In the last decade, the name Nikita has gained popularity. It is not known what contributed to this, since it is not so easy to predict turns of fashion trends. However, few people know that the origin of the surname Nikitin has an ancient history dating back to the time of Ivan IV (Grozny). By special decree, the king granted the right to wear this pseudonym to distinguished boyars, which was fixed in the register. And since the sovereign’s character was “not sugar, ” such a privilege was granted in rare cases, and therefore there were not so many pseudonyms granted in “formidable” times.
Distribution area
The origin of the surname Nikitin has Slavic roots in most cases: that is, either Russian, Ukrainian, or Belarusian ancestors of its current bearer participated in its creation. This part makes up about 35% of all Nikitins.
In addition, almost the same proportion could be formed among the peoples living on the territory of the Russian Empire and assimilating with the Russian-speaking population: these are the Buryats, Mordvinians, Tatars, Bashkirs, etc.
To this we add the probability of the Jewish origin of the surname Nikitin by adding the traditional Slavic suffixes -ov-, -in-, etc. There are about 20% of them.
And the Latvian past is also possible: let's not forget that the Duchy of Courland was a part of the Russian Empire for a long time, and many offspring of noble families sought to make a career at the royal court.
Name and its derivatives
Before delving into the origin of the surname Nikitin, we try to turn to the origins. As a rule, the roots of the pedigree should be sought in the depths of centuries. In ancient times there were only nicknames that were given in accordance with character traits, external identity with any totem, as well as with professional affiliation or name. We will consider the latter option more carefully.
Nikita is a Greek name, and in ancient times it was pronounced “Niketas”, which meant “winner” or “victorious”. After the baptism of Russia, newborns were named according to the lists in Svyatce. That is, this surname could not be formed earlier than in 988, when Russia became a Christian state.
Christianity and Saints
Russia was baptized in the 10th century according to the Byzantine model. All the rules and rituals relating to the naming of the name, began to spread at the same time. Christianity has come a long way before becoming the country's main religion. Founded in Palestine and Asia Minor, it gradually replaced the pantheon of ancient gods in Rome. Then, in the IV century, Theodosius the Great proclaimed it the state religion of Byzantium.
Having established itself in Russia, Christianity introduced into its territory not only new rites, but also names from distant lands that have ancient roots. However, ordinary people were not too eager to include foreign nicknames, preferring the old order.
The names of the blessed are included in the Saints, in whose honor the Christian soul who came to the world is called. Consider the history of the name Nikitin in the context of the baptismal rite. In accordance with the Orthodox birthday, Nikita could be called a boy born on January 31, March 20, April 3 or 30; on May days (4, 14, 23, 24, 28); in September 9th or 15th; October 13th Old Style.
Sign of "blue blood"
Despite the fact that rituals of baptism were prescribed to name the newborn in honor of the saint, these rules should only be known at that time. The proximity to the official authorities ordered the representatives of the upper class to comply with the requirements. It is this part of society, with power, influence and respect, that first gained the right to bear a surname. Nikitins owe their origin to the name given to one of the masculine representatives at baptism.
It should be noted that the widespread practice of registering all significant events of residents of the state was introduced in 1632. From this time on, metrization assumed that a surname should be attached to the name. It would be a mistake to assume that the process went quickly and painlessly: it lasted until the middle of the XIX century.
However, it was the nobility who first took part in this movement. This gives reason to argue that most of the names belong to the descendants of the clans who had a certain title or power at the time of the formation of the new order.
