Greek Common Last Names: Discover the Meaning Behind Family Names

Looking for a glimpse into the rich history and culture of Greece? Delve into the world of Greek last names! These surnames often offer a window into family heritage, geographic origins, and even personal qualities. Whether you're researching your own family tree, crafting a fictional character, or simply curious about the unique traditions of Greece, exploring these common surnames can be a fascinating journey.
1. **Athanasiou:** Immortality, God's grace, from Athanasios, a Greek name meaning "immortal," "undying," or "resurrection."
2. **Avgerinos:** August, revered, from Avgoustinos, a Greek name meaning "august" or "revered."
3. **Bakopoulos:** From the place name Bakopi, meaning "the hills" or "the slopes."
4. **Baxevanis:** From the place name Baxevani, meaning "the valley of the willows."
5. **Beligiannis:** Meaning "from the fortress," possibly referring to a specific location.
6. **Christopoulos:** Son of Christ, from Christos, the Greek word for "Christ," emphasizing Christian faith.
7. **Constantinidis:** Son of Constantine, from Konstantinos, a Greek name meaning "steadfast" or "constant."
8. **Dimitriou:** Son of Dimitri, from Dimitrios, a Greek name meaning "belonging to Demeter," the goddess of agriculture.
9. **Georgiou:** Son of George, from Georgios, a Greek name meaning "farmer" or "earth worker."
10. **Giannopoulos:** Son of John, from Ioannis, the Greek name for "John," meaning "God is gracious."
11. **Iliopoulos:** Son of Helios, the Greek god of the sun, symbolizing light and brilliance.
12. **Ioannidis:** Son of John, from Ioannis, the Greek name for "John," meaning "God is gracious."
13. **Karagiannis:** Meaning "black-bearded," likely referring to a physical characteristic.
14. **Katsoulis:** Meaning "from the village of Kotsouli," a specific location in Greece.
15. **Kefalas:** Meaning "head," possibly symbolizing leadership or a prominent person.
16. **Koulouriotis:** Meaning "from the place of pretzels," likely referencing a bakery or a village known for pretzels.
17. **Koutroulis:** Meaning "from the place of the little boxes," possibly related to a local trade or characteristic.
18. **Kyriakos:** From the Greek name Kyriakos, meaning "belonging to the Lord."
19. **Lamprou:** Meaning "bright" or "shining," potentially referring to a personality trait or a physical characteristic.
20. **Manolis:** Meaning "God is with us," from Emmanuel, a Greek name signifying divine presence.
21. **Markopoulos:** Meaning "from the place of Mark," possibly referencing a saint or a historical figure.
22. **Mavrommatis:** Meaning "dark-eyed," possibly referring to a specific eye color.
23. **Mavropoulos:** Meaning "dark-skinned," potentially referencing a complexion or a family origin.
24. **Michalos:** Meaning "who is like God," from Michael, a Greek name symbolizing strength and courage.
25. **Nikolaidis:** Son of Nikolaos, from Nikolaos, a Greek name meaning "victory of the people."
26. **Papagiannis:** Meaning "from the place of the parrot," potentially referencing a local bird species or a specific location.
27. **Papaioannou:** Meaning "the priest's son of John," emphasizing religious background.
28. **Paraskevopoulos:** Meaning "son of Paraskevi," a Greek name meaning "Friday," a day dedicated to St. Paraskevi.
29. **Patraikos:** Meaning "from Patras," a major city in Greece, emphasizing geographical origin.
30. **Petropoulos:** Meaning "son of Petros," from Petros, the Greek name for "Peter," symbolizing strength and loyalty.
31. **Poulos:** Meaning "son of," a common suffix used in Greek surnames to indicate lineage.
32. **Roussakis:** Meaning "blonde," potentially referencing hair color or a specific family characteristic.
33. **Sakellaridis:** Meaning "from the place of the church treasurer," highlighting a religious connection.
34. **Sarris:** Meaning "from the place of the wolf," potentially referencing a village or a family history associated with wolves.
35. **Stavropoulos:** Meaning "son of Stavros," from Stavros, the Greek word for "cross," signifying faith and sacrifice.
36. **Stefanopoulos:** Meaning "son of Stefanos," from Stefanos, a Greek name meaning "crowned," signifying leadership or honor.
37. **Theodorou:** Son of Theodore, from Theodoros, a Greek name meaning "gift of God."
38. **Tsakopoulos:** Meaning "from the place of the blacksmith," likely referencing a profession or a family heritage.
39. **Vasiliou:** Son of Vasileios, from Vasileios, a Greek name meaning "royal" or "king."
40. **Vlahos:** Meaning "shepherd," possibly referring to a traditional occupation or a family heritage.
41. **Zacharias:** Meaning "God remembers," from Zacharias, a Greek name symbolizing divine remembrance.
42. **Zervas:** Meaning "from the place of the shepherds," emphasizing a connection to pastoral life.