Ryzhikov (Рыжиков in Cyrillic) is a Russian surname. It is derived from the word "рыжик" (ryzhik), which has several meanings, most commonly referring to the saffron milk cap mushroom ( Lactarius deliciosus). In some dialects, it can also refer to a person with red hair.
The surname Ryzhikov, therefore, likely originated as a nickname, possibly given to someone who collected or sold these mushrooms, or more likely, to someone with reddish-brown hair. Surnames based on physical characteristics or occupations were common in the formation of Russian surnames.
Ryzhikov is a relatively common surname in Russia. As with many Russian surnames, it is declined according to grammatical case. The feminine form of the surname is Ryzhikova (Рыжикова).