300 Best Greek Last Names with Meanings For 2025
Ever wondered what your last name really means or where it comes from? Greek surnames often tell stories of past generations, professions, and geographical roots. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll unveil 300 Greek last names along with their meanings, offering insights that resonate with anyone interested in genealogy or cultural history. Whether you’re looking to deepen your knowledge of Greek culture or simply satisfy your curiosity, this article will serve as a valuable resource.
Popular Greek Last Names

- Papadopoulos – “Son of a priest” (from papas meaning priest).
- Pappas – Short form meaning “priest.”
- Georgiou – “Descendant of George” (farmer, earth-worker).
- Nikolaou – “Son of Nikolaos” (victory of the people).
- Christodoulou – “Servant of Christ.”
- Konstantinou – “Descendant of Constantine” (steadfast, constant).
- Vasileiou – “Of the king” or “royal.”
- Ioannou – “Son of Ioannis” (God is gracious).
- Demetriou – “Devotee of Demeter” (goddess of harvest).
- Andreadis – “Son of Andreas” (manly, brave).
- Kyrgios – “Lordly” or “nobleman.”
- Petrou – “Son of Petros” (rock, stone).
- Alexopoulos – “Son of Alexios” (defender of men).
- Stefanou – “Son of Stefanos” (crown, wreath).
- Panagiotopoulos – “Son of Panagiotis” (all-holy).
- Christakis – “Little Christ” or “follower of Christ.”
- Manolis – Derived from Emmanouil (God with us).
- Theodorou – “Gift of God.”
- Antoniou – “Son of Antonios.”
- Karagiannis – “Dark-haired John.”
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Ancient Greek Inspired Last Names

- Platonidis – “Son of Plato” (broad-shouldered).
- Aristotelis – “Best purpose,” tied to Aristotle.
- Sokratis – “Power of wisdom,” from Socrates.
- Periklis – “All-glorious,” linked to Pericles.
- Leonidas – “Son of the lion.”
- Homeridis – “Descendant of Homer.”
- Euripides – From the tragedian Euripides; “wide justice.”
- Thoukydidis – “Son of Thucydides,” historian.
- Xenophon – “Strange voice” or “foreign sound.”
- Herakleous – “Of Herakles” (Hercules, glory of Hera).
Occupational Greek Last Name

- Raptis – “Tailor.”
- Psomas – “Baker.”
- Kritikos – “Judge” or “from Crete.”
- Psarros – “Fisherman.”
- Kalogeropoulos – “Son of the monk.”
- Psaltis – “Cantor, chanter in church.”
- Kasapis – “Butcher.”
- Kotsis – “Shepherd.”
- Magiras – “Cook.”
- Chatzis – “One who made a pilgrimage to the Holy Land.”
Greek Nature Inspired Last Names
- Dendris – “Of the tree.”
- Potamitis – “Of the river.”
- Vounaras – “Of the mountain.”
- Thalassinos – “Of the sea.”
- Petralis – “Of the rock/stone.”
- Spiliotopoulos – “Of the cave.”
- Galanis – “Pale, light-colored like milk.”
- Xylakis – “Of the wood.”
- Okeanidis – “Child of the ocean.”
- Karavias – “Of the ship.”
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Greek Regional & Place Based Last Names
- Makedonas – “From Macedonia.”
- Kreteos – “From Crete.”
- Athenakis – “From Athens.”
- Spartiatis – “From Sparta.”
- Korinthios – “From Corinth.”
- Thessalonikios – “From Thessaloniki.”
- Pelopidas – “From Peloponnesos.”
- Dodekanisiotis – “From the Dodecanese islands.”
- Epirotis – “From Epirus.”
- Rhoditis – “From Rhodes.”
- Stratiotis – “Soldier.”
- Kapetanakis – “Captain, leader.”
- Polemarchos – “War leader.”
- Nikiforou – “Bringer of victory.”
- Machairas – “Swordsman.”
- Doryforos – “Spear-bearer.”
- Andrikopoulos – “Son of the brave man.”
- Chatzimichalis – “Saint Michael’s warrior.”
- Stamatis – “Stopper of death.”
- Palaiologos – “Ancient word, old reasoning,” also imperial dynasty.
Greek Religious Last Names
- Agapios – “Beloved, God’s love.”
- Evangelou – “Bringer of good news.”
- Agapetakis – “Little beloved one.”
- Metaxakis – “From the monastery.”
- Papachristos – “Priest of Christ.”
- Panagopoulos – “Son of the all-holy one.”
- Stavropoulos – “Son of the cross.”
- Angelopoulos – “Son of the angel.”
- Theotokis – “Devoted to the Mother of God.”
- Monastiriotis – “From the monastery.”
Descriptive Last Names (Nicknames Turned Surnames)
- Mavros – “Black” (dark hair/skin).
- Aspros – “White” (fair complexion).
- Psilos – “Tall, thin.”
- Kontos – “Short.”
- Kefalas – “Big head.”
- Skordilis – “Garlic seller.”
- Triantafyllou – “Of the rose.”
- Lambros – “Bright, radiant.”
- Xanthopoulos – “Son of the blonde.”
- Vlachos – “Shepherd, rustic.”
Greek Modern & Unique Last Names (Rare Surnames in 2025)
- Zenonakis – “Son of Zenon” (gift of Zeus).
- Kyriakou – “Of the Lord’s day.”
- Anagnostopoulos – “Son of the reader” (of scriptures).
- Calliopoulos – “Son of Calliope” (beautiful voice, muse of poetry).
- Heliopoulos – “Son of the sun.”
- Eleniadis – “Son of Helen.”
- Sideris – “Of iron, strong as steel.”
- Kallistratos – “Beautiful army.”
- Zephyrou – “Of the west wind.”
- Ouranidis – “Of the heavens.”
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Greek Mythology Inspired Last Names

- Aphroditis – “Of Aphrodite,” goddess of love.
- Dionysiou – “Devotee of Dionysus,” god of wine.
- Apollonaris – “Of Apollo,” god of light and music.
- Hermiadis – “Son of Hermes,” messenger god.
- Artemiadis – “Of Artemis,” goddess of the hunt.
- Zephyrakis – “Little west wind.”
- Hadesis – “Of Hades,” ruler of the underworld.
- Poseidonos – “Of Poseidon,” god of the sea.
- Hestianis – “Of Hestia,” goddess of the hearth.
- Athinogenis – “Born of Athena.”
Greek Noble & Aristocratic Last Names
- Doukas – “Duke, leader.”
- Komnenos – Byzantine noble family name.
- Kantakouzenos – Imperial dynasty surname.
- Phokas – Famous Byzantine general’s name.
- Notaras – “High official, chancellor.”
- Melissenos – Noble family name tied to “bee.”
- Palamas – “Palms,” a sign of nobility.
- Vatatzes – “Emperor’s lineage.”
- Skleros – “Tough, stern,” noble family.
- Argyros – “Silver, wealthy family.”
Greek Warrior & Battle Linked Last Names

- Hoplitopoulos – “Son of the hoplite” (soldier).
- Spartalis – “Of the Spartans.”
- Machopoulos – “Son of the fighter.”
- Doridis – “Spear lineage.”
- Aspidas – “Of the shield.”
- Pyrros – “Fiery, red-haired warrior.”
- Toxotis – “Archer.”
- Chalkias – “Armorer, maker of bronze arms.”
- Polemios – “Of war.”
- Xiphos – “Sword.”
Seafaring & Nautical Greek Last Names
- Nautikos – “Sailor, seaman.”
- Kapetanopoulos – “Son of the captain.”
- Karavidas – “Of the ship.”
- Psaropoulos – “Son of the fisherman.”
- Galanopoulos – “Son of the sailor.”
- Pelagidis – “Of the open sea.”
- Stavridis – “Mackerel fish,” seafaring family.
- Portokaloglou – “From the port.”
- Argyropoulos – “Son of the silversmith/seafarer.”
- Roussos – “Red haired seafarer.”
Greek Place Based & Regional Last Names
- Delianis – “From Delos island.”
- Mykoniatis – “From Mykonos.”
- Santorinis – “From Santorini.”
- Zakynthinos – “From Zakynthos.”
- Chios – “From Chios island.”
- Lesvios – “From Lesvos island.”
- Skiathitis – “From Skiathos.”
- Hydriotis – “From Hydra island.”
- Naxos – “From Naxos island.”
- Kefallinos – “From Kefalonia.”
Greek Family Oriented Last Names

- Patriou – “Of the father.”
- Mitropoulos – “Son of the mother/metropolis.”
- Syngelos – “Close companion, brother.”
- Adelfopoulos – “Son of the brother.”
- Despinakis – “Son of the lady.”
- Koumbaris – “Best man, sponsor at baptism.”
- Gamos – “Of the marriage union.”
- Yianopoulos – “Son of Yannis.”
- Petropoulos – “Son of Petros.”
- Antonopoulos – “Son of Antonios.”
Greek Descriptive & Appearance Based Last Names (Expanded)
- Kokkinos – “Red-haired or ruddy.”
- Xenos – “Foreigner, stranger.”
- Makris – “Tall, long.”
- Tsakiris – “Small, sharp eyed.”
- Vlachopoulos – “Son of the shepherd.”
- Chondros – “Big, stout.”
- Mourgos – “Dark-skinned.”
- Stavrakis – “Little cross.”
- Triandafyllakis – “Little rose.”
- Psomas – “Loaf of bread, baker.”
Greek Philosophical And Intellectual Last Names
- Sophianou – “Of wisdom.”
- Philos – “Friend, loving.”
- Mathiopoulos – “Son of the learner.”
- Logothetis – “One who sets laws, secretary.”
- Grammatikos – “Scholar, scribe.”
- Didaskalou – “Teacher.”
- Nomikos – “Lawful, legal expert.”
- Skeptikos – “Observer, thinker.”
- Kritopoulos – “Son of the judge.”
- Erasmos – “Worthy of love, devoted student.”
Greek Artistic & Creative Last Names
- Zografos – “Painter.”
- Mousikos – “Musician.”
- Choropoulos – “Son of the dancer.”
- Lyritis – “Lyre player.”
- Poimenidis – “Shepherd, poetic symbol.”
- Melodopoulos – “Son of melody.”
- Theatropoulos – “Son of the theater.”
- Dramatis – “Actor, dramatist.”
- Tragoudis – “Singer.”
- Calligraphos – “Beautiful writer.”
Greek Trade & Craft Based Last Names
- Chalkeos – “Bronze worker.”
- Argyropoulos – “Son of the silversmith.”
- Chrysochoos – “Goldsmith.”
- Vafiadis – “Dyer of cloth.”
- Kerameus – “Potter.”
- Xyloglou – “Of the carpenter.”
- Psilakis – “Weaver of fine cloth.”
- Rizopoulos – “Root worker, farmer.”
- Kambanis – “Bell maker.”
- Koumbarakis – “Craftsman of fine objects.”
Greek Symbolic & Spiritual Last Names
- Fotiadis – “Son of the light.”
- Phanopoulos – “Son of the shining one.”
- Eirinis – “Of peace.”
- Soteriou – “Of the savior.”
- Agapetos – “Beloved of God.”
- Eleftheriou – “Of freedom, liberty.”
- Dikaios – “Righteous, just.”
- Chariton – “Grace, kindness.”
- Theologos – “Theologian.”
- Christomanos – “Servant of Christ.”
Greek Rare & Unique Last Names
- Neofytou – “Newly planted, novice monk.”
- Oikonomou – “Steward, manager of the house.”
- Katsaros – “Curly-haired.”
- Mandilaris – “Scarf maker or seller.”
- Velissarios – “Derived from Belisarius, a general.”
- Psarianos – “From Psara island.”
- Chrysoulis – “Little golden one.”
- Evmorfos – “Well-shaped, handsome.”
- Thaleriotis – “Strong, bold seafarer.”
- Galifianakis – “From Galifa in Crete.”
More Regional Heritage Last Names
- Maniatis – “From Mani region.”
- Pyrgopoulos – “From the tower.”
- Karditsis – “From Karditsa.”
- Lakonas – “From Laconia.”
- Chalkidios – “From Chalkida.”
- Syriotis – “From Syros island.”
- Smyrniotis – “From Smyrna.”
- Pergamalis – “From Pergamon.”
- Thessalos – “From Thessaly.”
- Deligiannis – “Noble family from Arcadia.”
Greek Virtue Based Last Names
- Sophrosyne – “Of self-control, moderation.”
- Andreou – “Of courage, manliness.”
- Eusebios – “Of piety, devotion.”
- Chrysikos – “Golden, virtuous.”
- Eulogios – “Blessed, praised.”
- Agathangelou – “Good angel, messenger of good.”
- Philoxenos – “Lover of strangers, hospitable.”
- Makarios – “Blessed, happy.”
- Euthymios – “Of good spirit.”
- Nikodemos – “Victory of the people.”
Greek Heroic & Legendary Last Names
- Achilles – “Of Achilles.”
- Odysseos – “Of Odysseus.”
- Aias – “Of Ajax, mighty warrior.”
- Hektoropoulos – “Son of Hector.”
- Patroklos – “Glory of the father.”
- Menelaou – “Of Menelaus.”
- Agamemnonis – “Resolute, firm leader.”
- Perseos – “Of Perseus.”
- Theseos – “Of Theseus.”
- Jasonis – “Healer, savior.”
More Religious Devotional Last Names
- Stamatopoulos – “Son of Stamatios” (stop death).
- Agapopoulos – “Son of love.”
- Kyriopoulos – “Son of the Lord.”
- Monachos – “Monk.”
- Hieronymou – “Of Hieronymus, sacred name.”
- Panayiotakis – “Little holy one.”
- Metaxas – “Disciplined, orderly.”
- Efstathiou – “Stable, steadfast.”
- Zachariou – “God remembers.”
- Anastasiou – “Of the resurrection.”
Seasonal & Nature Symbolism Last Names
- Chionis – “Of the snow.”
- Thermopoulos – “Son of warmth.”
- Vasilakis – “Little king.”
- Galinos – “Calm, serene like the sea.”
- Anemidis – “Child of the wind.”
- Rodopoulos – “Son of the rose.”
- Heliades – “Children of the sun.”
- Selinis – “Of the moon.”
- Astrinakis – “Of the stars.”
- Thyella – “Storm.”
Expanded Strong & Brave Greek Last Names
- Drakos – “Dragon.”
- Leontopoulos – “Son of the lion.”
- Grivas – “Wild, untamed.”
- Tigridis – “Of the tiger.”
- Zisimopoulos – “Son of life.”
- Roussopoulos – “Son of the red-haired.”
- Kourkoumelis – “Tough, enduring.”
- Pavlopoulos – “Son of Pavlos.”
- Chrysostomos – “Golden-mouthed (eloquent).”
- Phylaktis – “Protector, guardian.”
Symbolic Names Linked to Light & Power
- Lykopoulos – “Son of the wolf.”
- Heliopoulos – “Son of the sun.”
- Astralidis – “Child of the stars.”
- Keraunos – “Thunder.”
- Photopoulos – “Son of the light.”
- Ignatiou – “Of the fire.”
- Zephyros – “West wind.”
- Aetopoulos – “Son of the eagle.”
- Ouranopoulos – “Son of the sky.”
- Stergiou – “Of stability, strength.”
Modern & Rare Greek Last Names
- Kallimorphos – “Beautiful form.”
- Evripidis – “Of Euripides (wide justice).”
- Polymenakos – “Of many strengths.”
- Xanthakis – “Little blonde one.”
- Neromylos – “Water mill.”
- Kykladis – “From the Cyclades islands.”
- Psilopoulos – “Son of the tall man.”
- Dramianis – “From Drama region.”
- Lykogiannis – “John of the wolves.”
- Philonakis – “Little lover, affectionate one.”
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