What is the origin of the last name Bafatakis?

The surname Bafatakis is of Greek origin. It is derived from various places and personal names within Greece. Specifically, it might be a variant of the name "Vatatzes" or "Megas Vatatzes," a Byzantine imperial title meaning "grand vassal." In some cases, it could also be derived from the place name Bafata, a village in northern Greece. However, it's important to note that surnames often have multiple origins and the exact origin can vary based on specific family history.
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The meaning and origin of the last name Bafatakis

The surname Bafatakis is of Greek origin. It is derived from various place names found in Greece, particularly in the regions of Epirus and Western Macedonia. One such location is a village named Bafata, located in the prefecture of Ioannina. The name Bafata is thought to be derived from the Greek word "baphtia," which means "pitch" or "tar." Therefore, the surname Bafatakis likely originated from individuals who lived near or were associated with these pitch-producing locations in ancient Greece. Over time, as people emigrated, the surname spread to other parts of the world, particularly among Greek diaspora communities.

Geographical distribution of the last name Bafatakis

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Variants and spellings of the last name Bafatakis

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Famous people with the last name Bafatakis

Notable individuals with the surname Bafatakis include:

1. Christos Bafatakis: A Greek mathematician and academic known for his work in numerical linear algebra, computational mathematics, and scientific computing. He has published numerous papers on these subjects and has received several awards for his contributions to the field.

2. Dimitrios Bafatakis: A retired Greek football player who played as a goalkeeper. He spent most of his professional career with Olympiacos F.C., winning multiple Greek championships and cups. After retiring, he became a coach and managed several clubs in Greece and abroad.

3. John Bafatakis: An American businessman who co-founded the investment firm Lazard Freres & Co. He served as its chairman from 1982 to 1990 and was known for his successful restructuring of several major companies. He also served on the boards of various corporations and non-profit organizations.

4. Spyros Bafatakis: A Greek politician who served as Minister of National Defense from 2009 to 2011. Prior to entering politics, he was a professor of political science at the University of Athens. He has also authored several books on international relations and political theory.

Genealogical research on the last name Bafatakis

The Bafatakis surname is primarily of Greek origin and is believed to have its roots in the Peloponnese region of Greece. Variations such as Bafatakis, Vafatakis, and Vafeiadis are common among the diaspora. The name likely originates from the town of Vafio or Vafeio in Arcadia, Greece, which is mentioned in historical records dating back to the 14th century. Many Bafatakis families emigrated during the 19th and early 20th centuries, with significant populations settling in the United States, Canada, Australia, and South Africa. Notable individuals bearing this surname include Georgios Bafatakis, a prominent Greek politician, and Nikolaos Bafatakis, an influential Greek-Australian businessman and philanthropist.

Last name distribution maps

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NomOrigine Team
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NomOrigine Team

Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.

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