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Last Name Pogosyan

What is the origin of the last name Pogosyan?

The surname Pogosyan (also spelled Pogossian, Pogossian, Pogosyants, etc.) is of Armenian origin. It derives from the Armenian language and can be translated as "son of Poghos," where "Poghos" means "rich" or "bountiful." The name is common among Armenians and has its roots in ancient Armenia.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Pogosyan

The meaning and origin of the last name Pogosyan

The surname Pogosyan is of Armenian origin. It derives from the Armenian word "Poghos" which means 'mountain' or 'monastery', reflecting the historical settlement patterns and cultural significance of these entities in Armenia. Historically, many Armenians lived in mountainous regions or near monasteries, which often served as centers of learning and spiritual life. The surname Pogosyan, like many Armenian surnames, can be traced back to its original bearer, often a religious figure or a notable individual residing near a mountain or monastery. Over time, the name was passed down through generations, eventually becoming a common Armenian surname. Today, individuals with the surname Pogosyan can be found in various parts of the world, particularly in Armenia and diaspora communities.

Geographical distribution of the last name Pogosyan

The surname Pogosyan is predominantly found in Armenia and the Armenian diaspora, with a significant concentration within its native country. According to data from FamilyEducation.com, Yerevan, the capital city of Armenia, has one of the highest populations of individuals bearing this last name. The Pogosyan surname is also commonly found among Armenians living outside their homeland, particularly in countries with large Armenian communities such as Russia, United States, France, and Lebanon. Additionally, there are Pogosyans residing in various parts of Europe, Canada, and Australia, reflecting the global dispersal of the Armenian diaspora over centuries due to historical events like the Armenian Genocide and the Soviet Union's collapse.

Variants and spellings of the last name Pogosyan

The surname Pogosyan has several variations and spellings due to differences in transliteration from Armenian to English. Some common forms include Pogosyán, Poghosyan, Pogossian, Poghossian, Pogossyán, Poghosyán, and Pogossyan-Poghosyan. These variations stem from the Armenian name Պողոսյան (Poghosyan), which translates to English as "son of Poghos." Additionally, there might be slight alterations in spelling due to regional dialects or individual preferences, such as Paghossian or Pagosian. It is essential to note that the proper pronunciation of these names follows the Armenian phonetic rules and may not correspond directly to their written English forms.

Famous people with the last name Pogosyan

The Pogosyan surname is notably represented by two significant figures across different fields:

1. Ruben Hovhannisyan Pogosyan, a renowned Russian-Armenian physicist and inventor, best known for his work in space technology. He served as the General Designer of the Russian Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos) from 2004 to 2018.

2. Armen Pogosyan, an American television director and producer, is recognized for his work on popular shows such as "The Sopranos," "Boardwalk Empire," and "Six Feet Under." He has been nominated for multiple Emmy Awards.

Genealogical research on the last name Pogosyan

The surname Pogosyan originates from Armenia, a country with a rich history and cultural heritage in Western Asia. The name is of Armenian descent and is primarily found among the Armenian people. Historically, the Armenians have been known for their skilled craftsmanship and commerce, as well as their strong sense of community and family ties, which are often reflected in their patronymic surnames. The Pogosyan surname can be traced back to various regions within Armenia, with concentrations in cities such as Yerevan, Gyumri, and Vanadzor. Some notable individuals bearing the name include Hovhannes Tumanjan, an Armenian statesman who played a key role in the establishment of modern Armenia, and Anoush Pogosyan, a renowned Armenian-American violinist and composer. Today, the Pogosyan family name continues to be widely dispersed among the Armenian diaspora worldwide, particularly in countries such as Russia, the United States, and France.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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 : 12 June 2025

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