100 Greek Last Names or Surnames with Meaning

Greek last names started being used in the 15th century. These names can tell you about a person’s family history. Greek surnames come from different places and have their own stories. Many of these names were based on the family’s names or the parents’ names. Also, a lot of Greek last names come from the father’s first name. In this article, we’re exploring 100 Greek last names or surnames, which are rich in history and meaning. Greek surnames often reflect the family’s ancestry, the professions of ancestors, or geographical origins.

Naming Traditions of Greek Last Names or Surnames

Greek last names or surnames often have special meanings and come from old traditions. They can tell you about someone’s family, where they come from, or what job their ancestors had. Many Greek surnames end in “-opoulos” or “-akis,” which can show where a family is from or make a name sound smaller and friendlier.

For example – a last name like “Papadopoulos” means “son of a priest” and “Nikolakis” is a smaller, cuter version of the name “Nikolas.” Some Greek last names come from the jobs people used to do, like “Psaras” means “fisherman.” Others might be about a characteristic, like “Kokkinos,” which means “red” and could have described someone with red hair.

So, Greek last names carry a lot of history and can tell you interesting things about people’s backgrounds.

100 Greek Last Names or Surnames

Greek last names or surnames often have interesting meanings and tell stories about family history. Many Greek last names end with “-as,” “-is,” or “-os,” showing where someone’s ancestors came from or what they did. For example, names ending in “-opoulos” often mean “descendant of.”

Here, we talk about 100 Greek last names or surnames, exploring the variety and richness of Greek heritage through these names.

1. Papadopoulos

Greek Last Name Meaning: Son of the priest

2. Georgiou

Greek Last Name Meaning: Son of George

3. Dimitriou

Greek Last Name Meaning: Son of Dimitrios

4. Ioannou

Greek Last Name Meaning: Son of John

5. Katsaros

Greek Last Name Meaning: Curly-haired

6. Antonopoulos

Greek Last Name Meaning: Son of Antonios

7. Papandreou

Greek Last Name Meaning: Priest Andrew

8. Karagiannis

Greek Last Name Meaning: Black John

9. Vasiliou

Greek Last Name Meaning: Royal or kingly

10. Nikolaou

Greek Last Name Meaning: Son of Nikolaos

11. Angelopoulos

Greek Last Name Meaning: Angel son

12. Petridis

Greek Last Name Meaning: Son of Peter

13. Konstantinou

Greek Last Name Meaning: Constant son

14. Kourakis

Greek Last Name Meaning: Short

15. Christodoulou

Greek Last Name Meaning: Servant of Christ

16. Pappas

Greek Last Name Meaning: Priest

17. Tsiolis

Greek Last Name Meaning: Son of the small god

18. Mavros

Greek Last Name Meaning: Black

19. Andreadis

Greek Last Name Meaning: Son of Andreas

20. Sotiriou

Greek Last Name Meaning: Savior or deliverer

21. Panagiotopoulos

Greek Last Name Meaning: All-holy son

22. Poulos

Greek Last Name Meaning: Son

23. Vlachos

Greek Last Name Meaning: Shepherd

24. Xanthopoulos

Greek Last Name Meaning: Blond son

25. Athanasiou

Greek Last Name Meaning: Immortal

26. Kostopoulos

Greek Last Name Meaning: Son of Kostas

27. Alexopoulos

Greek Last Name Meaning: Defender of the people

28. Anagnostopoulos

Greek Last Name Meaning: Reader or scholar

29. Tsolakidis

Greek Last Name Meaning: Son of Tsolak

30. Malis

Greek Last Name Meaning: Apple tree

31. Zervas

Greek Last Name Meaning: Hunter

32. Sarantopoulos

Greek Last Name Meaning: From the village of Saranta (Forty)

33. Kotsopoulos

Greek Last Name Meaning: Son of Kotsos

34. Chronopoulos

Greek Last Name Meaning: Time son

35. Koutoupis

Greek Last Name Meaning: Monkey

36. Manolis

Greek Last Name Meaning: Variant of Emmanuel

37. Laskaris

Greek Last Name Meaning: Harpist

38. Papamichael

Greek Last Name Meaning: Priest Michael

39. Drakos

Greek Last Name Meaning: Dragon

40. Karamanlis

Greek Last Name Meaning: Man from Karamania

41. Papaspyrou

Greek Last Name Meaning: Priest Sparrow

42. Pateras

Greek Last Name Meaning: Father

43. Koulouris

Greek Last Name Meaning: Baker

44. Kourkoulis

Greek Last Name Meaning: Short

45. Kafatos

Greek Last Name Meaning: Cupbearer

46. Vasilopoulos

Greek Last Name Meaning: Son of the king

47. Palaiologos

Greek Last Name Meaning: Ancient word

48. Stavros

Greek Last Name Meaning: Cross

49. Simopoulos

Greek Last Name Meaning: Son of Simon

50. Argiros

Greek Last Name Meaning: Silver

51. Michalopoulos

Greek Last Name Meaning: Son of Michael

52. Gialamas

Greek Last Name Meaning: Sea

53. Xydis

Greek Last Name Meaning: Son of Xydias

54. Zarifopoulos

Greek Last Name Meaning: Golden son

55. Pagomenos

Greek Last Name Meaning: Frosty

56. Tzavaras

Greek Last Name Meaning: Shepherd

57. Sideris

Greek Last Name Meaning: Iron

58. Vassilakos

Greek Last Name Meaning: Little king

59. Zikos

Greek Last Name Meaning: Life

60. Papoutsis

Greek Last Name Meaning: Shoemaker

61. Mastrogiannis

Greek Last Name Meaning: Master John

62. Nikolaidis

Greek Last Name Meaning: Son of Nicholas

63. Kefalas

Greek Last Name Meaning: Head

64. Kanellopoulos

Greek Last Name Meaning: Cinnamon seller

65. Rallis

Greek Last Name Meaning: Wise counselor

66. Sifakis

Greek Last Name Meaning: Fig tree

67. Paterakis

Greek Last Name Meaning: Little father

68. Papazoglou

Greek Last Name Meaning: Priest’s son

69. Fokas

Greek Last Name Meaning: Seal

70. Glezos

Greek Last Name Meaning: Blue-eyed

71. Nastos

Greek Last Name Meaning: Lame

72. Spanoudakis

Greek Last Name Meaning: Spanos son

73. Loukas

Greek Last Name Meaning: Light

74. Grivas

Greek Last Name Meaning: Vulture

75. Trakas

Greek Last Name Meaning: From Thrace

76. Zarokostas

Greek Last Name Meaning: Child’s cost

77. Pappageorge

Greek Last Name Meaning: Priest George

78. Hadjiyannis

Greek Last Name Meaning: Pilgrim John

79. Paterakis

Greek Last Name Meaning: Little father

80. Anagnostis

Greek Last Name Meaning: Reader or scholar

81. Vassilopoulos

Greek Last Name Meaning: Son of the king

82. Zafiropoulos

Greek Last Name Meaning: Sapphire son

83. Sarris

Greek Last Name Meaning: Reaper

84. Panopoulos

Greek Last Name Meaning: All son

85. Kalogeris

Greek Last Name Meaning: Good monk

86. Panayiotou

Greek Last Name Meaning: All-holy

87. Papadias

Greek Last Name Meaning: Priest of Zeus

88. Sarantakos

Greek Last Name Meaning: From the village of Saranta (Forty)

89. Stavropoulos

Greek Last Name Meaning: Cross son

90. Trakas

Greek Last Name Meaning: From Thrace

91. Tzortzis

Greek Last Name Meaning: George

92. Varvitsiotis

Greek Last Name Meaning: Barber

93. Xenakis

Greek Last Name Meaning: Hospitable

94. Zervos

Greek Last Name Meaning: Gold

95. Bakirtzis

Greek Last Name Meaning: Copper

96. Giannakopoulos

Greek Last Name Meaning: John son

97. Kazantzakis

Greek Last Name Meaning: Barrel maker

98. Kondylis

Greek Last Name Meaning: Ring

99. Kyriakopoulos

Greek Last Name Meaning: Sunday son

100. Lidorikis

Greek Last Name Meaning: South son

Conclusion

As we look at over 100 Greek last names or surnames, we’re diving into history that goes way back. These names are not just words; they carry the past with them. They show the rich Greek culture and its long history. Each name has its own story that has lasted for a very long time.

Understanding these Greek last names and surnames helps us appreciate the deep roots and lasting traditions of Greek families, connecting people to their past and the broader history of Greece.

100 Greek Last Names or Surnames – FAQs

 What makes Greek last names unique?

Greek last names are often unique due to their rich historical and cultural influences. They can be linked to mythology, geography, or even ancestral professions, making each name distinct and meaningful.

How are Greek last names passed down through generations?

In Greece, last names are typically passed down from one generation to another, maintaining a connection to family history. This tradition helps preserve the cultural identity and continuity within families.

Are there regional variations in Greek last names?

Yes, Greek last names often reflect regional distinctions. Different areas may have specific surnames tied to their geography, creating a diverse tapestry of names across the country.

 Can the meaning of Greek last names change over time?

The meanings of Greek last names can evolve over time, influenced by societal changes, urbanization, and global interactions. Some names adapt to modern influences while retaining their historical significance.

 How do Greek last names contribute to cultural celebrations?

Greek last names play a crucial role in cultural celebrations and customs. They signify the union of families during events like weddings and religious ceremonies, emphasizing the importance of familial bonds and traditions.