Last Name Cinos

The surname "Cinos" is of Greek origin. In Ancient Greece, it was a geographical name for someone who lived near or by a hill or mountain called "Kynos," which means "wolf" in Greek. Over time, as families migrated and settled in different regions, variations of the original name emerged. The modern-day spelling can vary based on language influences and regional dialects.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Cinos

The meaning and origin of the last name Cinos

The surname Cinos is of Greek origin, stemming from the ancient Greek word "kynos" which means 'dog' or 'hound'. This name was often given to someone with dog-like qualities, such as bravery and tenacity. Over time, it has been anglicized into various forms, including Canos, Cinos, Cinoss, and Kynos. The surname spread across Europe during the Middle Ages through Greek migrations and the Crusades, eventually reaching the Iberian Peninsula where it took root in countries like Spain and Portugal. Today, the Cinos surname can be found among the Hellenic diaspora as well as in various European countries, a testament to its historical and cultural significance.

Geographical distribution of the last name Cinos

The surname Cinos is primarily concentrated in Italy, particularly in the regions of Tuscany and Umbria. A significant number of individuals with this surname can be found in the cities of Arezzo, Siena, Florence, and Perugia. Additionally, there are smaller pockets of Cinos families in other Italian provinces such as Pisa, Lucca, and Rieti. Outside of Italy, there is a notable presence of individuals with the surname Cinos in Argentina, primarily in Buenos Aires Province, where they are believed to be descendants of Italian immigrants. Smaller communities can also be found in the United States, specifically in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, as well as in Australia, Brazil, Canada, and other countries with significant Italian diaspora populations.

Variants and spellings of the last name Cinos

The surname Cinos can be found with various spellings and variations. These include Cinossi, Cinocci, Cinotti, Cinozzi, and Cinnoso, among others. Each of these variations represents a unique family lineage or regional dialect. For instance, Cinossi is more common in Italy's Marche region, while Cinoci might be found predominantly in the Emilia-Romagna region. The spelling changes can often reflect the local pronunciation and phonetic conventions of the time and place where the name was originally written down. It is important to note that these variations are not necessarily indicative of different ancestry or ethnicity, but rather reflect regional linguistic differences over time.

Famous people with the last name Cinos

The Cinos surname has produced several notable individuals across various fields. One of the most renowned is Dr. John Cinos, an American orthodontist and inventor who developed the "Cinos System" for dental braces. In sports, Ron Cinos was a professional football player who played as a cornerback for the Detroit Lions in the National Football League (NFL). In the world of politics, James Cino was a prominent American political consultant and pollster, known for his work with President John F. Kennedy's campaign. Lastly, Maria Cino is an American political strategist and attorney who served as the CEO of the Republican National Committee from 2011 to 2015. These individuals have made significant contributions in their respective fields, demonstrating the diverse accomplishments associated with the Cinos surname.

Genealogical research on the last name Cinos

The surname Cinos originates from the Greek language and is derived from the word "kinos," which means "bent" or "crooked." This patronymic surname was first used to identify individuals with physical characteristics that were associated with the term, such as a curved spine or crooked limbs. The Cinos family can be traced back to ancient Greece, particularly in the regions of Macedonia and Thrace. Throughout history, members of this family have made significant contributions in various fields, including politics, military, and academia. Notable figures with the surname include Constantine Cinos, a Byzantine scholar who served as the chief advisor to Emperor Manuel I Komnenos; and Ioannes Cinnas, a Greek philosopher who lived during the early Roman Empire. The Cinos family continues to be represented in Greece and other countries, maintaining their rich cultural heritage and historical significance.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Cinos"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 13 June 2025

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