What are typical Greek last names?

Answered by John Hunt

So, when it comes to typical Greek last names, there are a few that are quite common and can be found throughout the country. One such name is “Papageorgiou,” which translates to “son of George.” This name is derived from the popular Greek first name Georgios, which is the Greek version of George.

Another common Greek last name is “Oikonomou,” which is derived from the Greek word “oikonomos,” meaning “steward” or “manager.” This name is often associated with individuals who were involved in managing estates or households in the past.

“Papadimitriou” is another frequently encountered Greek last name. It is derived from the combination of two Greek words: “papa,” meaning “priest,” and “Dimitrios,” which is the Greek version of the name Demetrius. This name suggests a family connection to the Greek Orthodox Church or possibly an ancestral tie to someone who held a religious position.

“Georgiou” is a last name that is simply derived from the Greek first name Georgios, as mentioned earlier. It is quite common and can be found in various regions of Greece.

“Papaioannou” is a Greek last name that combines the words “papa,” meaning “priest,” and “Ioannis,” which is the Greek version of the name John. As with “Papadimitriou,” this name suggests a connection to the Greek Orthodox Church or a family tie to someone who held a religious role.

“Pappas” is another common Greek last name, which is derived from the word “pappas” itself, meaning “priest” or “father.” This name is often associated with individuals who have a religious background or lineage.

“Vasileiou” is a Greek last name that can be traced back to the Greek word “vasilefs,” meaning “king.” It suggests a connection to royalty or an ancestral tie to someone of noble descent.

“Nikolaou” is a last name that is derived from the Greek name Nikolaos, which is the Greek version of Nicholas. This name is quite common in Greece and can be found in various regions.

These are just a few examples of typical Greek last names. There are, of course, many more variations and combinations that can be found throughout the country. It’s worth noting that last names in Greece often reflect family history, religious affiliations, and cultural traditions.