Actually the Ulyanov name is derived from the word ulya (beehive).
There is some suggestion that his family derived from the Chuvash tribe in the Kazan region. There is a stronger suggestion of Mongol features rather than slavic features. His family does have German ancestors on his maternal side of the family (nee Blank)
Well, thanks, but actually, I know about the beehive. Listening to Russian family members translate last names precisely (something we all love) has been and continues to fascinate and inform!
As for Lenin's heritage, yes, I know about that too. My husband's mothers family are part Bashkiri, the rare 10 percent that was/is Christian and blonde/blue-eyed. But some of those features still show on their faces, blended with much of the rest of Russia's melting pot. Lenin's photos show a face full of the rich ethnic heritage of Russia, including Slav.
And so I completely stand by my statement. Lenin looks SO Russian. Yes he does!