Sarkissian

Sarkissian is an Armenian surname derived from the given name Sarkis, the Armenian form of Sergius. The suffix -ian (also rendered as -yan) is a patronymic meaning “son of” or “family of,” so Sarkissian signifies descent from Sarkis. The name is common among Armenians and within the Armenian diaspora.

Variants and transliterations of the surname include Sarkissian, Sarkisian, Sarkisyan, and Sargsyan, reflecting differences in transliteration from Armenian and other languages. This diversity in spelling is typical of Armenian surnames when rendered in Latin characters.

Distribution and usage: Sarkissian is found throughout Armenia and among Armenian communities abroad, particularly in the United States, Russia, Georgia, and other parts of Europe and the Middle East. In diaspora communities, the surname may undergo regional spelling adaptations while preserving the same root.

Notable people: Armen Sarkissian (born 1953) is a prominent Armenian physicist, businessman, and statesman who served as the President of Armenia. The surname is borne by others in science, academia, politics, and the arts, reflecting its widespread use in Armenian communities.

See also: Variants such as Sargsyan or Sarkisyan are closely related, sharing the same root name Sarkis. Differences in spelling often reflect national language conventions and transliteration practices.