Greek Common Last Names: A Comprehensive Guide

Looking for a classic and meaningful last name? Greek surnames offer a rich history and diverse range of origins. From ancient mythology to everyday life, these names reflect the cultural tapestry of Greece. This list explores some of the most common Greek last names, providing their meanings and insights into their origins. Whether you're researching family history or seeking inspiration for a fictional character, this comprehensive guide will help you navigate the world of Greek surnames.
1. **Athanasiou:** Immortal, deathless; a variation of Athanasios, meaning "immortal" in Greek.
2. **Avramidis:** Derived from Abraham, a biblical patriarch known for his faith.
3. **Barbatis:** Meaning "bearded" or "hairy", possibly referencing a physical characteristic.
4. **Bekris:** Meaning "strong" or "powerful", likely referencing a courageous or valiant individual.
5. **Bletsas:** Originating from the Greek word "bletsa," meaning "to look at" or "to observe."
6. **Bouras:** Meaning "bull" or "ox," likely referencing strength or power.
7. **Christopoulos:** Meaning "son of Christ," referencing the central figure in Christian faith.
8. **Dimitriou:** Derived from Demetrius, a Greek name meaning "belonging to Demeter," the goddess of agriculture.
9. **Drosos:** Meaning "dew" or "morning dew," symbolizing freshness, purity, and the beauty of nature.
10. **Efstathiou:** Derived from Eustathius, a Greek name meaning "firm" or "stable."
11. **Georgiou:** Meaning "farmer" or "earthworker," referencing a profession that was once common in Greece.
12. **Giannakopoulos:** Meaning "son of John," referencing a popular biblical name.
13. **Gregoriou:** Derived from Gregory, a Greek name meaning "watchful" or "alert."
14. **Ioannou:** Derived from John, a popular biblical name meaning "God is gracious."
15. **Ioannidis:** Meaning "son of John," referencing a popular biblical name.
16. **Kalogeropoulos:** Meaning "son of the monk," referencing the religious role of monks in Greek society.
17. **Karagiannis:** Meaning "black-eyed" or "dark-eyed," likely referencing a physical characteristic.
18. **Katsaris:** Possibly derived from the Greek word "katsari," meaning "a type of bird."
19. **Kefalas:** Meaning "head" or "leader," potentially referencing a person of authority or influence.
20. **Konstantinou:** Derived from Constantine, a Greek name meaning "steadfast" or "constant."
21. **Kounis:** Meaning "little rabbit" or "hare," likely referencing a person known for being quick or agile.
22. **Koutsoukos:** Meaning "one who is small" or "short," potentially referencing a physical characteristic.
23. **Kyriakidis:** Meaning "son of Lord," referencing a person of high status or authority.
24. **Lazaridis:** Derived from Lazarus, a biblical figure known for his resurrection.
25. **Leonidas:** Meaning "son of a lion," referencing the fierce and brave qualities of a lion.
26. **Manolis:** A common Greek variation of the name Emmanuel, meaning "God is with us."
27. **Maroulis:** Meaning "little parsley," potentially referencing a person who is petite or delicate.
28. **Mavridis:** Meaning "dark" or "black," likely referencing a person's hair or complexion.
29. **Metaxas:** Meaning "wine" or "vine," referencing a popular agricultural product in Greece.
30. **Michalis:** Derived from Michael, a Greek name meaning "who is like God?"
31. **Mitropoulos:** Meaning "son of the bishop," referencing a high-ranking official within the Greek Orthodox Church.
32. **Moschonas:** Meaning "musk" or "scented," potentially referencing a person known for their fragrance or attractiveness.
33. **Nikolaidis:** Derived from Nicolas, a Greek name meaning "victorious people."
34. **Panagopoulos:** Meaning "son of the Virgin Mary," referencing the central figure in Christian faith.
35. **Papadopoulos:** Meaning "son of the priest," referencing the religious role of priests in Greek society.
36. **Petropoulos:** Meaning "son of Peter," referencing a popular biblical name.
37. **Pilidis:** Meaning "little hairy one," potentially referencing a physical characteristic.
38. **Poulos:** Meaning "son," a common suffix used in Greek surnames.
39. **Rallis:** Meaning "joyful" or "cheerful," potentially referencing a person with a positive disposition.
40. **Stefanopoulos:** Meaning "son of Stephen," referencing a popular biblical name.
41. **Theocharis:** Meaning "grace of God," referencing a person favored by the divine.
42. **Theodoropoulos:** Meaning "son of Theodore," referencing a Greek name meaning "gift of God."
43. **Vasileiou:** Derived from Basil, a Greek name meaning "king."
44. **Venizelos:** Meaning "Venetian," potentially referencing a person of Italian origin.
45. **Vlachopoulos:** Meaning "son of the Vlach," referencing a group of people known for their pastoral traditions.
46. **Yannopoulos:** Meaning "son of John," referencing a popular biblical name.
47. **Zervas:** Meaning "warm" or "hot," potentially referencing a person with a fiery personality.