliani belong more precisely to the number of Svans.
  • Begildeevs
  • After the suppression of this family, his surname (without a princely title) was transferred on August 4, 1807 to one of the branches of the Vorontsov family, who took the title of counts
  • Since ancient times, the surname could change a person's life, it carried the whole history of the family and gave many privileges. People spent a lot of effort and money to have a good title, and sometimes they sacrificed their lives for this. It was almost impossible for a common resident to get on the list of nobles.

    Types of titles

    There were many titles in tsarist Russia, each of them had its own history and carried its own capabilities. All noble families followed the family tree and very carefully selected couples for their family members. The marriage of two noble families was more of a calculated calculation than a love relationship. Russian noble families kept together and did not allow members without a title into their families.

    Such genera could include:

    1. Princes.
    2. Counts.
    3. Barons.
    4. Tsars.
    5. Dukes.
    6. Marquises.

    Each of these genera had its own history and maintained its own family tree. It was strictly forbidden for a nobleman to create a family with a commoner. Thus, it was almost impossible for an ordinary ordinary resident of tsarist Russia to become a nobleman, except perhaps for very great achievements before the country.

    Princes Rurikovich

    Princes is one of the highest titles of nobility. Members of such a family always had a lot of land, finance and slaves. It was a great honor for a family member to be at court and help the ruler. Having shown himself, a member of the princely family could become a trusted special ruler. The famous noble families of Russia in most cases had a princely title. But the titles could be divided according to the methods of obtaining them.

    One of the most famous princely families of Russia were the Rurikovichs. The list of noble families begins with her. Rurikovichs are immigrants from Ukraine and descendants of Igor's great Russia. The roots of many European rulers come from This is a strong dynasty that brought the world many famous rulers who have been in power throughout Europe for a long time. But a number of historical events that took place in those days divided the family into many branches. Russian noble families such as Pototsky, Przemyslsky, Chernigov, Ryazan, Galician, Smolensky, Yaroslavl, Rostov, Belozersky, Suzdal, Smolensky, Moscow, Tver, Starodubsky belong specifically to the Rurik family.

    Other princely titles

    In addition to the descendants of the Rurik family, the noble families of Russia can be such as the Otyaevs. This clan received its title thanks to the good warrior Khvostov, who had the nickname Otyai in the army, and has been going on since the year 1543.

    The Ofrosmovs are an example of a strong will and a great desire to achieve a goal. The founder of the clan was a strong and courageous warrior.

    The Pogozhevs are from Lithuania. Oratory and the ability to conduct military negotiations helped the founder of the family to receive a princely title.

    The list of noble families also includes Pozharsky, Field, Pronchishchev, Protopopov, Tolstoy, Uvarov.

    Count's titles

    But surnames of noble origin are not only princes. The count dynasties also had a high title and powers at court. This title was also considered very high and gave many powers.

    To receive the title of count was a great achievement for any member of the royal society. Such a title first of all made it possible to have power and be closer to the ruling dynasty. The noble families of Russia for the most part consist of counts. The easiest way to achieve this title was when conducting successful military operations.

    One of these surnames is Sheremetev. This is a county family that still exists in our time. The army general received this title for his achievements in military operations and service to the royal family.

    Ivan Golovkin is the ancestor of another surname of noble origin. According to many sources, this is a count who appeared in Russia after the wedding of his only daughter. One of the few count families that ended with a single representative of the dynasty.

    The noble surname Minich had many branches, and the main reason for this was the large number of women in this family. When marrying, Milich women took a double surname and mixed titles.

    Courtiers received many count titles during the reign of Ekaterina Petrovna. She was a very generous queen and awarded titles to many of her military leaders. Thanks to her, such names as Efimovsky, Gendrikov, Chernyshev, Razumovsky, Ushakov and many others appeared in the list of nobles.

    Barons at court

    Famous noble families also had many holders of the titles of baron. Among them are ancestral families and granted barons. This, like all other titles, could be obtained with good service. And of course, the simplest and most effective way was to conduct military operations for the homeland.

    This title was very popular in the Middle Ages. The family title could be obtained by wealthy families who sponsored the royal family. This title appeared in the fifteenth century in Germany and, like everything new, gained great popularity. The royal family practically sold it to all rich families who had the opportunity to help and sponsor all royal undertakings.

    In order to bring wealthy families closer to him, he introduced a new title - baron. One of the first owners of this title was the banker de Smith. Thanks to banking and trade, this family earned its finances and was elevated by Peter to the rank of barons.

    Russian noble families with the title of baron also replenished with the surname Fridriks. Like de Smith, Yuri Fridriks was a good banker who lived and worked at the royal court for a long time. Born into a titled family, Yuri also received a title under Tsarist Russia.

    In addition to them, there were a number of surnames with the title of baron, information about which was stored in military documents. These are warriors who have earned their titles by actively participating in hostilities. Thus, the noble families of Russia were replenished with such members as: Baron Plotto, Baron von Rummel, Baron von Malama, Baron Ustinov and the family of the brothers of the barons Schmidt. Most of them were from European countries and came to Russia on business.

    royal families

    But not only titled families are included in the list of noble families. Russian noble families headed the royal families for many years.

    One of the oldest royal families in Russia was the Godunovs. This is the royal family, which has been in power for many years. The first of this family was Tsarina Godunova, who formally ruled the country for only a few days. She renounced the throne, and decided to spend her life in a monastery.

    The next, no less famous surname of the royal Russian family is the Shuiskys. This dynasty spent a little time in power, but entered the list of noble families in Russia.

    The Great Queen of Skavron, better known as Catherine the First, also became the founder of the royal family dynasty. Do not forget about such a royal dynasty as Biron.

    Dukes at Court

    The noble families of Russia also have the title of dukes. Getting the title of duke was not so easy. Basically, these clans included very rich and ancient families of tsarist Russia.

    The owners of the title duke in Russia were the Chertozhansky family. The clan existed for many centuries and was engaged in agriculture. It was a very wealthy family that owned a lot of land.

    The Duke of Nesvizh is the founder of the town of the same name Nesvizh. There are many versions of the origin of this family. The Duke was a great connoisseur of art. His castles were the most remarkable and beautiful buildings of that time. Owning large lands, the duke had the opportunity to help tsarist Russia.

    Menshikov is another of the famous ducal families in Russia. Menshikov was not just a duke, he was a famous military leader, army general and governor of St. Petersburg. He received his title for the achievement and service to the royal crown.

    Marquis title

    The title of marquis in Tsarist Russia was mainly received by wealthy families with foreign origins. It was an opportunity to attract foreign capital into the country. One of the most famous surnames was Traversi. This is an ancient French family, whose representatives were at the royal court.

    Among the Italian marquises was the Paulluchi family. Having received the title of marquis, the family remained in Russia. Another Italian family received the title of marquis at the royal court of Russia - Albizzi. This is one of the richest Tuscan families. They earned all their income from entrepreneurial activities in the manufacture of fabrics.

    The meaning and privileges of the title

    For the courtiers, having a title gave many opportunities and wealth. Upon receiving the title, it often carried lavish gifts from the crown. Often such gifts were land and wealth. The royal family gave such gifts for special achievements.

    For rich families who earned their wealth on the generous Russian land, it was very important to have a good title, for this they financed the royal undertakings, which bought their family a high title and a good attitude. In addition, only titled families could be close to the royal family and participate in the government of the country.

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