Armenian surnames
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[edit] The ending
Typical Armenian last/family names end with -yan,-jan or -ian. Example: Petrosian. This ending comes from the old Armenian word meaning "son". So the last name "Petrosian" means "son of Petros".
[edit] The additional -s
Some Armenian last names have an additional -s attached to -yan,-ian, etc. yet this is rare and is not as common.
[edit] Etymology of Armenian last names
Like in many other languages, originally last names in Armenia derived from the families occupation. A priest could have very well gotten the last name: Vartabetian. The first part deriving from his/her occupation with the -ian, attached. Other languages often have this basic principle for last names. [ For example in Sweden many surnames end in -son]
[edit] Notes
Not all Armenian Family names have this ending because of historic reasons there are many Armenians today that have different surnames. When many Armenians moved to countries to escape genocide, they changed their last names to adapt better to the environment. It is also possible that someone may have a surname that ends with that sound, (or letters) that is not Armenian.
