Sgouros Explained

Sgouros (Greek, Modern (1453-);: Σγούρος/Σγουρός, also frequently found as Sguro(s) but even as Guro in some Latin texts, is the name of various notable persons and families in Byzantine and post-Byzantine Greece, attested from 12th century.

Etymology

The word sgouros means "curly-haired" in medieval Greek and is of uncertain etymology.^[1] According to Adamantios Korais the etymology is from the Greek word gyros (round).

Notable persons bearing the name

Surname

• Theodore Sgouros, governor of Argos and Nafplio, late 12th century
• Leo Sgouros, son of Theodore, autonomous ruler of the NE Peloponnese and Central Greece, early 13th century
• Gabriel Sgouros, brother and successor of Leo, surrendered Nafplio to the Crusaders (1212).^[2]
• George A. Sgouros, Inventor, Industrial & Graphic Designer, Photographer, Independent Candidate for Mayor of Roanoke City, VA (2004 & 2008).
• Sgouros, of unknown other name. Participated in the siege of Constantinople (1453) as naval commander, evacuating Christians with his ship.^[3]
• Progonos Sgouros (fl. 1294–1300), an Albanian Byzantine noble, member of the Skuraj family. Benefactor of churches and monasteries in Macedonia.
• Dimitris Sgouros (born 1969), Greek classical pianist
• Angelo Sgouros (born 1977), Greek / American musical producer and recording artist.
• Yiannis Sgouros, Greek politician

Given name

• Sgouros Spata (fl. 1400-1403), Albanian lord

Modern usage

The name is used as surname in modern Greece, also with derivatives such as Sgouras, Sgouropoulos, Sgourakis, Sgourides, Sgouris etc.

Notes and References

1. Web site: DuCagne, Glossarium, 1688, vol. 2, column 1338. ΣΓΟΥΡΟΣ . Anemi.lib.uoc.gr . 2012-09-03.
2. Book: Herrin Judith, Guillaume Saint-Guillain, Mediterranean After 1204, Ashgate Publishing, Ltd., 2011 p. 27 . 2011-05-30 . 9781409410980 . 2012-09-03. Herrin . Judith . Saint-Guillain . Guillaume . Ashgate Publishing .
3. Book: Philippides Marios, Walter K. Hanak, The Siege and the Fall of Constantinople In 1453. p. 471 . 2011-04-30 . 9781409410645 . 2012-09-03. Philippides . Marios . Hanak . Walter K. . Ashgate Publishing .