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Greek surnames or last names gained prominence in the 19th century, primarily after the Greek War of Independence. These names can help in identifying the ancestry of an individual. Greek surnames have different roots, origins, and histories of development. Most surnames were influenced by family names or paternal and maternal names. However, many Greek surnames have also originated from the father’s first names, and a few are occupational surnames (1). Keep scrolling as well bring you a long list of some famous Greek surnames.
Key Pointers
- Greek surnames or last names have long histories, some dating back hundreds of years, including family names, patronyms, and matronyms.
- Greek last names often indicate a person’s familial origin, preserving clues to ancestral roots even when modified.
- Adamos, Bouras, Diakos, and Hatzi are a few common Greek surnames.
Naming Traditions In Greece
The surnames or last names in Greece are often indicators of the origin of the individual. There are many instances where the last name is modified but yet implies their origin. An example is the last name ‘Demetriou,’ which can be traced back to someone whose surname was originally ‘Demetrios.’
For women, the surnames change to a feminine version of the original masculine surname. These masculine surnames are often patronyms, indicating a person’s father’s name. While men carry patronymic surnames, women carry feminine versions of the same, which they can change to their husband’s family name after marriage.
Greek last names also feature distinct suffixes. One can learn the place of origin and probably family history through the suffix alone. For example, ‘–akis’ refers to a person from Crete, ‘–ellis’ means the person likely came from Dodecanese islands, ‘–opoulos’ for a man coming from the Peloponnese peninsula, ‘-idis’ denotes the person is a ‘descendant of’ someone. The ‘-iadis’ suffix belongs to people from Messinia or Lakonia while ‘-oudas’ is for people from North Greece (Macedonia).
Prefixes of a surname could tell you about the origin of the person too while also telling something about a physical attribute or a profession. For instance, a surname beginning with ‘Kara’ implies that it belongs to someone in the East or Asia Minor as ‘kara’ refers to ‘black’ in the Turkish language. The prefix ‘konto’ means ‘short,’ and ‘papa’ means ‘someone who descended from priests.’ Greek surnames are thus interesting to know as they say a lot about Greek ancestry and tradition.
List Of Common And Ancient Greek Last Names
1. Adamos
In Greek, this surname means ‘the son of Adam.’ The surname holds biblical and religious significance as it is linked to Adam, the first man in Judeo-Christian tradition (2).
2. Aetós
This surname means ’eagle’ in Greek. The eagle holds significance in Greek mythology as it was the emblem of the Greek God Zeus (3). It is also revered as a symbol of divine strength and power.
3. Agathangelou
This is a patronymic name given to the people who likely descended from the historical figure named Agathangelos. He was an early Christian historian who wrote down the historical events in Armenia. The Greek surname Agathangelos means ‘messenger of good news (4).’
4. Agelastos
This last name means ‘the one that never laughs’ in Greek. This term may have been linked to individuals who were known for their solemn demeanor. It may have also been a nickname for a serious or stern individual.
5. Alexopoulos
It is derived from the personal name Alexios and the patronymic ending poulos. The name Alexios belonged to several Byzantine emperors. The most notable name bearer was Alexios I Komnenos (1048–1118), who founded the Komnenian dynasty and strengthened the Byzantine Empire.
6. Andino
In Greek, this surname means ‘manly.’ It is believed to be derived from the Greek name Andreas.
7. Andrianakis
This last name is also derived from the name Andreas with a suffix, -akis hinting at its Cretan roots. It is more prevalent in the Australian Greek communities.
8. Angelopoulos
This name is derived from Angelos, shortened from Evangelos with the patronymic ending ‘poulos.’ As a surname, Angelopoulos is well-known in modern Greece. The renowned Greek filmmaker Theo Angelopoulos, whose works explored Greek history and identity, was a popular namesake.
9. Angelos
This surname is a commonly used one and means ’angel’ in Greek. The Angelos family ruled parts of the Byzantine Empire in the late 1100s. Emperor Isaac II Angelos (1156–1204) was one of their notable members.
10. Ariti
In Greek, Ariti means ‘someone approachable, friendly, or generous.’ The surname is often linked to the Greek term Arete, indicating ‘excellence in moral virtue.’
11. Artino
Artino is a habitational name given to someone who belonged to the city of Arta. Arta, the 13th-century capital of the Despotate of Epirus, played a significant role in Byzantine and post-Byzantine history (5). The city is known for the legendary Bridge of Arta, a structure linked to a poignant folk ballad about a builder’s sacrifice.
12. Athanasiou
Athanasiou is a patronymic surname meaning ‘son of Athanasios.’ The Greek name Athanasios means ‘immortal.’
13. Athinganos
This common surname means ‘gypsy’ or ‘heathen’ in Greek. The surname is likely associated with the Athinganoi, a medieval Byzantine group often linked to itinerants (6).
14. Bakirtzis
This is a Greek last name derived from a Turkish word, which means ’coppersmith.’ The occupational surname may have been given to families who worked with copper. These artisans may have been skilled craftspeople, creating and working with copper items like pots, pans, and other tools or decorative objects.
15. Bouras
This is a Latin origin name and means ‘a coarse and reddish-brown woolen cloth with long hair.’ It is an occupational surname for someone in the wool business. Wool trading flourished in ancient Greece and was considered a luxury item.
16. Boukouras
This Greek last name means ‘happy’ and is of Thracian or Dacian origin. Since the surname means happy, it is likely to have been a nickname before being used as a surname.
17. Calimeris
This Greek surname originated from the greeting ‘Kalimera,’ which means ‘Good morning.’ This surname may have started as a nickname for a cheerful person or someone who greeted others warmly. It could also have been an occupational name for an innkeeper or merchant who regularly interacted with and greeted many people.
18. Catarino
This surname means ‘pure.’ It is also common in Spanish and Portuguese-speaking countries. In Greek culture, purity holds significance both religiously and philosophically as it is connected to moral goodness and being favored by the Gods.
19. Chaconas
This surname is an Americanized version of Tsakonas and means ‘an inhabitant of the eastern side of Peloponnese.’ Tsakonian is one of the oldest surviving languages in human history (7). The Tsakonians were historically regarded as skilled mariners and guardians, probably serving as naval personnel and protectors during the Byzantine Empire.
20. Chloros
This is another commonly used Greek surname, which refers to the color ‘green.’ In ancient Greece, the color green is connected to nature and is considered a symbol of life and renewal.
21. Christodoulopoulos
It means a ‘descendant of Christ’s servant.’ If you are looking for religious last names that start with C, you can consider Christodoulopoulos.
22. Christoforou
A variation of the name Christophoros, which means one who is ’bearing Christ.’ The name may have gained prominence due to Saint Christopher, the patron saint of travelers.
23. Chronis
It is derived from ‘Chronos’ – ‘time’ or ‘year’ in Greek. The exact history of this surname is not known but many believe that it has been adopted as an occupational surname by calendar keepers, astrologers, or historians.
24. Christoyannopoulos
This ancient Greek name means the ‘descendant of John and Christ.’ The name may have been the surname of church leaders or clergy.
25. Cirillo
This is a Greek surname, from an Italian origin. The name means ’lordly’ or ‘masterful.’ This may be a good choice for parents looking for Italian last names. Based on the meaning of the surname, it could have been linked to noble or landowning families in both Greek and Italian cultures.
26. Danielopoulos
This Greek surname means ‘son of Daniel.’ Daniel itself means ‘God is my judge.’ With such a deep religious meaning, the surname could be associated with religious scholars and clergies or communities that valued biblical teachings.
27. Diakos
It means ‘deacon’ in Greek. Deacon is a member of the clergy. Athanasios Diakos, a national hero in the Greek War of Independence, was a famous name-bearer.
28. Diamandis
This Greek name means ‘diamonds’ in Greek. Associated with a precious stone, the surname might have been given to Greeks who were jewelers, traders, or miners.
29. Dougenis
Dougenis is derived from the words ‘doulos’ meaning ‘slave’ or ‘servant’ and ‘genes’ meaning ‘being born.’ It may have been a surname adopted by those who served nobility or religious institutions.
30. Doukas
Doukas is a Medieval Greek surname derived from ‘doukas’ meaning ‘duke’ or a ‘lord.’ The Doukas family was a prominent ruling dynasty of the Byzantine Empire. Many emperors and military leaders belonged to this family and were known for playing a pivotal role in shaping Greek and European history.
31. Drakos
This name comes from the Greek word Drakon, which means a ‘dragon’ or an ‘ogre.’ In Greek culture, dragons were seen as powerful and wise creatures, often depicted as guardians of treasures and formidable opponents for heroes in legendary battles.
32. Drivas
This surname is the Greek variant of the Slavic word drvo and means ‘tree.’ It could also be a variant of Grivas. The term Grivas is a Greek nickname for a grey-haired man or someone who owned a grey horse.
33. Dukakis
This common Greek surname means ‘son of the duke’ or ‘little duke.’ Greek-American lawyer and politician Michael Dukakis is a famous bearer who ran for the US presidency in 1988.
34. Economos
This is an occupational surname given to a steward or anyone who manages a property. The surname is derived from the Greek word ‘oikonomos,’ which means ‘steward.’
35. Elias
This Greek surname is derived from the Hebrew name Eliyahu and means ‘Lord of God’ or ‘Jehovah of God.’
36. Filo
This is a Greek form of the personal name Filip, which means ‘friend of the horses.’ The surname might have originated as a nickname for someone who tended horses.
37. Florakis
This Greek surname has two parts and Flor means ‘flower’ or ‘blossom’ and akis means originating from Crete. Representing Greece’s rich botanical landscape, the surname probably belonged to families engaged in agriculture, floriculture, or herbal medicine.
38. Frangopoulos
This Greek surname means ‘descendant of Frank.’ The term Frangos was used to describe Catholics or Western Europeans living in Greece.
39. Franopoulos
It is related to the name Frangopoulos which means ‘descendant of a Frank’ in Greek. The surname indicates descent from Catholic settlers or merchants who gradually became part of Greek society.
40. Galanis
This is a Greek surname for someone who has ‘pale blue eyes.’ The surname originates from ‘galanos,’ the Greek word for ‘pale blue’ or ‘azure.’ The surname was likely given to individuals with striking light blue eyes.
41. Galatas
This is an occupational surname for people who sell milk. Gala in Greek means ‘milk.’ Galatas is also the name of a town in the eastern Peloponnese region of Greece.
42. Gataki
Gataki means ‘kitten’ in Greek. In ancient Greece, cats were regarded as protectors and symbols of good fortune.
43. Ganas
It is an occupational Greek surname for those who work as ‘coppersmiths.’ This surname may have been adopted by Greek artisans who specialized in working with copper to create tools, cookware, and decorative items.
44. German
This surname is given to people from Germany, particularly immigrants from Germany or people who had business connections with German-speaking lands.
45. Giorgaina
It means ‘wife of Georgios.’ In early modern Greece, a married woman’s surname was usually a combination of her husband’s name and the suffix ‘-aina.’
46. Hasapis
It is derived from the Greek word ‘chasapi’ that means ‘butcher.’ Butchers held an important place in ancient Greek markets, providing a consistent meat supply often prepared according to regional traditions and religious dietary laws.
Did you know?47. Hatzi
A Greek annotation of Hajj, which means a ‘person who has completed a pilgrimage.’ As a surname, it is seen as a symbol of faith and devotion.
48. Hatzis
Hatzis is a modern version of the Khatzi’s, which in Greek means a ’pilgrim to Jerusalem.’ The surname is related to the Greek surname ‘Hatzi.’
49. Hondros
This Greek surname is used as a nickname for the term ‘fat’ and is a shortened form of the surname ‘Khondros.’ Hondros is used as a prefix and is added to given names.
50. Iordanou
This name originates from the Jordan River’s name in Hebrew. It means to ‘descend’ or ‘flow down.’ The river Jordan has deep biblical significance, as it is the site where John the Baptist baptized Jesus (8).
51. Iraklidis
This name refers to the ‘son of Herakles.’ Herakles (also known as Hercules) means ‘glory/pride of the Goddess Hera.’ The surname Iraklidis may be connected to the ancient Dorian kings Heracleidae, who claimed descent from Herakles as part of their divine right to rule.
52. Kallis
This surname is the shortened form of the Greek name Kallistos and means ‘best.’ It is a reminder of ancient Greek culture’s admiration for excellence.
53. Kallergis
This Greek surname is a combination of two Greek words, Kalon meaning ‘beautiful’ and ergon meaning ‘work’ or ‘accomplishment.’ The Kallergis family was one of the most powerful families in Cretan history, especially during the Venetian period. They were recognized for their contributions to both governance and resistance against Ottoman occupation.
54. Kalogeras
This Greek last name is derived from ‘kalogeros,’ which means ‘monk.’ It is believed to be linked to individuals who lived religious or ascetic lives.
55. Kalogeropoulos
This surname in Greek means ‘son of the monk’. It is derived from the Greek term kalogeros, which means ‘monk’ or ‘friar.’
56. Karagiannis
This Greek last name means ‘black John.’ The name may have originated as a description of someone with dark features or hair.
57. Karras
It means a ‘carter’ or ‘cart driver’ since the Greek root word for the surname is ‘Karo’ (cart). Karras is thus an occupational Greek last name.
58. Katopodis
In Greek, this word means ‘down’ or ‘below.’ This surname refers to ‘the guy who ran away.’ This surname may have been given to someone who fled a battle, town, or even the law.
59. Katsaros
Katsaros is a name given to a person with curly hair in Greek. The word itself means ‘curly.’ In Greek culture, curly hair was considered beautiful. Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, was known for her beautiful, stylized curls.
60. Kazan
Kazan is a reduced form of Kazandis, which means ‘people who make cauldrons.’ It is an occupational surname given to people who make cauldrons or use a cauldron for the distillation of ouzo or raki – both alcoholic beverages.
61. Konstantinopolites
This surname is after a popular place in Greece. People belonging to Constantinople usually have this surname. Perhaps Greeks who migrated from the city, especially after the fall of Constantinople in 1453, carried this surname to honor their origins.
62. Kokkinos
The Greek last name means ‘the color red.’ This surname may have been given to someone with red hair or a ruddy complexion. It could also be linked to someone who worked with red dyes.
63. Kouris
In Greek, Kouris means ‘someone who lived in a forest.’ The surname may be connected to people who lived in the rural or mountainous regions of Greece.
64. Kyriaku
It is a Greek surname meaning ‘of the Lord.’ The root word Kyrios, meaning ‘Lord,’ is often associated with Christianity. So, the surname may have belonged to families with strong ties to the church.
65. Laskaris
In Greek, Laskaris means ‘a kind of soldier.’ The Laskaris family was a noble Byzantine line that established and ruled the Empire of Nicaea. This dynasty played a crucial role in maintaining Byzantine culture and heritage until Constantinople was eventually reclaimed.
66. Lekas
This surname originates from Leka, an Albanian personal name. It means ‘Alexander.’ The name Alexander is famously linked to Macedonian king Alexander the Great, whose legacy shaped much of the ancient world.
67. Leos
This surname is derived from Leon, which means ‘Lion.’ In Greek culture, the lion was a symbol of power and strength.
68. Levidis
This Greek name means ‘son of Levi.’ Levi means ‘joined’ or ‘attached,’ and the word originates from Hebrew. The aristocratic Levidis family traces its origins to the Byzantine Empire, originating from Constantinople. They played a prominent role in the historical affairs of the Ottoman Empire, the Russian Empire, Wallachia, Egypt, and Greece.
69. Loukanis
This surname originates from the Greek word ‘loukanika,’ meaning ‘sausages.’ Loukanis is an occupational surname given to a butcher or a sausage maker.
70. Lykaios
This surname comes from the Greek word ‘Lykos,’ which means ‘wolf.’ In ancient Greek culture, wolves were both respected and feared. They were considered the divine messengers of the god. One of the most well-known legends is that of King Lycaon, who, according to myth, was transformed into a wolf by Zeus as a form of punishment.
71. Mallas
It means ‘trowel’ and is an occupational name for bricklayers. The surname may have been given to highly skilled craftsmen, essential in constructing temples, homes, and fortifications.
72. Mandrapilias
It means ‘made of stone’ or ‘stonewall.’ This surname is common in the region of Sparta in Greece. It may be given to families that were involved in building the sturdy walls that protected villages from invaders.
73. Manikas
It is derived from the Greek word ‘maniki’ meaning a ‘handle’ or a ‘sleeve.’ It is an occupational name given to people who make handles.
74. Markopoulos
This Greek surname means ’son of Mark.’ Mark is an ancient name meaning ‘consecrated to the god Mars’ or the ‘god of war.’ This family name could have originated from Roman settlers who became part of the Greek community.
75. Marsalis
This surname means ‘little soldier’ or ‘warlike’ and is a form of the name Marcellus. The history of this surname is not popularly known, but it is believed to have belonged to families who offered military service.
76. Masalis
It is a Greek surname of unknown origin. It is most common in the country of Cyprus.
77. Matsouka
This means ‘bat’ in Greek. Bats have long been linked to darkness, death, and the supernatural. The ancient Greeks believed bats were connected to the underworld and held sacred by Persephone, the goddess who ruled there. Similarly, the Maya believed that souls traveling to the underworld had to pass through a bat-filled cave called Zotzilaha. In some folklore, bats flying near a house were seen as an omen of death (9).
78. Matthiou
The name refers to the ‘son of Matthias.’ The Greek name Matthias means the ‘gift of God.’ Families with this surname probably had some religious or clerical ancestors, as biblical names were mostly given to those in monastic or priestly traditions.
79. Metaxas
This name is derived from the Greek word metaxi, which means ‘silk’ or ‘a person who deals in silk.’ American author and radio host Eric Metaxas is a popular namesake.
80. Melissenos
This surname is associated with the Greek name Melissa, meaning ‘bee’ or ‘bee keeper.’ The ancient Greeks believed bees to be the messengers between the gods and humans, associating them with Artemis, the goddess of the hunt and wilderness. Her priestesses were called Bees, highlighting this divine connection.
81. Moralis
Moralis is a Greek form of the Spanish surname ‘Morales.’ It is likely to be derived from the Spanish word ‘moreras,’ that stands for ‘mulberry trees.’
82. Nanos
It is a descriptive nickname derived from the vocabulary element, ‘nanos’ meaning ‘dwarf.’ This surname may have been given to someone of short stature.
83. Nephus
Nephus in Greek means ‘a God’s son who will also become a God.’ The surname represents the ancient belief in demigods and heroic ancestry.
84. Nikolaou
Nikolaou means the ‘son of Nikolaos.’ Nikolaos means ‘victory of people’ in Greek. Greek footballer Dimitrios Nikolaou is a popular namesake.
85. Nomikos
In Greek, ‘Nomikos’ means ‘relating to law’ or ‘legal.’ It may have been the surname of a family in the legal profession for generations.
86. Onasis
This Greek surname means ‘lover.’ The variant surname was famously borne by the Greek and Argentine businessman Aristotle Onassis, who was one of the most successful shipping magnates of the 20th century.
87. Orologas
It is a Greek surname derived from Otto, meaning ’wealth’ or ‘fortune.’ This last name might have been adopted by people who supported King Otto, the first modern king of Greece, who was a prince from Bavaria.
87. Othonos
It is a Greek surname derived from Otto, meaning ’wealth’ or ‘fortune.’
89. Pachis
Pachis means ‘fat’ or ‘thick’ in Greek. This surname may have been used as a descriptive nickname for someone with a robust physique.
90. Pagonis
This Greek surname is derived from the word Pagoni, which means ‘peacock.’ The surname may have belonged to someone known for their beauty and elegance.
91. Palimeris
This surname is derived from the Greek name Palmiere, which translates to ‘pilgrim.’ This surname may have been adopted by those who traveled on religious journeys.
92. Panagos
It is an ancient Greek surname meaning ‘all holy.’ The surname may have been given to those who served in religious institutions or communities dedicated to the church.
93. Pantazis
Pantazis is a Greek surname which means ‘always live’ or ‘live forever.’ The surname indicates the Greek ideals of immortality through heroism or virtue.
Did you know?94. Papachristodoulopoulos
This ancient Greek surname refers to someone who is a ‘descendant of the Priest and Servant of Christ.’ The surname must have been given to families with clerical ancestors.
95. Papamichael
Papamichael means the ‘son of a priest named Michael.’ This surname reflects the Greek custom of honoring religious figures. Saint Michael, as an archangel, holds a significant place in Greek Orthodox Christianity.
96. Papatonis
This Greek surname means ’a badass man.’ The surname might have originated as a nickname for individuals known for their strength, courage, or reputation.
97. Papazoglou
It’s another common Greek surname meaning ’son of the Priest.’ Greek music artist Nikos Papazoglou and footballer Athanasios Papazoglou are a few noteworthy personalities bearing this surname.
98. Pappas
Pappas is derived from ‘Papas,’ which means ‘Priest’ in Greek. This surname probably belongs to families with religious ancestry.
99. Pavlides
This Greek surname means ‘son of Pavlos.’ Pavlos is a Greek form of Paul. The name Pavlos may be popular due to the influence of Saint Paul’s missionary work in Greece.
100. Persopoulos
This is an ancient Greek surname which means ’descendant of a Persian.’ The surname probably belongs to those Persian immigrants or soldiers who settled in Greece.
101. Petrakis
The surname is derived from the Greek name Petros, meaning ‘stone.’ The name is the Greek version of Peter, which is famously associated with Saint Peter, one of Jesus’ apostles (10).
102. Raptis
This is an occupational surname for a tailor. It is derived from the classic Greek name ‘raptein,’ which means ‘to sew.’ The surname is associated with craftsmanship.
103. Remis
This surname originates from ‘Remigius’ a Greek name prevalent during the medieval period. It is derived from the Latin name Remigis, meaning ‘rower’ or ‘oarsman.’
104. Rosi
A Greek surname derived from Rosa, which means ‘the flower rose.’ The rose holds significance in Greek mythology as it is often associated with Aphrodite, the goddess of love.
105. Rousopoulos
This Greek surname means and is used for ‘Russian descendants.’ The surname probably belonged to Russian settlers or merchants who established ties with Greek cities.
106. Samaras
This Greek surname means a ‘saddler’ or a ‘saddle maker.’ In ancient Greece, skilled artisans crafted saddles for warriors and traders, and saddle makers were highly valued, as horses were a primary means of transportation.
107. Sarris
It means ‘blonde’ or ‘fair-headed.’ This Greek surname has a Turkish origin. This surname most likely belonged to individuals with strikingly fair hair, distinguishing them from the darker-haired majority.
108. Savas
It originates from ‘Sabbas,’ which is the Greek version of the holy ‘Sabbath.’ The word ‘Sabbath’ also refers to the day ‘Saturday.’
109. Scala
This surname in Greek means ‘ladder’ or ‘steps’ or ‘stairway.’ Based on its meaning, the surname could be a symbol of progress or ascension.
110. Selinofoto
This Greek surname means ‘moonlight.’ The moon held special significance in Greek culture and was often associated with Artemis, the goddess of the hunt and the moon.
111. Servopoulos
This Greek surname means ‘descendant of a Serb.’ This surname suggests historical connections between Greeks and Serbians.
112. Sgouros
It means ‘curly-haired’ in medieval Greek. The name is derived from the Greek word gyros (round).’ Leo Sgouros is a famous historical figure with this name. He was a Byzantine lord who fiercely resisted the Fourth Crusade’s invasion of Greece in the 13th century.
113. Sideris
The surname has its origin in the Greek word ‘sidero’ that means ‘iron.’ The surname refers to a wishful phrase ‘may the child grow up to be as strong as iron.’ It may have been associated with blacksmiths or warriors.
114. Stefanopoulos
This surname in Greek means ‘son of Stefan.’ The surname is linked to the Greek Stephanos, meaning ‘crown’ or ‘wreath.’ Having royal and victorious connotations, the surname is often associated with rulers and Olympic champions.
115. Thanos
It is the short form of the Greek name ‘Athanasios,’ which means ‘immortal.’ The surname symbolizes endurance and eternal life.
116. Theodoropoulos
This means ‘son of Theodoros.’ Theodoros is the Greek word for the phrase ‘God-given’ or ‘God’s gift.’
117. Tsaoussis
This Greek surname means ‘peacock.’ The peacock is considered sacred in Greek mythology and is linked to the Goddess Hera.
118. Tsitak
It means ‘God.’ Suggesting a divine connection, the surname could have originated from a religious order or a family with strong spiritual ties.
119. Vasilakis
This surname is derived from ‘Vasilikos’ – the Greek word for ‘Basil.’ The surname is often linked to the Greek Orthodox Church, where basil is used in blessings and ceremonies.
120. Voulgaropoulos
In Greek, ‘Voulgaros’ means ‘Bulgarian.’ Voulgaropoulos thus refers to the ‘descendant of a Bulgarian.’ The surname indicates the historical migrations and interactions between Greek and Bulgarian communities.
121. Vouvali
In Greek, this surname means ‘buffalo.’ This surname may have been an occupational surname belonging to those involved in farming or animal husbandry.
122. Xiphias
It means ‘swordfish’ in Greek. The surname could be connected to coastal fishing communities in Greece.
123. Yiannopoulos
The Greek surname means ‘son of Yianni.’ Yianni is a variant of the Hebrew name Yohanan or the English name John, meaning ‘God is gracious.’
124. Zafeiriou
‘Zafeiri’ is the Greek name for the gemstone ’sapphire.’ When used as a surname, it means ‘son of Zafeiris.’ In Greek culture, sapphires were prized gemstones believed to hold the power of protection against poisoning and envy.
125. Zika
‘Zika’ is derived from the wishful Greek phrase ‘na zissis’ that means ‘to live’ or ‘may he live.’ For those looking for meaningful Z last names, Zika can be a good choice.
Discover More Names
When you have to choose a name for your baby, a few hundreds of names may not be just enough. Keep digging our mine of baby names until you find that one precious gem.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do Greeks put their last name first?
Greek names do not mention the last name first. The first names are followed by family names (11).
2. Why do Greeks have long surnames?
Greek names use many distinct suffixes for easy identification of an individual. The addition of these suffixes may increase the length of the surname based on the length of the root word.
3. Why do some Greeks have Turkish last names?
The presence of Turkish last names among some Greeks can be attributed to historical and cultural ties that have shaped the region over the centuries. Greece and Turkey share a complex history of interactions, including periods of coexistence, conflict, and population exchanges.
4. Do Greek last names end in s?
Generally, Greek family names followed a pattern where the masculine versions ended with “-s,” while the feminine versions and diminutives concluded with “-u.”
5. Are there any regional variations in Greek surnames?
There may be regional variations in Greek surnames. Greece has a long history and a diverse population, so different regions may have unique naming conventions and surnames specific to their area. These variations can be influenced by migratory patterns, ethnic groups, and cultural and linguistic factors.
6. How do Greek surnames compare to surnames in other European countries?
Unlike European countries, Greek surnames often have roots in mythology and a complex word structure. Additionally, Greek surnames often carry cultural and regional significance and reflect their clan history, unlike other European surnames.
All Greek surnames or last names have a distinct origin and meaning related to Greek history. Unlike many other nations, Greek naming customs allow for converting surnames to a feminine version of the original masculine surname and always include different suffixes. Studying Greece and Greek mythology has long been a topic of curiosity, and learning about these Greek surnames can help you have a deeper grasp of their people and culture.
Infographic: Greek Last Names
Greek surnames are usually inspired by Greek ancestral roots and culture. The infographic below has a compilation of a few famous Greek last names along with their meanings. While some names remained unmodified, some are modified in modern times but still withhold the significance of the original. Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
Illustration: Most Common Greek Last Names Or Surnames With Meanings
Image: Stable Diffusion/MomJunction Design Team
References
- Modern Greek names
https://www.lgpn.ox.ac.uk/modern-greek-names - Was Adam the First Man.
https://www.academia.edu/93995561/Was_Adam_the_First_Man - The Symbolism of the Eagle.
https://library.acropolis.org/the-symbolism-of-the-eagle/ - Agathangelos.
https://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/agathangelos - The Despotate of Epirus: A Brief Overview.
https://mappingeasterneurope.princeton.edu/item/the-despotate-of-epirus-a-brief-overview.html - The Etymology of the words țigan (gypsy) and (r)rom (romany).
https://limbaromana.org/en/etymology-words-tigan-gypsy-rromthe-etymology-words-tigan-gypsy-rrom-romany/ - Tsakonian in Greece.
https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/15588/GR - Jesus is baptised in the River Jordan by John the Baptist.
https://christ.org/blogs/life-events-of-jesus-christ-1/jesus-is-baptised-in-the-river-jordan-by-john-the-baptist - Creatures of the Night.
https://blogs.loc.gov/inside_adams/2012/10/creatures-of-the-night - St. Peter.
https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=5358 - A guide to names and naming practices.
https://www.fbiic.gov/public/2008/nov/Naming_practice_guide_UK_2006.pdf
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