Why do Many Russian Jewish Families Give their Children the Mother's Surname?

The tradition of Jewish children taking their mother’s surname is often misunderstood, with misconceptions that Jews are inherently Russian or that this practice is more common than it actually is. In reality, this naming convention stems from complex historical and cultural factors that existed during the Soviet era, and its origin and current significance reflect broader Jewish customs and societal challenges.

Historical Context and Naming Laws

The practice of giving children the mother's surname primarily originated from a period when Jewish children could only be born out of wedlock according to Russian imperial and Soviet law. Given the religious and legal barriers, many Jewish couples were not able to get civilly married, leading to children being registered with their mother's surname. This was a legal requirement at the time, and the name reflected not a gender-based choice, but rather a legal necessity.

Commonness and Exceptions

This practice is by no means common. Usually, children are given their father's surname. However, there are exceptional cases where parents chose to give their children their mother's surname for various reasons, such as to facilitate their children's future careers. A notable example is Garry Vainstein, the future world chess champion, who was given his mother’s surname Kasparov at the age of 12 after his father's death. Changing the surname did not necessarily help his chess career within the USSR, as his cousin Timur Vainstein, who also kept the Vainstein surname, became a well-known TV producer without changing it.

Soviet Society and Name Preferences

The Soviet Union was not an antisemitic state in the way Nazi Germany was, but there was a common belief among Jews that having neutral names could make their lives easier. This led many Jews to either change their names or use pseudonyms. This practice was influenced by the need to navigate a society where antisemitism was still a reality, and having a neutral surname could sometimes help avoid certain complications.

Cultural Traditions and Lineage

This naming tradition also aligns with post-Babylonian Rabbinic law, which traces Jewish lineage and birthright through the mother. This reflects a deep-seated cultural and religious significance. In contrast, in some Spanish and Portuguese traditions, the last name of the father is followed by the mother's last name, indicating the importance of maternal lineage in some cultural contexts.

Mixed Families and Ethnicity

In the context of mixed families, where a Jewish husband and a non-Jewish wife are involved, parents sometimes chose to give their children their mother’s surname to facilitate their life in an anti-Semitic country. When applying for internal passports, Soviet citizens could list their mother's ethnicity, which was allowed by the state, and for job applications, they had to indicate the ethnicity of both parents. These practices were complex and often involved a mix of cultural, legal, and personal considerations.

Conclusion

The practice of giving children the mother's surname in Russian Jewish families is a complex issue rooted in historical, legal, and cultural factors. It reflects a broader tradition within Judaism and the challenges faced by Jews in the Soviet era. Understanding these nuances helps us appreciate the rich and varied tapestry of Jewish naming customs and the resilience of communities in the face of societal pressures.