Potapenko is a Ukrainian patronymic surname derived from the given name Potap. Notable people with the surname include:Gennady Potapenko (1894–1979), American radio astronomer
Ignaty Potapenko (1856–1929), Russian writer and playwright
Oleksiy Potapenko, or Potap, Ukrainian singer, composer and producer
Sergei Potapenko, Belarusian Military leader, Deputy Minister of Defense
Vasyl' Potapenko (1886–1934), Ukrainian guide-boy for kobzar Tereshko Parkhomenko and bandurist
Vitaly Potapenko, Ukrainian basketball player who played in the National Basketball Association