Diakov and Doukhobor naming practices

The Diakov and Doukhobor naming practices surname originates from the term d´yak meaning “clerk” or “scribe” which is a literate individual employed to write or copy documents, letters and manuscripts. The Dyakovs among the Doukhobors originated from the province of Tambov, Russia in the 18th century. The English spelling variants include: Diakoff, Deacove, Diekoff, Deakove, diakove, Deekoff, Diakov, D´iakov, D´yakov.