Characterization of populations in the Kyiv region based on surname data

The aim of this study was to obtain indicators characterising the population structure of Kyiv Oblast. Methods. To describe the genetic structure of the population, we used the method proposed by I. Barrai, which relies on surnames as quasi-genetic markers. Results. The population structure indicators of district populations in Kyiv Oblast exhibit a wide range of values. The fundamental indicator– the isonymy index (Ir) – varies within the range of 4,5–36,4 (×10⁻⁴). The inbreeding coefficient (FST) ranges from 11,3 to 91,0 (×10⁻⁵), the migration index (v) from 68,2 to 333,3 (×10⁻⁴), and the diversity index (a) from 2,8 to 22,3 (×10²). The quasi-genetic distance between populations, based on the place index, is I₂₀ = 14 for the entire oblast, I₂₀ = 11 for Kyiv, and closely aligns with the national average of I₂₀ = 10.5. The district populations show a vast variation in this indicator, highlighting the uniqueness of the local gene pool. Conclusions. The isonymy, inbreeding, migration, and place index values in district populations demonstrate a broad range of variation. Some peripheral populations are characterised not only by an increased risk of inbreeding but also as sources of hereditary diversity.