Save Type Surname (from location) Usage Russian (Modern) Scripts Ленин(Russian) Pronounced Pron. LYEH-nyin [key·IPA] Meaning & History Surname adopted by the Russian revolutionary and founder of the former Soviet state Vladimir Ilyich Lenin (1870-1924), whose birth surname was Ulyanov. He probably adapted it from the name of the River Lena in Siberia. Related NamesDetails Given Name DescendantsNinel, Vladilen, Vladlen, Vladlena(Russian)