Greek Family Names: A Guide to Meaning and Origin

Looking for a unique and meaningful name for your family? Greek family names, steeped in history and culture, offer a rich tapestry of options. From ancient mythology to beautiful landscapes, these names carry powerful stories and enduring significance. Explore this list of 40+ Greek family names, each with a detailed explanation of its meaning and origin, to find the perfect name that resonates with your family's heritage or aspirations.
1. **Alexandros:** From the Greek words "alexo" (to defend) and "andros" (man), meaning "defender of man." It was the name of Alexander the Great, a renowned conqueror and king.
2. **Andreas:** A Greek name meaning "manly" or "strong." It is associated with St. Andrew, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus.
3. **Antonis:** A Greek name meaning "priceless" or "invaluable." It is a popular name in Greece and Cyprus, and is often associated with the Greek god Dionysus.
4. **Apostolos:** Meaning "apostle" or "messenger," this name refers to those sent out to preach a message, typically religious.
5. **Aristidis:** A Greek name meaning "best" or "most excellent." It is associated with the Greek general Aristides, known for his justice and fairness.
6. **Basilios:** Meaning "king," this name is of Greek origin and has been popular for centuries.
7. **Charalambos:** Derived from the Greek word "charalambos," meaning "joyful," it is often given to boys born on a day of religious celebration.
8. **Christos:** A Greek name meaning "anointed one," it refers to Jesus Christ in the Christian tradition.
9. **Constantinos:** A Greek name meaning "constant" or "firm," it is associated with the Roman Emperor Constantine the Great, who legalized Christianity in the Roman Empire.
10. **Demosthenes:** Meaning "strength of the people," this name is associated with the famous Greek orator Demosthenes, known for his powerful speeches.
11. **Dimitrios:** Meaning "belonging to Demeter," the Greek goddess of agriculture.
12. **Efstratios:** A Greek name meaning "army commander," it is associated with a strong and protective figure.
13. **Eleftherios:** A Greek name meaning "free" or "liberated." It is associated with the Greek struggle for independence.
14. **Emanuel:** From the Hebrew words "El" (God) and "Emmanuel" (with us), meaning "God is with us."
15. **Evangelos:** Meaning "bringer of good news" or "gospel," it is associated with the Christian faith.
16. **Georgios:** A Greek name meaning "farmer," this name is associated with St. George, a legendary knight.
17. **Ioannis:** Meaning "God is gracious," this is a Greek name for John, one of the most popular names worldwide.
18. **Konstantinos:** A Greek name meaning "constant" or "firm," associated with the Roman Emperor Constantine the Great, who legalized Christianity in the Roman Empire.
19. **Kyrillos:** Meaning "lord" or "master," this name is associated with Saint Cyril, who helped to create the Cyrillic alphabet.
20. **Leonidas:** Meaning "lion-like," it is associated with the Spartan king Leonidas, who famously defended the Thermopylae Pass against the Persian army.
21. **Lysandros:** A Greek name meaning "liberator," it is associated with a leader who brings freedom.
22. **Manolis:** A Greek name meaning "God with us," this name is a diminutive of Emmanuel.
23. **Marios:** A Greek name meaning "warrior" or "beloved of Mars," the Roman god of war.
24. **Matthaios:** Meaning "gift of God," this name is associated with the apostle Matthew, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus.
25. **Michalis:** A Greek name meaning "who is like God?" It is associated with the archangel Michael, a powerful figure in Christian tradition.
26. **Nikolaos:** A Greek name meaning "victory of the people," it is associated with St. Nicholas, the patron saint of children.
27. **Panagiotis:** A Greek name meaning "all holy," this name is often given to boys born on a day of religious celebration.
28. **Pavlos:** A Greek name meaning "small" or "humble," it is associated with the apostle Paul, a key figure in the early Christian church.
29. **Petros:** A Greek name meaning "rock" or "stone," it is associated with the apostle Peter, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus.
30. **Philippos:** Meaning "lover of horses," this name is associated with the apostle Philip, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus.
31. **Spyros:** Meaning "breath" or "spirit," this name has a spiritual significance.
32. **Stefanos:** A Greek name meaning "crown" or "wreath," it is associated with St. Stephen, the first Christian martyr.
33. **Theodoros:** Meaning "gift of God," this name is associated with St. Theodore, a popular saint in the Orthodox Church.
34. **Theofilos:** Meaning "loved by God," this name carries a strong religious connotation.
35. **Thomas:** Meaning "twin," this name is associated with the apostle Thomas, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus.
36. **Vasilios:** Meaning "king," this name is of Greek origin and has been popular for centuries.
37. **Yannis:** A Greek name meaning "God is gracious," this is a popular diminutive of Ioannis, or John.
38. **Yiannis:** Meaning "God is gracious," this is another Greek variation of the name John.
39. **Zakarias:** Meaning "God has remembered," this name is associated with the biblical figure Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist.
40. **Zoe:** Meaning "life," this name is a popular choice for girls in Greece.
41. **Agapitos:** Meaning "beloved," this name is a traditional Greek family name with a strong sense of affection and warmth.
42. **Andreas:** A Greek name meaning "manly" or "strong." It is associated with St. Andrew, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus.
43. **Aristobulos:** Meaning "best counsel," this name evokes wisdom and leadership.
44. **Athenaios:** Meaning "belonging to Athena," the Greek goddess of wisdom, this name suggests intelligence and creativity.
45. **Democritus:** Meaning "people ruler," this name signifies a powerful and influential figure.
46. **Eudoxios:** Meaning "good glory," this name suggests honor and respect.
47. **Kallisthenes:** Meaning "beautiful strength," this name combines physical and mental attributes.
48. **Lysanias:** Meaning "liberator," this name evokes a sense of freedom and independence.
49. **Menelaos:** Meaning "strong in battle," this name suggests strength and courage.
50. **Nicopolis:** Meaning "city of victory," this name is a symbol of triumph and achievement.