Common Greek Last Names: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you interested in learning more about Greek last names? This comprehensive guide offers a diverse selection of common surnames found in Greece, along with their fascinating origins and meanings. From ancient mythology to modern trends, these last names reflect the rich history and cultural heritage of the Greek people. Discover the stories behind these names and explore the unique traditions they represent.
1. **Athanasiou:** Immortality, resurrection, and a reference to the Christian saint Athanasius.
2. **Avgerinos:** A variation of "Augustine," meaning "venerable" or "majestic."
3. **Bakopoulos:** Derived from the place name "Bakopi," possibly indicating an origin in a particular village or region.
4. **Basdekis:** Likely a patronymic surname, meaning "son of Basdekas," though the specific meaning of "Basdekas" is uncertain.
5. **Bekris:** A variation of "Bekiros," possibly derived from the Turkish word "bekçi," meaning "guard" or "watchman."
6. **Boulis:** A common Greek surname with a variety of possible origins, including a connection to the Greek word for "ox" or "bull."
7. **Christodoulou:** Derived from the Greek words "Christos" (Christ) and "doulos" (servant), meaning "servant of Christ."
8. **Constantinides:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Constantine," a popular name in Greece associated with the Byzantine Emperor Constantine the Great.
9. **Dimitriou:** Derived from the Greek name "Dimitris," meaning "belonging to Demeter," the Greek goddess of agriculture.
10. **Evangelou:** Meaning "good news," derived from the Greek word "evangelion."
11. **Georgiou:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of George," a common name in Greece associated with the patron saint of England, Saint George.
12. **Hadjidakis:** Derived from the Greek word "hadjis," meaning "pilgrim," suggesting a family history of pilgrimage to holy sites.
13. **Ioannidis:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Ioannis," the Greek equivalent of "John."
14. **Karagiannis:** A surname of uncertain origin, possibly related to the Greek word for "black" or "dark," but also potentially derived from a personal name.
15. **Katsaros:** A common Greek surname with a variety of possible origins, including a connection to the Greek word for "cat."
16. **Kouris:** Derived from the Greek word "kouros," meaning "young man," possibly indicating a youthful or vigorous ancestor.
17. **Koutsoukos:** A surname of uncertain origin, possibly related to the Greek word for "bird" or "chick."
18. **Lazopoulos:** Derived from the Greek name "Lazaros," meaning "God is my help."
19. **Makris:** Meaning "long" or "tall," possibly indicating a physical characteristic of an ancestor.
20. **Manolis:** A Greek form of the name "Emanuel," meaning "God is with us."
21. **Marinos:** Derived from the Greek word "marinos," meaning "sea" or "marine," possibly indicating a connection to seafaring or a coastal origin.
22. **Mavridis:** Meaning "black" or "dark," possibly referring to a physical characteristic or a place name.
23. **Melissinos:** Derived from the Greek word for "bee," suggesting a connection to apiculture or a place with a beehive symbol.
24. **Michail:** A Greek form of the name "Michael," meaning "who is like God?"
25. **Michos:** A common nickname for "Michalis" (Michael) or a diminutive form of the name.
26. **Nikolaidis:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Nikolaos," the Greek equivalent of "Nicholas."
27. **Papadopoulos:** Meaning "son of the priest," indicating a family history of clergy.
28. **Paraskevas:** A Greek name meaning "Friday," possibly referring to a birth date or a religious association.
29. **Petropoulos:** Derived from the Greek words "petra" (stone) and "polis" (city), possibly indicating a connection to a town built on rock or a family of stonemasons.
30. **Poulos:** A common suffix in Greek surnames, meaning "son of."
31. **Sideris:** Derived from the Greek word "sideros," meaning "iron," possibly indicating a connection to a blacksmith or a place named after iron.
32. **Skordilis:** Derived from the Greek word for "garlic," suggesting a connection to agriculture or a place known for garlic production.
33. **Sotiropoulos:** Meaning "son of the savior," indicating a religious devotion.
34. **Stefanopoulos:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Stefanos," the Greek equivalent of "Stephen."
35. **Triantafillou:** Derived from the Greek word for "carnation," possibly indicating a connection to floriculture or a place known for carnations.
36. **Tsangaris:** A surname of uncertain origin, possibly related to the Greek word for "goat" or "kid."
37. **Vassiliou:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Vasilios," the Greek equivalent of "Basil."
38. **Vassileiou:** A variation of "Vassiliou," also meaning "son of Vasilios."
39. **Vournas:** Derived from the Greek word for "mountain," possibly indicating a place of origin or a physical characteristic of an ancestor.
40. **Zacharias:** A Greek name meaning "the Lord has remembered," often associated with the prophet Zechariah.