57 Greek Last Names and Meanings

Greece is the Southernmost country in Europe, and the country is divided into three geographical regions: the mainland, the islands, and Peloponnese, which is the peninsula South of the mainland.

Ancient Greece is often known as the birthplace of Western civilization for its immeasurable contributions to culture, art, governments, philosophy, and so much more! Ancient Greece was a powerful civilization that reached its peak between 500 B.C. and 300 B.C.

During ancient times Greece was divided into different city-states including Athens, Sparta, Corinth, and Thebes. Ancient Greek mythology and religion worshiped many different gods and goddesses, and these mythological figures were featured in countless stories, plays, and works of art. 

Today, Greece is known for its stunning coastlines, lakes, and sun-filled landscapes, as well as for introducing the world to popular Mediterranean food and customs. Family life is a very important part of life in Greece. Children often live with their parents even after they get married.

The Origins of Greek Last Name Practices 

Last names were rare in ancient Greece. Baby names for boys and girls were typically singular and passed down through generations. In the 11th and 12 centuries, upper-class families began to use family names. Last names have historically been derived from a nickname, a place name, or from the patron of the family. 

Most Greek names are patronymic names that add a suffix to the first name of the father. Many Greek surnames end with "-opoulos" meaning "descendant of" or "son of." So for example, the surname Theodoropoulos translates to “son of Theodoros." Theodoros is a common Greek given name that means “God-given” or a “Gift of God”. 

In other regions of Greece, different suffixes are used more often. For example, in Crete, the "-akis" suffix is very popular and means diminutive of "child of." The suffix "ou" also means "of" and is part of many popular Greek last names. For example, Christoforou translates to "son of Christophoros." 

Many Greek surnames are also occupational surnames derived from a person's job or role in society. For example, hasapis is a word of Greek origin meaning "butcher." 

Before the 1980s, Greek women traditionally used a feminine version of their father's name until they got married. Then, they used a feminine version of their husband's name.

However, in 1983, the feminist movement in Greece passed legislation that made it a requirement for women to keep their family names for life. Since this time, women have kept their birth names after marriage rather than adopting the surnames of their husbands. 

Most Popular Greek Last Names (With English Translations)

1. Alexopoulos - from the personal name Alexios (see Alexis) + the patronymic ending "-poulos" This ending occurs chiefly in the Peloponnese. It is derived from Latin pullus, meaning nestling or chick
2. Angelopoulos -  From the personal name Angelos, Greek for messenger or angel
3. Bakirtzis - An occupational Greek surname derived from the Turkish word meaning coppersmith
4. Christodoulopoulos - A religious name meaning son of the servant of Christ. This name can also be translated with the meaning, son of Christian
5. Doukas - A common first name as well as surname. This name means duke. Doukas was a family of imperial rank in medieval Byzantium
6. Drakos - From the personal name Drakos, meaning dragon or ogre
7. Iraklidis - A Greek name meaning son of Heracles. Heracles was one of the greatest heroes in Greek mythology
8. Papadopoulos - Patronymic name meaning son of a priest
9. Pappas - Variant spelling of the Greek word papas meaning priest
10. Vasilakis - A patronymic name meaning son of Vasilis or Basil

Unique Greek Surnames (+ English Meanings)

With such a long and rich history, there are many beautiful Greek names with unique and interesting meanings. Here are a few last names from Greek with interesting or unique meanings. 

11. Adamos - Son of Adam  
12. Aetos - Eagle  
13. Anastasakis - Resurrection  
14. Andreadis - Manly  
15. Antoniou - Son of Antonios  
16. Danielopoulos - Son of Daniel  
17. Diamandis - Diamond  
18. Gataki - Kitten  
19. Galanis - Blue eyes  
20. Georgiou - Farmer  
21. Ioannidis - Son of Ioannis  
22. Karagiannis - Black John  
23. Katsaros - Curly  
24. Kontos - Short  
25. Kouris - Forest dweller  
26. Lazaridis - Son of Lazaros  
27. Loukanis - Sausage maker  
28. Nikolaidis - Son of Nikolaos  
29. Onasis - Lover  
30. Papadakis - Son of a priest  
31. Petridis - Son of Petros  
32. Samaras - Saddle maker  
33. Sotiris - Savior  
34. Thanos - Immortal  
35. Theodoropoulos - Son of Theodoros  
36. Xiphias - Swordfish  
37. Zafeiriou - Sapphire

Ancient Greek Last Names (for the Modern Day)

Though these Greek surnames come from ancient times, they can still be found today among those descended from the original civilization.

38. Anthopoulos - Descendant of Anthos, a flower  
39. Chrysafi - Goldsmith  
40. Efthymiadis - Son of Efthymios  
41. Georgiadis - Son of Georgios, a farmer  
42. Hatzis - Pilgrim to the Holy Land  
43. Kostas - Derived from Konstantinos, steadfast  
44. Lykaios - Wolf-like  
45. Makris - Tall or long  
46. Petrakis - Little rock or son of Petros  
47. Sotiriou - Patronymic, a savior

What Is a Typical Greek Surname?

Papadopoulos is considered a typical Greek surname. Stemming from the Greek words "papas", which means priest, and "dopoulos", meaning son of, Papadopoulos translates to "son of a priest". This common surname reflects a significant segment of Greek history, where the church played a pivotal role in society.

Other typical and popular Greek surnames include:

48. Andreadis - Andreadis is a patronymic surname meaning son of Andreas, relating to manliness and courage  
49. Economou - Economou means steward or manager, traditionally associated with those who managed estates or resources  
50. Georgiou - Georgiou means of George, derived from the Greek name Georgios, meaning farmer or earth-worker  
51. Katsaros - Katsaros refers to someone with curly hair, often highlighting physical characteristics  
52. Laskaris - This surname has historical significance, being the name of a Byzantine noble family from the 13th century. The name means a kind of soldier  
53. Markos - Markos is a Greek variation of the Latin name Marcus, meaning dedicated to Mars. Mars was the Roman god of war, making this a strong, powerful name  
54. Nikolaidis - Nikolaidis translates to the son of Nikolaos, a derivative of Nikolaos, meaning victory of the people  
55. Papadopoulos - Papadopoulos remains one of the most common Greek surnames to this day, meaning the son of a priest  
56. Sideris - Meaning he who is made of iron, this name typically conveys strength and resilience  
57. Vasilakis - Vasilakis is derived from Vasilios, meaning king or royalty, often a diminutive or affectionate form

Exploring Greek Last Names Today  

Greek last names are fascinating when you begin to dig into them. They all carry a rich heritage and deep cultural significance that connects families to their ancient roots. They represent strength, royalty, or ancestral professions, weaving stories that span across generations. For anyone exploring last names from around the world, Greek surnames offer a unique glimpse into history and identity!

For more information check out these popular topics:

• 75 Ancient Roman Baby Names Inspired by Warriors and Gods
• 100 Ancient Greek Names and Meanings
• 150 Ancient Baby Names That Are Set for a Comeback

Do you have any parenting questions for our parenting coach and expert, Dr. Ana Aznar? Ask for free today!