Panchenko is a common Ukrainian surname derived from a diminutive of the given name Panteleimon, which itself is a Greek name meaning "all-compassionate," from the elements pan (πᾶν) meaning "all" and eleemon (ἐλεήμων) meaning "compassionate." The surname thus follows a common Slavic pattern of forming family names from a shortened or endearing form of a given name, with the suffix -enko (often also -chuk or -ov), which is typical of Ukrainian, Belarusian, and also Bulgarian and Czech surnames. Panteleimon is closely associated with Saint Pantaleon (often called Panteleimon in Eastern Christianity), a physician from Nicomedia in Asia Minor who was martyred in 303 CE during the persecution under Roman Emperor Diocletian. His original Greek name, Pantaleon, derives from pan meaning "all" and leon meaning "lion." Therefore, Panchenko indirectly refers to an ancestor who was a namesake of this highly venerated saint, revered in both Eastern and Western Christianity as a patron saint of doctors and midwives. Notable Bearers The surname Panchenko is most widespread in Ukraine and Russia. Notable individuals with the surname include: Alexander Panchenko (1953–2009), Russian chess grandmaster Anastasia Panchenko (born 1990), Russian sprint canoer Danylo Panchenko (born 1973), Ukrainian luger Diana Panchenko (born 1988), Ukrainian journalist and TV presenter Grigory Panchenko (1900–1966), Soviet general and Hero of the Soviet Union Kirill Panchenko (born 1989), Russian footballer, son of Viktor Lyubov Panchenko (1938–2022), Ukrainian artist Nikolai Panchenko (1924–2005), Russian poet Viktor Panchenko (born 1963), Russian footballer Yuriy Panchenko (born 1959), Soviet-Ukrainian volleyball player This list illustrates the breadth of fields—from sports and arts to military and chess—in which bearers of the name have gained recognition. Related Facts Meaning: From a diminutive form of the name Panteleimon (ultimately meaning "all-compassionate"). Origin: Ukrainian (and by extension, East Slavic). Type: Surname, patronymic. Usage Regions: Primarily Ukraine, also Russia and other post-Soviet states.