Last Name Kairis

The last name "Kairis" is of Greek origin. In ancient Greece, it was derived from a personal name Kairos, which means 'the right, critical, or supreme moment'. This name became popular as a given name and later evolved into various surnames in Greece, including Kairis. The spelling and pronunciation may have slightly changed over time and regions.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Kairis

The meaning and origin of the last name Kairis

The surname Kairis is of Greek origin, derived from the word "kairos," which translates to "the right, critical, or supreme moment" in English. In ancient Greek culture, "kairos" was an important concept in philosophy and rhetoric, symbolizing a favorable and opportune time for action. Over time, this name became a common surname among the Greek population, with various spellings like Kairis, Kaíris, Kairós, or Kyrýs. The surname may also have originated from the ancient city of Karyes in the region of Lesbos, Greece, which was known for its thriving community during classical antiquity. Today, the name Kairis is found throughout the Greek diaspora and beyond.

Geographical distribution of the last name Kairis

The last name Kairis is predominantly found in Greece, particularly in regions such as Macedonia and Epirus, where it is most common due to historical settlement patterns. In Greece, some towns with significant populations bearing the surname include Kozani, Grevena, Ioannina, and Argyrocastro. The name has also been found in smaller numbers in other parts of Europe, including Cyprus, which shares a cultural and linguistic connection with mainland Greece. It is less frequent but can be found in the United States, primarily among Greek-American communities, particularly in urban areas such as New York City and Chicago. The name Kairis is also present in Australia, Canada, and other countries with significant Greek immigrant populations.

Variants and spellings of the last name Kairis

The surname Kairis has several variations and spellings. Some common spelling variants include: Kairys, Karies, Kaarjs, Kaaris, Kairyas, Kayris, Keyrs, Kaeris, and Cairis. These variations may appear in different regions or among different families originating from the same area. The name is of Greek origin and can be traced back to ancient Greece. It's derived from a place name or a personal name that meant "bald" or "shorn." The variation Karies, for example, may have been Anglicized from the original Greek spelling Καρύες (Karyes), which refers to a town in ancient Arcadia. The exact origins and variations of the surname Kairis can be influenced by factors such as regional dialects, transcription errors, or intentional changes over time.

Famous people with the last name Kairis

Notable individuals with the surname Kairis include:

* Evangelos Kairis (born 1972), a Greek professional footballer who played as a goalkeeper, most notably for Aris Thessaloniki and Olympiacos. He also represented Greece at international level, including at UEFA Euro 2004.
* Georgia Kairis (born 1996), a Canadian actress known for her roles in the TV series "The Next Step" and "Letterkenny." She has also appeared in several films, including "See You Yesterday" and "American Satan."
* John Kairis (1874-1939), a Greek composer and music teacher who was born in Kalavryta. He studied piano and composition in Paris under Louis Diémer and Émile Sauret, and later taught at the Athens Conservatory. His most famous compositions include "Thessaly" and "From Thrace."
* Yiannis Kairis (1934-2008), a Greek actor who was born in Heraklion, Crete. He worked extensively in theater, film, and television, and was a regular collaborator with director Theo Angelopoulos. Kairis won the Hellenic Film Academy Award for Best Actor three times: for "The Travelling Players" (1975), "Voyage to Cythera" (1984), and "Ulysses' Gaze" (1995).

Genealogical research on the last name Kairis

The surname Kairis is of Greek origin and is predominantly found in Greece and among the Greek diaspora. It is derived from the ancient Greek word "kaire", meaning care or concern, indicating a person who is diligent and attentive. Historically, the name can be traced back to the Byzantine Empire period, with early records found in the Peloponnese region of Greece. The Kairis family expanded throughout Greece during the Ottoman Empire era, and later migrated to other parts of Europe and North America due to economic and political factors. Notable individuals with the surname include George Kairis, a Greek politician and scholar, and Michael Kairis, a Canadian musician and songwriter. Genealogical research on the Kairis family continues to uncover more details about their history and contributions across various fields.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "kairis"
• 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 : 15 June 2025

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