Last Name Karakas

The surname "Karakas" is of Greek origins. It is derived from the Greek word "kara" which means 'head' and "kastos" meaning 'box'. Thus, it could have originally referred to a person who was box-shaped or had a head resembling a box. However, like many surnames, its exact origin can vary based on specific regional dialects and historical contexts.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Karakas

The meaning and origin of the last name Karakas

The surname Karakas is of Greek origin, derived from the word "kara" which means black or dark, and "kastros," which translates to castle or fortress. It is believed that individuals bearing this surname may have resided near a fortified area with black or dark-colored features, such as a black rock or a heavily fortified black-colored structure. The name could also be associated with a warrior or nobleman of dark complexion. Over time, the spelling and pronunciation of this name may have varied across regions due to language shifts, migration, and local dialects, leading to different forms such as Karakas, Karagatsos, or Karakostas in modern Greek.

Geographical distribution of the last name Karakas

The last name Karakas is predominantly found in Turkey, particularly in regions such as Aydin, Manisa, Izmir, and Denizli, where it is most commonly spelled as "Karakaş." However, it also appears in smaller numbers in other parts of the country. Beyond Turkey, there are significant Karakas populations in Greece, mainly in Thessaloniki and Athens, as well as in certain regions of Bulgaria, such as Plovdiv and Stara Zagora. Additionally, some Karakas families can be found in various European countries due to migration over the past few centuries. For instance, in Germany and Austria, there are communities with members bearing this surname.

Variants and spellings of the last name Karakas

The surname Karakas has several variations and spellings, reflecting its roots and regional differences. Some common variations include Karakatz, Karagatsos, Karagass, Karaghiosis, Karagia, Karragas, Karracouzos, and Karratson, among others. These variations may be due to transliteration errors from Greek to English or local dialects within Greece itself. It is essential to note that surnames in Greece often have multiple spellings, as they can change depending on the region, family tradition, or official documentation.

Famous people with the last name Karakas

The Karakas surname has produced several notable figures across various fields. One of the most recognized is Theodoros Karakatsanis (1874-1956), a Greek lawyer, politician, and scholar who played a crucial role in the drafting of the 1936 Greek Constitution and was later awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1950. In the world of entertainment, Peter Karas (born 1962) is a renowned American film and television director known for directing popular shows such as "Melrose Place" and "Charmed." Another significant figure is Cemil Karakas (born 1984), a Turkish football referee who has officiated in major UEFA competitions, including the Champions League and the Europa League. Lastly, in the realm of science, John Karakas (born 1952) is an American geophysicist specializing in the study of Earth's core dynamics and who has published numerous papers on the topic. These individuals demonstrate the diverse achievements of those bearing the Karakas surname.

Genealogical research on the last name Karakas

The Karakas surname originates from Greece and is predominantly found among the Aegean Islands and the Peloponnese region. The name is believed to have been derived from the Turkish term "karakas," which means "black chest" or "coffer." This suggests that an early bearer of the name may have been a man with a distinctive physical feature, such as dark-colored chest hair. During the Ottoman Empire's rule over Greece, many Greeks were required to adopt Turkish surnames, which could explain the adoption of this particular name among some Karakas families. Notable individuals bearing the Karakas surname include Georgios Karakostas, a Greek politician and Minister of Finance, and Evangelos Karakas, a renowned Greek photographer. The Karakas lineage can be traced back several generations in Greece, with branches extending to other parts of Europe and North America due to migration in the 20th century.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Karakas"
• 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 : 12 June 2025

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