Last Name Karas

The surname Karas has origins rooted in multiple countries and cultures. In Greek, "Karas" means 'black' or 'coal'. It is a common surname among Greeks and originates from ancient Greece. However, it can also be found among Eastern European populations, where it could derive from the Slavic word for 'bald', 'naked', or 'barren land'. In some cases, Karas might have been given as a nickname to someone with dark hair or complexion, or living near black soil or coal mines. To confirm the specific origin of a particular Karas surname, genealogical research or consultation with a family historian is recommended.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Karas

The meaning and origin of the last name Karas

The surname Karas has roots in both Greece and Slavic regions. In Greek, "Karas" translates to "charcoal maker" or "black," referring to someone who manufactured charcoal. This occupation was a significant one in ancient Greece, as charcoal was essential for various purposes such as fuel, metal smelting, and art.

In contrast, among Slavic populations like the Bulgarians, "Karas" can mean "black" or "dark-skinned," reflecting physical traits. The name can also be found in countries like Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia, Romania, and Macedonia, where it has been passed down through generations. It is important to note that surnames did not become common among Slavic populations until the Middle Ages, so many families only have a few generations of documented history. In all instances, "Karas" carries a connection to darkness or blackness in its etymology.

Geographical distribution of the last name Karas

The surname Karas is predominantly distributed across Eastern Europe, notably in countries such as Bulgaria, Greece, and Romania. A significant percentage of people with this last name reside in Bulgaria, where it ranks among the top 20 most common surnames. In Greece, it is relatively common and can be found throughout the country. The surname also has a presence in Romania, particularly in regions with historical connections to Bulgaria. There are also Karas families in other parts of Europe, including Hungary, Serbia, and Moldova, indicating a possible migration from areas where the name is more prevalent. In addition, there are Karas families in North America, primarily in countries like Canada and the United States, likely due to immigration from Eastern Europe.

Variants and spellings of the last name Karas

The surname Karas has various spelling and pronunciation variations across different regions and countries. Some common forms include Carras, Carreras, Karras, Karossa, and Karaes. These variations may arise due to differences in transliteration or regional dialects. For instance, in Greek, the name Καρας (Karas) is pronounced 'ka-ras'. In Spanish, Karas becomes Carras or Carreras, while in some Slavic languages, it might be Karras or Karaes. It's essential to consider these variations when researching genealogy or family history.

Famous people with the last name Karas

Notable individuals with the surname Karas include:

1. Karel Antonín Karásek (1868-1932), a Czech composer and conductor, who was one of the leading figures of Czech music in the early 20th century. His best known works include the opera Její pastorkyňa (Her Shepherd Girl) and the oratorio Vojenský kantát (Military Cantata).

2. Zoltán Karas (1948-2017), a Hungarian mathematician, known for his contributions to graph theory, especially in the area of graph colorings and Ramsey theory. He worked at the Institute of Mathematics of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences.

3. Steve Karas (born 1945), an American politician who served as a member of the Illinois House of Representatives from 1979 to 2019. A Democrat, he represented the 17th district in south suburban Chicago. He was also a former police officer and detective.

4. Kostas Karass Pavlos (born 1985), a Greek professional basketball player who currently plays for Kolossos Rodou BC of the Greek Basket League. He has represented Greece at international competitions, including the EuroBasket.

5. Christo Javacheff and Jeanne-Claude Denat de Guillebon (known as Christo and Jeanne-Claude), a collaborative married couple, internationally renowned for their large-scale environmental art installations such as wrapping the Reichstag building in Berlin and Central Park's Island in New York City. Both were born with the surname Karas but changed it to Christo and Jeanne-Claude during their artistic careers.

Genealogical research on the last name Karas

The surname Karas originates from ancient Greece and is derived from the Greek word "karabos," meaning black or dark-colored. Historically, it was primarily used as a patronymic, referring to a son of Kara, a byname related to physical characteristics such as having dark hair or complexion.

The earliest records of the Karas family can be traced back to the Byzantine Empire in the 10th century. During this period, the name was common among the Greek population residing in the areas surrounding Constantinople (present-day Istanbul). From there, the surname spread across Europe through migration and expansion of Greek populations.

Throughout history, notable individuals with the Karas surname have made significant contributions to various fields, including science, politics, arts, and military service. For instance, Spyridon Karas was a distinguished military officer in the Hellenic Army during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, while Alexandros Karas served as Prime Minister of Greece from 1945 to 1949.

Modern-day Carras family members can be found across various countries, including Greece, Cyprus, Turkey, and the United States, among others, reflecting the migration patterns over the centuries. Genealogical research suggests that the Karas family maintains a strong sense of identity and cultural heritage, even as they continue to adapt and thrive in diverse environments.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Karas"
• 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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