Last Name Meletis

Learn more about the origin of the last name Meletis

The meaning and origin of the last name Meletis

Meletis is a Greek surname of patronymic origin, meaning "son of Meletios." The name Meletios derives from the Greek word "meletēs," which means "counselor" or "adviser." It is a name that has its roots in ancient Greek culture and can be traced back to the Byzantine period. The surname Meletis likely originated as a way to identify the descendants of someone who held a position of authority or wisdom within their community. Over time, the surname would have been passed down through generations, with each new bearer carrying on the legacy of their ancestor. Today, the surname Meletis can be found predominantly in Greece and among Greek diaspora communities around the world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Meletis

The last name Meletis is most commonly found in Greece, particularly in the regions of Athens, Thessaloniki, and Crete. It is believed to have originated from the Greek word "meleti," meaning care or concern. The surname can also be found among the Greek diaspora in countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and Germany. In the United States, individuals with the surname Meletis are predominantly located in states with large Greek populations, such as New York, Massachusetts, and Illinois. The distribution of the last name Meletis is indicative of the historical migration patterns of Greek immigrants, as well as the cultural ties that continue to bind the Greek diaspora around the world.

Variants and spellings of the last name Meletis

Meletis is a Greek surname with various spellings and variations. Common variants of Meletis include Meletos, Melitis, Melitos, Melitis, Miletis, and Milits. These variations may stem from regional dialects, differences in transliteration, or historical changes in the spelling of the name. Additionally, in some cases, the surname may have been anglicized or altered over time as family members migrated to different countries or regions. Despite the different spellings and variations, all of these names ultimately trace back to the same Greek origin and likely share a common ancestral lineage. The diversity of spellings and variations of the surname Meletis highlights the rich history and complexity of Greek surnames and the linguistic nuances that have shaped them over the centuries.

Famous people with the last name Meletis

One famous individual with the last name Meletis is Konstantinos Meletis, a renowned Greek film producer known for his work on critically acclaimed movies such as "Dogtooth" and "The Lobster." His innovative approach to storytelling and artistic vision has earned him numerous awards and accolades in the film industry. Another notable figure with the last name Meletis is Dr. Gregory Meletis, a leading oncologist and researcher whose groundbreaking work in cancer treatment has revolutionized the way we approach this disease. His dedication to improving patient outcomes and advancing medical technology has made him a respected figure in the field of healthcare. Overall, the Meletis family has made significant contributions to various fields, leaving a lasting impact on their respective industries.

Genealogical research on the last name Meletis

The surname Meletis is of Greek origin and is believed to have derived from the first name Meletios, which means "brave" or "courageous." It is a relatively uncommon surname and is primarily found in Greece and among Greek diaspora communities around the world. Family records indicate that the Meletis family has a long history rooted in the region of Epirus in northern Greece. Through genealogical research, it has been discovered that the Meletis family has connections to prominent figures in Greek history and has been traced back several generations. The name Meletis carries with it a sense of pride and honor among family members, who continue to celebrate their heritage and traditions. However, due to the limited availability of historical records, there may be gaps in the family tree that require further investigation to fully uncover the lineage of the Meletis surname.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "meletis"
• 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 : 11 April 2025