How do Cypriot surnames work?

How do Cypriot surnames work?

Greek Cypriots generally use the same naming conventions as those in Greece. This is a first name, followed by a patronymic name and family name, e.g. Nikos Christoforou KYPIANOS. Family names are often abbreviated. For example, one might have the surname PAPPAS, instead of PAPACHRISTODOULOPOULOS.

What is a common Greek last name?

The most common Greek last name is Papadopoulos. That’s right, there are over 59,000 people in Greece with the last name Papadopoulos. This means about 0.55% of the population in Greece have the last name Papadopoulos.

What are some good Greek last names?

Read on to find a compilation of 100 Greek last names or surnames:

• Adamos. The name means “Son of Adam”.
• Aetos. The surname means “eagle” in Greek.
• Agathangelou.
• Andino.
• Ariti.
• Argyros.
• Bakirtzis.
• Baros.

What do Greek last names end in?

As a rule of thumb, most masculine versions of Greek family names end with -s, while the feminine version and diminutives end with -u. In modern times, a Greek woman keeps her father’s family name permanently but can choose to use her husband’s family name socially.

Why do Greek names end in Poulos?

-poulos/-opoulos is a Greek suffix meaning both “bird” and “child.” It comes from the Latin “pullus” meaning “chick” or “nestling.” While associated with the Peleponessos it is common throughout Greece.

Do Greeks name their children after gods?

Ancient Greek naming customs were also used to honor the pantheon of Greek gods and goddesses, with many children being named in their favor. For example, Ancient Greeks would name their children “Dionysios” after the god “Dionysos,” modifying the name into adjectival form.

When did Greeks start using last names?

When Did Greeks Start Using Surnames? Hereditary surnames started being used in Greece around the 9th century, but they were very rare. Many upper-class families started using them more often in the 11th and 12th centuries.

Do Cypriots have Greek last names?

Greek Cypriots may bear common Greek surnames, but there are some which are markedly Cypriot; there are some names which indicate place of birth or origin, or occupation, for example: Παφίτης (Paphitis), “from Paphos “; Καϊμακλιώτης (Kaimakliotis), “from Kaimakli “; Σκαρπάρης (Skarparis), “shoemaker”; Κωμοδρόμος (Komodromos),…

What is the origin of the Cypriot name Athanasios?

Genitive patronymics are particularly associated with Cyprus. From the personal name Athanasios, “immortal”, with the Cypriot genitive suffix -ou. Cypriot surname derived from the Greek given name Charalampos. Cypriot surname derived from the Greek given name Christophoros.

What is the patronym of Cypriot people?

A good example would be Ευσταθιάδης (Efstathiades). In keeping with older traditions of Greeks, Cypriots often have as their patronym, literally, the name of the father.

What is an example of a Greek last name?

An example is the last name ‘Demetriou,’ which can be traced back to someone whose surname was originally ‘Demetrios.’ For women, the surnames change to a feminine version of the original masculine surname. Greek last names also feature distinct suffixes. One can learn the place of origin and probably family history through the suffix alone.