Znamensky (surname)

Znamensky is a Russian surname. It is derived from the Russian word "znamensky" (знаменский), which translates to "of the Sign" or "related to the Sign." This refers to the Znamenie icon of the Theotokos (Mother of God), a particularly revered Orthodox icon depicting the Virgin Mary during the Annunciation or with the Christ Child within her womb.

The surname was often given to clergy and their families who served in churches dedicated to the Znamenie icon, or who lived near such churches. It is thus considered a locative or occupational surname, denoting a connection to a specific place or profession within the church.

The surname is found throughout Russia and among Russian diaspora communities. Like many Russian surnames, it can be transliterated in various ways into other alphabets, including Znamenski, Znamenskiy, and Znamenskyy.

Variations of the name may also include feminine forms, typically achieved by adding the ending "-a" in Russian (Znamenskaya).