Last Name Keros

The surname Keros is of Greek origin. It is derived from a place name, specifically a town in the ancient region of Ionia, now part of western Turkey. In Greek, "Keros" means "cylinder-shaped hill." This toponymic surname was commonly taken by people who lived near or originated from the town named Keros. Over time, as Greeks migrated and settled in other countries, the name spread across various regions.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Keros

The meaning and origin of the last name Keros

The surname Keros is primarily of Greek origin, derived from various locations named Kerous or Kerassos in ancient Greece. These places were located on the island of Lesbos and in the region of Macedonia. Over time, these place names evolved into the surname Keros, which can also be spelled as Kerous, Keross, or Kerus. The name is believed to have been derived from the Greek words 'keras' meaning horn or 'keraugo' meaning boar hunt, possibly referring to a geographical feature or an early settler associated with such. It's interesting to note that this surname has also been found in other countries as a result of Greek migrations, particularly during the Ottoman Empire period and later during the 20th century due to economic reasons.

Geographical distribution of the last name Keros

The surname Keros has its roots in Greece and is primarily found within that country, particularly in regions such as Macedonia, Attica, and the Aegean islands like Lesbos and Chios. Historically, many Greeks emigrated from these areas to other countries seeking better opportunities, and Keros can be found among Greek-origin communities worldwide. In North America, significant concentrations of people bearing this surname are in the United States, particularly in states with large Greek-American populations like New York, Illinois, and California. In Canada, Ontario and British Columbia also have a notable presence of individuals with the Keros name. In Europe, apart from Greece, countries like Australia, Germany, and the United Kingdom also host individuals with the surname Keros, reflecting the global dispersal of Greek emigrants over the centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Keros

The surname Keros has several variations and spelling alternatives, reflecting differences in pronunciation, transliteration, and regional dialects over time. Some of these variants include Kerou, Keroes, Kerosis, Kerosis, Kerow, Kerrow, Kerous, Kerouse, and Kerose. These variations may arise due to factors such as transcription errors, migration, or cultural assimilation. It is also important to note that some individuals may choose to alter their surnames for personal or professional reasons. Therefore, when researching or seeking information related to this last name, it is essential to consider these potential variations to ensure comprehensive results.

Famous people with the last name Keros

The Keros surname is not particularly associated with a large number of globally renowned individuals compared to some other common names. However, one notable figure with this last name is Christos Koukios-Keroles (also known as Chris Keros), a Greek American engineer who played a significant role in the development of the modern computer. Born in Greece, he emigrated to the United States and earned a doctorate in engineering from MIT. He later worked at IBM, where he contributed to the design of early computers such as the IBM 701 and 704. Another notable figure is Stelios Keros, a Canadian professional ice hockey player who played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for teams like the Vancouver Canucks and Ottawa Senators. Despite being less famous than some other individuals with more common surnames, these figures demonstrate the accomplishments that individuals named Keros have achieved in various fields.

Genealogical research on the last name Keros

The surname Keros originates from Greece and is most commonly found in the regions of Crete and Attica. Historically, it's thought to be derived from a place named Keros or Keri, located on the island of Santorini. Some variations of this name include Karos, Caras, and Keramidas.

The Keros family lineage can be traced back to the Byzantine Empire period, with the first known record being that of Constantinos Kerovoulis in the 10th century. The surname evolved through feudal times, with prominent figures such as Demetrios Keros serving as a governor of Candia during Venetian rule in the 16th century.

Throughout the centuries, the family expanded and migrated to various parts of Greece and later Europe. The diaspora led to the establishment of Keros families in countries like the United States, Australia, and Canada. Notable individuals bearing this surname include George Kerkis, a Greek-American artist, and Constantine Keros, an American engineer known for his work on the Hubble Space Telescope.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Keros"
• 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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