**Sotnikov**
**Definition:**
Sotnikov is a Russian surname derived from the word „sotnik,” historically meaning a commander of a hundred soldiers. It is a common family name in Russia and other Slavic countries.
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**Sotnikov**
The surname Sotnikov originates from the military rank „sotnik,” used in Cossack and other Slavic military formations to denote a leader of approximately one hundred troops. As a surname, Sotnikov is widespread in Russia and neighboring countries, often indicating ancestral ties to military service or leadership roles.
### Etymology
The root „sot-” relates to the number one hundred in Slavic languages, while the suffix „-nikov” is a patronymic or occupational ending, signifying „son of” or „associated with.” Thus, Sotnikov can be interpreted as „descendant of a sotnik” or „related to a hundred-leader.”
### Notable Individuals
Several individuals bearing the surname Sotnikov have gained recognition in various fields such as sports, military history, and the arts, reflecting the name’s broad cultural presence.
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**Meta Description:**
Sotnikov is a Russian surname derived from a historical military rank meaning commander of one hundred soldiers. It is common in Slavic regions and associated with leadership heritage.