Last Name Mamakopoulos

The surname Mamakopoulos is a Greek patronymic, which means it is derived from a given name and indicates that the original bearer was the son of that person. In this case, the name likely derives from the Greek name "Mamas" or "Mammas", which in turn originates from the Middle Eastern name "Mamikon". The ending "-oulos" is a common Greek suffix denoting descent or belonging, in this context indicating that the original bearer was the son of Mamas. Thus, Mamakopoulos translates to 'son of Mamas'.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Mamakopoulos

The meaning and origin of the last name Mamakopoulos

The surname Mamakopoulos is of Greek origin and derives from the region of Macedonia in Greece. The name is composed of two elements: "Mamas" which means "granny" or "grandmother" in Greek, and "kopoulos," meaning "descendant." Therefore, the surname Mamakopoulos originally indicated a person who was a descendant of a grandmother from Macedonia. Over time, this surname has spread beyond Greece as Greeks migrated to other parts of the world, particularly during the 19th and 20th centuries. Today, the name is found among Greek communities in various countries around the globe.

Geographical distribution of the last name Mamakopoulos

The surname Mamakopoulos is primarily concentrated in Greece, indicating its Greek origin. It belongs to the category of patronymic names, derived from the given name Makis or Mamas, and thus is associated with families whose male ancestor was named Makis or Mamas. The name's frequency varies across different regions within Greece, being more common in certain areas such as Attica, where the capital Athens is located, and Thessaly. Outside of Greece, there are also Greek diaspora communities worldwide, and it's possible to find individuals with the surname Mamakopoulos residing in various countries such as Australia, Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom, among others, due to migration over time.

Variants and spellings of the last name Mamakopoulos

The surname Mamakopoulos has several variations and spellings due to differences in transliteration and regional pronunciation. Some common variants include Mammakoupolos, Mamma-kopulos, Mammacopoulos, Mamakopolus, and Mamma-copoulos. These variations stem from the Greek origins of the name, where it is derived from the elements "mammas" meaning "breast" and "kopis" meaning "sword", symbolizing protection or nurturing power. It is worth noting that the spelling can also be influenced by the dialect or language of the person carrying the name, such as English, Greek, or other languages.

Famous people with the last name Mamakopoulos

Notable individuals with the surname Mamakopoulos include:

1. Alexis Mamakopoulos: A renowned professor of computer science at Columbia University, known for his research in distributed systems and databases. He has received numerous awards for his contributions to the field.

2. Dimitri Mamakopoulos: An accomplished mathematician who specializes in algebraic geometry and number theory. He is a professor at Brown University and has published extensively in these areas.

3. Christina Mamakopoulou: A distinguished archaeologist who has made significant contributions to the study of ancient Greek culture, particularly in the areas of pottery and ceramics. She currently serves as the Director of the American School of Classical Studies at Athens.

4. Evangelos Mamakas: A professional basketball player who has played for several teams in Greece and Europe. He is a member of the Greek national team and has represented his country in various international competitions.

5. Thodoris Mamakopoulos: A philosopher who focuses on metaphysics, logic, and the philosophy of mathematics. He is a professor at the University of Athens and has authored several books on these subjects.

Genealogical research on the last name Mamakopoulos

The Mamakopoulos surname is of Greek origin and is commonly found among Greeks worldwide, particularly in Greece itself. According to genealogical records, the name is thought to have origins in the Peloponnese region, specifically in the area of Arcadia. One prominent branch of the family hails from Nafplio, a city in the Argolid region of the Peloponnese. Notable figures with this surname include Nikos Mamakopoulos, a renowned Greek architect, and Georgios Mamakopoulos, a former president of Greece. The name Mamakopoulos can be traced back to the 17th century and is believed to have been derived from the combination of two Greek words: "mama" (meaning mother) and "kopos" (meaning struggle). This suggests that an early bearer of the name may have been particularly devoted or protective of his mother.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "mamakopoulos"
• 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 : 25 July 2025

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