Last Name Sarkis

The surname Sarkis has its roots in several regions, primarily among peoples of Armenian and Assyrian descent. In Armenia, the name Sarkis is derived from the Armenian version of the ancient Greek name "Sarkos," which means "flesh" or "meat." Over time, the name spread to other regions due to historical migrations, particularly during the Ottoman Empire, when many Armenians and Assyrians were forced to flee their homes. Today, the surname Sarkis is common among communities of Armenian and Assyrian descent, as well as among individuals who have adopted it for various reasons.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Sarkis

The meaning and origin of the last name Sarkis

The surname Sarkis is of Armenian origin, derived from the Armenian given name Sarkis, which means "flesh" or "man" in the Aramaic language. It is a common surname among Armenians and individuals of Armenian descent, particularly in regions such as Western Asia and the Caucasus. The name is also found among Assyrians and other Middle Eastern communities where Aramaic influence is present. Historically, many people with the name Sarkis were from the historic region of Greater Armenia, which encompassed parts of modern-day Turkey, Iran, Georgia, and Armenia itself. The popularity of the name can be attributed to several early Christian saints named Sarkis, including Saint Sarkis, also known as Saint George, who is venerated in many Eastern Orthodox and Oriental Orthodox Churches.

Geographical distribution of the last name Sarkis

The surname Sarkis has a predominant concentration in regions with significant Armenian populations. Historically, this name is most prevalent in Armenia itself, as well as the Armenian diaspora communities, particularly in Lebanon, Syria, and Cyprus. In the United States, a significant number of individuals with the last name Sarkis can be found in California, New York, and Massachusetts, reflecting historical immigration patterns from these Middle Eastern countries. Smaller populations of Sarkis families can also be found in Europe, specifically France, Germany, and Russia, as well as Australia and Canada, due to diaspora movements throughout the 20th century. The distribution of the name Sarkis thus highlights the global dispersal of Armenian communities over time.

Variants and spellings of the last name Sarkis

The surname Sarkis has several variations and spellings across different regions and languages. Here are some of them:

1. Sarkissian or Sarquisian: These variations often appear among Armenians, reflecting the influence of the Armenian language, which uses double consonants in certain words.

2. Serkis, Serghis, or Serkess: These variants are more common in Middle Eastern countries and may also be found among diaspora communities.

3. Sarkes, Sarkez: These spellings are less frequent but can be found within the broader Armenian and Arabic diaspora, often due to phonetic transliteration or historical reasons.

4. Sakis: This is a shortened version of the surname Sarkis, commonly used in some communities where traditionally longer names have been abbreviated for various reasons.

5. Sarquiss: A rare variation that might be found among families with unique spelling traditions or those with specific regional origins.

Famous people with the last name Sarkis

Notable individuals bearing the surname Sarkis include Charles Sarkis (born 1964), an American film and television actor best known for his role as Dr. Craig Thomas on the NBC series "Scrubs". Another significant figure is Cher Sarkisian, professionally known as Cher (born 1946), an iconic American singer, actress, and fashion icon who rose to fame in the 1960s as one half of the duo Sonny & Cher. More recently, Armen Sarkissian (born 1952) has made a name for himself as the sixth President of Armenia since its independence in 1991. Lastly, Anoushka Shankar (born 1981), a British-Indian sitar player and composer, is also a member of the Sarkis family through her Armenian great-grandfather, Uday Shankar. These individuals exemplify diverse achievements across the fields of entertainment, politics, and music in their respective careers.

Genealogical research on the last name Sarkis

The surname Sarkis originates from the Middle East, primarily Armenia and Lebanon, with roots tracing back to ancient times. The name is of Armenian origin, derived from the word "Sark" which means "Noble" or "Aristocrat". It is a common name among Armenians and some Lebanese Christians, particularly those of the Armenian Apostolic Church.

Historically, many Sarkis families were merchants, artisans, and scholars in the Kingdom of Cilicia, an independent Armenian state existing from 1080 to 1375. After the fall of the kingdom, many Sarkis families migrated to other parts of the Middle East, Europe, and the Americas, especially during the Ottoman Empire's decline and the Armenian Genocide in the early 20th century.

Today, the Sarkis family name can be found worldwide, with significant populations in Lebanon, Syria, France, Russia, the United States, Canada, Australia, and other countries. Genealogical research on the Sarkis surname often requires exploring historical records from these regions, as well as those of the Armenian Diaspora.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Sarkis"
• 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 : 11 June 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends