Last Name Yanko

The surname Yanko is of Slavic origin. It is a variant of Yanek, a diminutive form of Ivan (John) in various Slavic languages, including Czech, Polish, and Slovak. The name has been carried to other parts of the world by individuals of these ethnicities. In some cases, it may also be spelled as Yankov, Yankowsky, or Janeko, among others.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Yanko

The meaning and origin of the last name Yanko

The surname Yanko is of Slavic origin, predominantly found among Eastern European populations such as Bulgarians, Serbians, and Croatians. Its roots can be traced back to the early Middle Ages when personal names were often used as a basis for creating family surnames. In these cultures, the name Yanko is derived from the given name Yanak (a diminutive form of Ivan or John), which has religious significance due to Saint John the Baptist's high regard in Eastern Orthodox Christianity. Over time, the name Yanak evolved into Yanko as a surname, and it remains popular in the Balkan region today. The exact meaning of Yanko is "God is gracious" or "God has favored," reflecting the religious influence on Slavic naming practices during that era.

Geographical distribution of the last name Yanko

The surname Yanko is predominantly found in Eastern Europe, particularly in countries such as Bulgaria and Ukraine. In Bulgaria, it ranks among the top 20 most common surnames and has been traced back to the Middle Ages. In Ukraine, it is also quite prevalent, especially in regions like Volyn, Rivne, Lviv, and Zhytomyr. The name has also been found in other Eastern European countries such as Moldova, Romania, Serbia, and Croatia, although less frequently. Outside of Europe, significant numbers of people with the surname Yanko can be found in the United States, primarily among immigrants from Bulgaria and Ukraine, particularly in cities like New York, Chicago, and Philadelphia. The name's distribution reflects historical migration patterns and cultural ties between Eastern European countries and the United States.

Variants and spellings of the last name Yanko

The surname Yanko has several variations and spellings, offering multiple ways to trace its origins and lineage. Some common variations include: Yankey, Yankie, Yonco, Yonkie, Yankovich, Yankovic, Janke, Janko, and Jankowiak. These variants may arise due to differences in regional pronunciation, transcription errors, or migration-related changes over time. It is important to note that the exact origin of the surname Yanko is difficult to pinpoint as it could be of Slavic, Greek, or Jewish descent depending on the specific family history. The name may derive from various roots such as the Russian given name Yanko, the Slavic place name Yanok, or the Greek word "yannis" meaning "grace of God." Regardless of its origin, the surname Yanko has been borne by numerous individuals across centuries and continents.

Famous people with the last name Yanko

Notable individuals with the surname Yanko include:

1. Boris Yankov (born 1963), a Bulgarian chess grandmaster who won the European Chess Championship in 1989 and 1992.

2. Djordje Yankovic, also known as Djordje Milicevic-Yankov (1865–1940), a Serbian military officer and statesman who served as Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes from 1921 to 1924.

3. Goran Yanković (born 1975), a Swiss professional ice hockey player who played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for teams such as the New York Rangers and Los Angeles Kings.

4. Radko Yankov (born 1980), a Bulgarian footballer who has played for clubs including PFC CSKA Sofia, Litex Lovech, and FC Nordsjælland. He also represented the Bulgaria national team.

5. Vasil Yankov (1924-2016), a Bulgarian composer, conductor, and pianist who was awarded the title "People's Artist of Bulgaria" in 1983. His works include ballets, operas, symphonies, chamber music, and film scores.

Genealogical research on the last name Yanko

The surname Yanko is predominantly of Slavic origin, particularly associated with Central and Eastern European countries such as Bulgaria, Croatia, Serbia, and Ukraine. The name is derived from the Slavic given name Yanak or Yanko, which means "God is gracious."

In Bulgaria, the name Yanko has been documented since the Middle Ages, with notable figures like Yanko Sabevich (a national hero who fought against Ottoman rule in the 14th century) and Yanko Sakazov (Bulgarian statesman of the late 19th and early 20th centuries). In Croatia, a prominent figure named Ivan (Yanko in shorter form) Zrinski was a notable nobleman and military leader during the 17th century.

The migration patterns of people with the surname Yanko can be traced to various parts of the world due to historical events such as wars, religious conflicts, and economic displacement. Today, the name can be found in many countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, among others. Genealogical research on this surname would focus on uncovering individual family histories, immigration patterns, and connections to broader ethnic and cultural contexts.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Yanko"
• 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

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