YIANNAKOU
Yiannakou
Yiannakou (pronounced YAH-nah-koo) is a British surname of Greek origin. It is derived from the Greek name Yiannis, which is the equivalent of John in English. The suffix "-kou" is a common Greek and Cypriot suffix denoting a family or relation. Therefore, Yiannakou essentially means "son of Yiannis" or "descendant of John".
Origins and Distribution
The surname Yiannakou is prevalent among people of Greek-Cypriot descent who have settled in the United Kingdom, particularly in the communities of London and other major cities with significant Greek populations. The migration of Cypriots to the UK occurred largely in the mid-20th century due to political instability in Cyprus.
Notable Individuals
- Sophia Yiannakou - An acclaimed Greek-Cypriot author known for her works on Greek mythology and folklore.
- Dimitri Yiannakou - A prominent British-Greek architect known for his innovative designs in sustainable urban development.
Variants
Variants of the surname Yiannakou include Yiannakos and Yiannacou, reflecting the different transliterations of Greek into Roman script.
The Yiannakou surname has become an integral part of the British cultural landscape, contributing to the diverse tapestry of surnames found in the United Kingdom.
There are approximately 109 people named Yiannakou in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around two in a million people in Britain are named Yiannakou.
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Anthony
- Chris
Female
- Susan