Here's why they are so interesting: Ukrainian surnames with Greek origins
Surnames with Greek origins. Source: pexels.com
Experts conducted a series of anthroponymic studies and compiled a list of Ukrainian surnames with Greek roots. SSPDaily learned that among them are those that come from the names of settlements. Interestingly, among ethnicity groups, surnames of Greek origin are the most common (6.2%).
In particular, scientists identify the following family names:
- Akhbash (derived from the word "blond");
- Balaban (derived from the word "huge");
- Varsamas;
- Volonitsyn (can be translated as "knitting needle");
- Gabida;
- Imereli;
- Kior (can be translated as "blind");
- Kurkchi (meaning "fur");
- Mangush (from the name of the settlement);
- Marble;
- Shamli (from the name of the settlement);
- Yalu;
- Yatsko.
Interestingly, some patrimonial names of Greek origin eventually received Russian suffixes. Thus, Karakoz became Karakozov, Balaban became Balabanov, Uzun became Uzunov, and Temir became Temirov.