Zodiac celestial coordinate system, or more specifically an ecliptic coordinate system, which takes the ecliptic as the origin of latitude and the Sun's position at vernal equinox as the origin of longitude. The English word ' derives from ', the Latinized form of the Ancient Greek "zōidiakòs kýklos" (), meaning "cycle or circle of little animals". "Zōidion" () is the diminutive of "zōion" (, "animal"). The name reflects the prominence of animals (and mythological hybrids) among the twelve signs. The zodiac was in use by the Roman era, based on concepts inherited by Hellenistic astronomy from Babylonian astronomy of the Chaldean
Greek Cypriot name are found elsewhere, but are unusual, except in Cyprus where they are more highly concentrated. Examples include: "Βαρνάβας" (Barnabus), "Βερεγγάρια" (Berengaria), "Δωμέτιος" (Dometios), "Μάμας" (Mamas), "Μάριος" (Marios), "Νεόφυτος" (Neophytos). Greek Cypriot name Greek Cypriots may bear common Greek surnames, but there are some which are markedly Cypriot; there are some names which indicate place of birth or origin, or occupation, for example: "Παφίτης" (Paphitis), "from Paphos"; "Καϊμακλιώτης" (Kaimakliotis), "from Kaimakli"; "Σκαρπάρης" (Skarparis), "shoemaker"; "Κωμοδρόμος" (Komodromos), "smith". As most Cypriots used patronymics until independence when surnames became officially used in public registers, a similar process of creation of surnames took place