Maksutov (surname)

Maksutov is a surname of Russian origin. It is derived from the Turkic male given name "Maksut," which itself comes from the Arabic "Maqsud," meaning "desired," "intended," or "purpose."

The surname Maksutov is found primarily in Russia, and among diaspora communities with Russian or Turkic ancestry. It can be found spelled differently depending on transliteration from Cyrillic, such as Maksutov, Maksutoff, or Maksoutov.

Notable people with the surname Maksutov include:

• Dmitri Dmitrievich Maksutov (1896–1964): A Soviet optical engineer and astronomer, best known for his invention of the Maksutov telescope.

The Maksutov telescope, a catadioptric telescope design utilizing a spherical mirror and a weakly negative meniscus lens, is named in honor of Dmitri Maksutov and remains a popular design among amateur and professional astronomers.