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Last Name Economides

What is the origin of the last name Economides?

The surname Economides is of Greek origin. It derives from the Greek word "oikonomidēs", meaning "one who manages a household" or "an economist". This surname would have originally been given to someone who was skilled in managing resources, particularly within a household setting. In some cases, it may be an occupational name for a professional money-lender or accountant. The spelling of the name can vary slightly among different regions and families.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Economides

The meaning and origin of the last name Economides

The surname Economides is of Greek origin and has its roots in the Byzantine Empire. The name is derived from the occupational name "Oikonomos," which means an administrator or steward in charge of household management, finance, or public administration. Over time, this title evolved into a hereditary surname among families who held positions of economic responsibility. In the modern era, the Economides surname can be found throughout the Greek-speaking world and among diaspora communities, particularly in the United States and Australia. The name is a testament to the importance of financial management in both ancient and contemporary societies.

Geographical distribution of the last name Economides

The surname Economides is predominantly found in regions with historical ties to Greece, particularly the Peloponnese and Ionia, which are now part of modern-day Greece and Turkey. Significant populations of people with this last name can be found in Greece, Cyprus, and other Greek diaspora communities around the world, such as the United States, Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom. The name also appears in smaller numbers in other Mediterranean countries like Italy and Spain, which have had historical interactions with Greece. In North America, the name Economides is often associated with Greeks who immigrated during the late 19th and early 20th centuries seeking better economic opportunities.

Variants and spellings of the last name Economides

The last name Economides possesses various spelling variations, primarily due to differences in transliteration from Greek to English. Some common versions include Economidis, Economide, Economidese, Economidou, and Economidoula. Additionally, the name may appear as Oikonomides, Oikonomidis, Oikonomidou, or Oikonomidoula in some instances, reflecting alternative spellings of the Greek word for "household" (oikos) and "manager" or "steward" (nomos). Furthermore, it is not uncommon to find hyphenated forms such as Economides-Smith or Economide-Johnson, combining the surname with a patronymic or other family name.

Famous people with the last name Economides

The Economides family has produced several notable individuals across various fields. George Economou, also known as Gus Economou, was a prominent figure in American politics and business. He served as a Democratic member of the New York State Assembly from 1962 to 1978 and played a significant role in the development of Greek-American politics. Another notable individual is Christos Iakovos Economou, better known as Chris Economaki, who made his mark in automobile racing journalism. He was the founder and editor-in-chief of National Speed Sport News and inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in 1992. In the academic world, John Economides is a molecular biologist known for his work on the molecular structure of DNA, which earned him the prestigious Wolf Prize in Medicine in 2004. These are some of the most renowned individuals with the last name Economides, each making significant contributions to their respective fields.

Genealogical research on the last name Economides

The surname Economides is of Greek origin and is derived from the word "oikonomía," meaning household management or administration of resources. This surname has been recorded in various spellings throughout history, including Ekonomou, Ekonimidis, and Economos, among others.

One notable bearer of the name was George Economou (1837-1925), a Greek merchant and philanthropist who served as the Prime Minister of Greece from 1895 to 1897. He was also a significant figure in the Macedonian Struggle, advocating for the rights of Greeks in the region against Ottoman rule.

The Economides family can be traced back to the island of Chios in the Aegean Sea, where they were originally known as Ecномουδης (Economou). The family emigrated from Greece to various parts of Europe and North America during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, establishing communities in countries such as Italy, France, and the United States.

Today, the Economides surname can be found worldwide among Greek diaspora communities, with a significant presence in Greece, Cyprus, North America, and Australia.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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.
Last updated : 10 June 2025

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