Anagnostou Surname Meaning

The Greek surname Anagnostou (Αναγνώστου) is a patronymic and occupational surname, meaning it is derived from the role or title of a male ancestor. The root Anagnost- comes from the Greek word anagnóstis (ἀναγνώστης), meaning “reader,” a term historically used for the church reader who was responsible for reading scripture during Orthodox services. This ecclesiastical role was an important minor clerical position within the Church and often became a lasting identifier for families associated with it. The suffix -ou is a genitive marker meaning “of” or “belonging to,” indicating descent or association. Consequently, the surname Anagnostou signifies “the descendant of the reader” or “of the church reader.”