Last Name Liapis

The surname Liapis (also spelled Liapis) has Greek origins. It is derived from a personal name that was common among Greeks during the Byzantine Empire period. The name is believed to have been borne by someone who was a "liapites" in ancient Greek, which means "one who is skilled with his hands," referring to a craftsman or artisan. Over time, it became a hereditary surname for descendants of this individual.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Liapis

The meaning and origin of the last name Liapis

The surname Liapis originates from Greece, specifically from the region of Epirus in northern Greece. It is derived from the Greek word "liaphe" which means "lip" or "mouth." This surname was often given to people who had distinctive facial features, such as a prominent lip or mouth. Over time, the spelling and pronunciation of this name have varied due to migration patterns and assimilation into different cultures. Variations of the name include Lias, Liapakis, and Liapis-Zografos. In Greek tradition, names often serve to reflect physical characteristics, occupations, or events in a family's history. The surname Liapis is an example of a patronymic name, where it was originally derived from the father's given name.

Geographical distribution of the last name Liapis

The surname Liapis is predominantly found in Greece, primarily in regions such as Thessaly, Epirus, and the Ionian Islands. A significant number of Liapis families also inhabit the islands of Corfu and Zakynthos. Outside of Greece, the name can be found among Greek diaspora communities, particularly in countries with large Greek populations like the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. The name is less common but may be present in other regions due to historical migration patterns or assimilation.

Variants and spellings of the last name Liapis

The surname Liapis, also spelled Liapides, Liappis, Liapis, Liapitzes, and Liabitis, is a Greek origin name that is believed to have been derived from the Greek word "liabon" which means "to smooth" or "to plane". Variations in the spelling of this name can be attributed to the phonetic differences and regional dialects within Greece. The name may also have different spellings due to the influence of other languages, as many Greeks emigrated to various countries throughout history. Regardless of the spelling, Liapis is a common surname in Greece and Greek communities around the world.

Famous people with the last name Liapis

Notable individuals sharing the surname Liapis include:

* Evangelos Liapis (1937-2021), a Greek politician who served as Mayor of Athens from 1982 to 1994, and later as Minister for Development in the cabinet of Prime Minister Konstantinos Mitsotakis.
* Ioannis Liapis (1965-present), a Greek actor and television host, best known for his roles in popular Greek soap operas such as "I Pote Tis Zois Mou" ("Until My Life's End") and "Agapi stin Kardia" ("Love in the Heart").
* Michael Liapakis (1950-present), a Canadian politician who served as a Member of Parliament for the Liberal Party of Canada, representing the riding of York South—Weston from 2004 to 2015.
* Maria Liapis (1986-present), an American actress and comedian who has appeared in numerous television shows and films, including "Broad City," "The Office," and "Inside Amy Schumer." She is also a writer and producer, known for her work on the web series "Tales of Yore" and "Broke: Short Stories from the Wrong Side of the Tracks."

These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields in Greece, Canada, and the United States.

Genealogical research on the last name Liapis

The surname Liapis originates from Greece, specifically the Aegean island of Symi, where it is one of the most common surnames. It is believed to be derived from the Greek word "liaphes," meaning "oilcloth" or "sailcloth." The earliest recorded instance of the name dates back to the 16th century in Symi, when a family named Liapis was documented as shipowners and merchants. Over time, descendants of this family migrated to various parts of Greece and other countries, most notably to the United States, where the surname is now widely found among Greek-American communities. Notable individuals with the surname Liapis include actors George and Tony Liapis, who are brothers and have both had successful careers in Hollywood. The name Liapis remains common within the Greek diaspora, particularly among those of Symian descent.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Liapis"
• 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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