Greek Last Names: A Guide to Meaning and Origin

Looking for a unique and meaningful last name? Explore the rich world of Greek surnames! Steeped in history and culture, Greek last names offer a captivating glimpse into the heritage of their bearers. This comprehensive list provides a selection of common and less-known Greek last names, each accompanied by a detailed explanation of its origins and significance. Whether you're researching your family tree, seeking inspiration for a fictional character, or simply curious about the beauty of Greek naming traditions, this guide will unveil the stories behind these fascinating surnames.
1. **Athanasiou:** Meaning "immortal," this surname is derived from the Greek word "athanatos," signifying eternal life and often associated with the Christian saint Athanasius.
2. **Avgerinos:** Derived from the Greek word "avgeris," meaning "dawn" or "sunrise," this surname symbolizes new beginnings and hope.
3. **Bakopoulos:** Meaning "baker's son," this surname reflects a traditional occupation common in ancient Greece.
4. **Christopoulos:** Meaning "Christ's son," this surname is a testament to the strong Christian faith prevalent in Greece.
5. **Constantinides:** Meaning "son of Constantine," this surname is a popular choice for families who honor the Byzantine emperor Constantine the Great.
6. **Demopoulos:** Meaning "people's son," this surname indicates a descendant of a respected member of the community.
7. **Georgiou:** Meaning "son of George," this surname is derived from the Greek word "Georgios," a popular name associated with the patron saint of England, St. George.
8. **Ioannou:** Meaning "son of John," this surname is a common Greek surname derived from the Greek word "Ioannis," a biblical name of significant importance.
9. **Kalogeropoulos:** Meaning "monk's son," this surname reflects the influence of the Orthodox Church in Greek culture.
10. **Konstantakopoulos:** Meaning "constant son," this surname signifies steadfastness and reliability.
11. **Koukourakis:** Meaning "from Koukoura," this surname is a toponym, indicating a person's origin from a specific place.
12. **Kyriakos:** Meaning "Lord's son," this surname is a reminder of the central role of faith in Greek life.
13. **Leonidas:** Meaning "lion-like," this surname symbolizes strength, courage, and leadership.
14. **Loukas:** Meaning "from Lucania," this surname is a toponym, referencing a region in ancient Italy.
15. **Mavrommatis:** Meaning "dark-haired," this surname describes a physical characteristic prevalent in Greece.
16. **Michos:** Meaning "great," this surname signifies a person of high standing or importance.
17. **Nikolaou:** Meaning "son of Nicholas," this surname is a common Greek surname derived from the Greek word "Nikolaos," a name associated with the patron saint of sailors and children.
18. **Panagiotopoulos:** Meaning "Holy Father's son," this surname honors the importance of faith and tradition in Greek culture.
19. **Papadopoulos:** Meaning "priest's son," this surname reflects the role of the clergy in Greek society.
20. **Petropoulos:** Meaning "stone's son," this surname is a symbol of endurance and resilience.
21. **Poulos:** Meaning "son," this surname is a common Greek patronymic, indicating descent from a specific ancestor.
22. **Rallis:** Meaning "from the plains," this surname is a toponym, indicating a person's origin from a specific area.
23. **Sarris:** Meaning "son of Saros," this surname is a patronymic, referencing a specific ancestor.
24. **Skouras:** Meaning "from Skoura," this surname is a toponym, indicating a person's origin from a specific place.
25. **Smykallas:** Meaning "from Smyrna," this surname is a toponym, referencing the ancient city of Smyrna, now known as Izmir in Turkey.
26. **Spanos:** Meaning "Spaniard," this surname reflects historical ties between Greece and Spain.
27. **Stamatopoulos:** Meaning "stopper's son," this surname reflects a traditional occupation, likely related to winemaking or other crafts.
28. **Stefanopoulos:** Meaning "son of Stephen," this surname is a common Greek surname derived from the Greek word "Stefanos," a name associated with the first Christian martyr, St. Stephen.
29. **Theodoropoulos:** Meaning "son of Theodore," this surname is a common Greek surname derived from the Greek word "Theodoros," a name signifying "gift of God."
30. **Triantafyllopoulos:** Meaning "rose's son," this surname symbolizes beauty, love, and grace.
31. **Valavanis:** Meaning "from Valava," this surname is a toponym, indicating a person's origin from a specific place.
32. **Vasiliou:** Meaning "son of Basil," this surname is a common Greek surname derived from the Greek word "Vasileios," a name signifying "king."
33. **Vlassopoulos:** Meaning "son of Vlachos," this surname reflects a historical association with the Vlachs, a Romance-speaking people who migrated to the Balkans.
34. **Zachariou:** Meaning "son of Zacharias," this surname is a common Greek surname derived from the Greek word "Zacharias," a biblical name associated with the prophet Zacharias.
35. **Anastasopoulos:** Meaning "resurrection's son," this surname is a testament to the enduring power of faith.
36. **Dimitropoulos:** Meaning "son of Demetrius," this surname is a common Greek surname derived from the Greek word "Demetrios," a name associated with the ancient Greek god of agriculture, Demeter.
37. **Kanellopoulos:** Meaning "cinnamon's son," this surname reflects a traditional occupation or a place of origin.
38. **Kostopoulos:** Meaning "son of Constantine," this surname is a common Greek surname derived from the Greek word "Konstantinos," a name associated with the Byzantine emperor Constantine the Great.
39. **Manolis:** Meaning "God is with us," this surname is a powerful expression of faith and hope.
40. **Paraskevopoulos:** Meaning "son of Friday," this surname reflects a traditional naming practice, where children were often given names based on the day of their birth.
41. **Yannopoulos:** Meaning "son of John," this surname is a common Greek surname derived from the Greek word "Ioannis," a biblical name of significant importance.
42. **Karathanasis:** Meaning "from the black vine," this surname is likely a toponym, indicating a person's origin from a specific place.
43. **Konstantinou:** Meaning "son of Constantine," this surname is a popular choice for families who honor the Byzantine emperor Constantine the Great.
44. **Andreadis:** Meaning "man's son," this surname is a common Greek patronymic, indicating descent from a specific ancestor.
45. **Apostolopoulos:** Meaning "apostle's son," this surname is a testament to the strong Christian faith prevalent in Greece.
46. **Charalambopoulos:** Meaning "grace's son," this surname signifies divine favor and blessings.
47. **Efstathiou:** Meaning "firm," this surname symbolizes strength and stability.
48. **Fokas:** Meaning "seal," this surname might have been used to identify a person's profession or lineage.
49. **Hadjidakis:** Meaning "pilgrim's son," this surname reflects a person's history of religious pilgrimages.
50. **Markopoulos:** Meaning "son of Mark," this surname is a common Greek surname derived from the Greek word "Markos," a name associated with the apostle Mark.