Ioannou

Ioannou is a Greek surname that is particularly common in Greece and Cyprus. It is derived from the given name Ioannes (John) with the genitive suffix -ou, forming a patronymic meaning “belonging to Ioannes” or “son of Ioannes.” In Greek, the name is written Ιωάννου and is typically transliterated as Ioannou in English.

The name is widely found among Greek-speaking populations, with a notable concentration in Cyprus. In Cypriot naming traditions, the -ou ending is especially prevalent, reflecting historical patterns of family lineage. The surname also appears among Greek communities abroad, including in Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States, where Cypriot and Greek emigration has established diaspora communities.

Variants and related forms arise from transliteration and related patronymics. Related surnames derived from Ioannes include Ioannides, Ioannidis, and other forms that adapt the root name to different linguistic and regional conventions.

Notable people with the surname are predominantly of Greek or Cypriot origin and may be found across fields such as politics, sports, academia, and the arts. The surname functions as a common marker of Greek heritage and lineage, reflecting the long-standing practice of deriving family names from paternal given names.