Stylianou family crest and coat of arms

The family name Stylianou is of Greek origin, derived from the male given name Stylianos, which is linked to the Christian saint St. Stylianos. It symbolizes a connection to faith and spirituality, common among Greek surnames indicating ancestral heritage or a notable ancestor's name.

Family crests and coats of arms emerged during the Middle Ages, mostly in wider Europe. They were used as a way to identify knights and nobles on the battlefield and in tournaments. The designs were unique to each family and were passed down from generation to generation.

The earliest crests were simple designs, such as a single animal or symbol, but they became more elaborate over time. Coats of arms were also developed, which included a shield with the family crest, as well as other symbols and colors that represented the family's history and achievements.

The use of family crests and coats of arms spread throughout Europe and became a symbol of social status and identity. They were often displayed on clothing, armor, and flags, and were used to mark the family's property and possessions.

Today, family crests and coats of arms are still used as a way to honor and celebrate family heritage.

The family name Stylianou has several intriguing variations that reflect the linguistic and cultural shifts over the centuries. In Greece, a common derivative is Stylianos, which gained popularity around the 19th century as a nod to traditional naming practices that favored male forms of family names. In Cyprus, the name often appears as Stylianides, a variant that emerged in the 20th century reflecting the region's unique linguistic influences and practices of adding suffixes to denote lineage. Meanwhile, in English-speaking countries, the name may be simplified to Stiliyan or Stylian, showing a trend from the 18th century onwards where names were anglicized for easier pronunciation and integration. Interestingly, in Slavic regions, a wholly different adaptation like Styliyanov has surfaced, illustrating how the name transformed linguistically to fit local phonetic norms during the 19th century. Each variation not only preserves a connection to the original name but also highlights the name's journey through different languages and cultures across centuries.

Learn how to find your family crest.

Other resources:

• Get your official family crest here.
• Learn about heraldry at britannica.com
• See an introduction at wikipedia.com