The surname "Kefalas" is of Greek origin. In Greek, "kefalas" means "head" or "chief". This name could have been given to someone who was a leader or held a position of authority in a community. Alternatively, it could be a topographic name for someone who lived near a distinctive headland or hill. The name is widely found among the Greek population and its variations, such as Kefala, Kefalas, Kefalogiannis, etc., are common throughout Greece and in Greek communities worldwide.
Learn more about the origin of the last name Kefalas
The meaning and origin of the last name Kefalas
The surname Kefalas is of Greek origin, stemming from the word "kefalē," which means 'head' in Greek. This surname was often given to individuals who were notable or prominent, symbolizing their leadership or importance within a community. Over time, it has been anglicized into various forms such as Kefalis, Kehallas, and Kefalas in different regions and families. The name is most prevalent in Greece but can also be found among the Greek diaspora worldwide. Notable people with this surname include Kostas Kefalas, a former member of the European Parliament, and George Kefalas, an American lawyer and author.
Geographical distribution of the last name Kefalas
The surname Kefalas is predominantly found in Greece, with a significant concentration in the region of Macedonia, particularly in Thessaloniki and surrounding areas. It is also common in other parts of Northern Greece, such as Western Macedonia and Central Macedonia. Additionally, there are notable clusters of people with the Kefalas surname in various islands including Crete, Rhodes, and Corfu. Outside of Greece, the distribution of this name becomes more dispersed, with smaller communities found in Cyprus, the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom, largely due to migration from Greece over several centuries.
Variants and spellings of the last name Kefalas
The surname Kefalas, of Greek origin, possesses several variations and spellings due to transliteration differences across languages and regional dialects. Some common variants include Kephalas, Kephalas, and Kaphetas. Other less frequent versions include Kefalis, Kafalas, and Caphalas. In some cases, the name might be anglicized as Capelas or even shortened to Capela in certain English-speaking countries. It is important to note that all these variations share a common root, indicating a connection to the Greek lineage.
Famous people with the last name Kefalas
Among notable individuals sharing the surname Kefalas, one finds significant achievements across various fields. John Kefalas, for instance, is a respected American politician who served as a state representative for Colorado's House District 56 from 2013 to 2021. He was also a member of the Fort Collins City Council and worked as an educator prior to his political career.
In academia, Constantine G. Kefalas, PhD, is a renowned scholar in the field of electrical engineering and computer science. He has published numerous papers, contributed to standard-setting organizations, and held faculty positions at prestigious universities such as Stanford University, University of Southern California, and Carnegie Mellon University.
Lastly, there is Evan Kefalas, an American actor who made appearances in popular television series like "The Office" and "Gilmore Girls." His roles have showcased his versatility as a performer, highlighting the diverse talents of individuals with the last name Kefalas.
Genealogical research on the last name Kefalas
The surname Kefalas is believed to have Greek origins, with roots tracing back to ancient Greece. The name is derived from the Greek word "kephale," which means head or chief. Early records indicate that the Kefalas family originated in the region of Epirus, located in northwestern Greece, during the Byzantine Empire period (330-1453 AD). Over time, many members of this family migrated to other parts of Greece and eventually spread across Europe, especially the Balkans, due to political and economic changes. Notable figures bearing the surname Kefalas include Konstantinos Kefalas, a Greek politician who served as a Minister in various governments from 1974 to 2006. The Kefalas family tree is quite extensive, with branches found worldwide today, predominantly among Hellenic and Balkan communities.
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