ARMENIAN SURNAMES Meaning and
Definition
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Armenian surnames refer to the family names that are traditionally used by individuals of Armenian descent. Surnames are an integral part of personal and family identities, reflecting historical, cultural, and linguistic aspects of Armenian heritage. These names are passed down from generation to generation and often hold significant meaning.
Armenian surnames typically originate from several sources, including geographical locations, professions, characteristics, or patronymic naming practices. Geographical-based surnames may denote a person's ancestral village or region within historic Armenia or the Armenian Diaspora. Such names might include geographical terms like "Adana" or "Tavush" or specific village names like "Kesabian" or "Vanadzorian."
Profession-based surnames indicate an individual's ancestor's occupation or trade and can include names such as "Melikian" (meaning "prince" or "noble") or "Demirjian" (referring to the profession of blacksmithing).
Armenian surnames can also stem from patronymic practices, where a person's last name is derived from their father or ancestor's given name. For instance, adding the suffix "-ian" or "-yan" to the end of a first name forms a patronymic surname, like "Hovhannisian" (meaning "son of Hovhannes") or "Aramyan" (indicating descent from someone named Aram).
In addition to these sources, Armenian surnames may also incorporate elements from other languages and cultural influences, particularly due to the Armenian Diaspora and historical interactions with neighboring nations.
Overall, Armenian surnames serve as a vital link to Armenian heritage, reflecting the diverse origins and historical roots of individuals and families within the Armenian community worldwide
Etymology of ARMENIAN SURNAMES
The word "Armenian" is derived from the ancient Greek word "Armenios", which originally referred to the people inhabiting the region known as Armenia. This region is located in the eastern part of Anatolia, where present-day Turkey, Iran, and the South Caucasus converge. The exact origins of the term "Armenian" are uncertain, but it is believed to have its roots in the Old Persian word "Armina", most likely related to the Urartian language spoken in ancient Armenia.
"Surnames" on the other hand, derive from the Middle English word "surnoun", which means "additional name" or "surname". This term was formed by combining the prefix "sur-" meaning "over" or "additional", and "name", referring to an individual's given name. Surnames were typically used to distinguish a person based on their family, occupation, or place of origin.
