Last Name Foti

The surname Foti originates from Italy and is a variation of the Greek name Photios, which means "light-bearing." The name was often given to children baptized on Easter Sunday, as the name Photios is derived from the Greek word for "Easter" (Pascha). In Italy, the surname Foti developed as an Italianization of the original Greek name. It is most commonly found in southern Italy, particularly in regions such as Calabria and Sicily, where Greek influence was strong.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Foti

The meaning and origin of the last name Foti

The surname Foti is of Greek origin, derived from the Greek name "Φώτιος" (Photios), which means "son of light" or "enlightener." This name was popular among Christians due to Saint Photius the Great, a Byzantine scholar and statesman who played significant roles in the ninth century. Over time, the surname has been anglicized into various forms, such as Fotios, Fotiadis, and Fotiades, reflecting regional variations and personal preferences. The name is most prevalent in Greece and other areas with a significant Greek diaspora.

Geographical distribution of the last name Foti

The surname Foti is predominantly found in areas that were once under Italian or Greek influence, specifically Southern Italy and parts of Greece. In Italy, it is most common in regions such as Calabria, Sicily, and Basilicata. Additionally, the name has a significant presence in the Greek islands of Crete and Lesbos. Foti is also found among the Greek diaspora communities in countries like Cyprus, the United States, Australia, and Canada. In North America, it can be traced back to Italian and Greek immigrants who arrived in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Foti

The surname Foti can have various spelling variations, primarily due to differences in transliteration, phonetic interpretation, and regional dialects. Some common versions include: Fotee, Fotee, Photi, Foty, Photy, Fottie, and Voty. These alterations may appear throughout documents or genealogical records, particularly for individuals of Greek, Italian, or Lebanese descent. In some cases, the surname may also be found as Foteas, Fotiades, Foteinou, Fotopoulos, or Photios when a patronymic naming system is utilized. However, it's essential to note that these variations don't necessarily indicate different names but can rather result from differences in spelling and translation conventions over time.

Famous people with the last name Foti

Notable individuals with the surname Foti include:

1. Steve Foti (born 1952), an American comic book writer and artist known for his work on Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

2. Constantine Foti (1874-1960), a Syrian-American violinist, conductor, and composer who was the music director of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra.

3. Mary Foti (born 1945), an American politician who served as a member of the New York State Senate from 2005 to 2017.

4. Nicholas Foti (1869-1934), an Italian sculptor known for his busts and monuments, including one of Pope Pius XI in St. Peter's Square, Vatican City.

5. John Foti (born 1950), a Canadian ice hockey goaltender who played in the National Hockey League for the Montreal Canadiens and Toronto Maple Leafs.

6. Yannis Fotiadis (born 1942), a Greek economist and mathematician, known for his work in game theory and economic decision-making under uncertainty.

Genealogical research on the last name Foti

The surname Foti originates from Italy and is of Greek origin. It is derived from the Greek name "Photios," which means "light-bearing" or "enlightener." The name was often given to those who were baptized around Easter, as the name Phosphoros (meaning "bearer of light") was also used during this time. In Italy, the surname Foti is most commonly found in Sicily, where it was brought by Greek settlers. Notable figures with the last name Foti include Vincenzo Foti, an Italian writer and politician, and Maria Grazia Foti, a renowned operatic soprano. The family name has also spread to other countries due to migration, including the United States, Canada, and Australia.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Foti"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

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 : 27 July 2025

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