What is the origin of the last name Michaelides?

The surname Michaelides has its roots in Greece. It is derived from the Greek given name Michail (Μιχαήλ), which is the Greek form of Michael, a name of Hebrew origin meaning "who is like God?" In Greece, it was common for individuals to adopt a patronymic surname based on their father's first name. Thus, the surname Michaelides would have been given to someone whose father was named Michail. The "-es" ending is a common Greek patronymic suffix indicating "son of."

Learn more about the origin of the last name Michaelides

The meaning and origin of the last name Michaelides

The surname Michaelides is of Greek origin, derived from the given name Michael, which is of Hebrew origin and means "who is like God." In Greek, the name Michael translates to Μιχαήλ (Michaēl). Over the centuries, various forms of the name have emerged due to differences in spelling, phonetic interpretation, and migration. The surname Michaelides specifically refers to an individual or family originating from Greece, where the name has been common for centuries. The suffix "-ides" is a common Greek patronymic, meaning "son of." Therefore, Michaelides signifies "son of Michael," indicating familial lineage.

Geographical distribution of the last name Michaelides

The surname Michaelides is predominantly of Greek origin and has a significant presence within the Greek community, particularly in Greece itself. A substantial number of people with this last name can be found in various regions across Greece, such as Attica, where Athens is located, as well as Crete and other islands. Beyond Greece, there are also significant diaspora communities carrying the surname Michaelides, primarily in countries that have historically had large Greek immigrant populations, including Cyprus, the United States, Canada, Australia, and South Africa. In the U.S., for instance, concentrations of Michaelides families can be found in urban areas with sizable Greek-American communities like New York City, Chicago, and Los Angeles.

Variants and spellings of the last name Michaelides

The surname Michaelides has several variations and spellings due to differences in transliteration and regional pronunciation. Some common variants include Michaelidis, Michailides, Michelides, Michalides, and Michaelydes. Additionally, there might be slight alterations based on country-specific phonetic rules, such as Michaelidou (feminine form) in Greek-speaking regions. It's essential to note that the spelling can change depending on the individual's preference or the language they primarily use.

Famous people with the last name Michaelides

Notable individuals with the surname Michaelides include:

1. Nicholas Michaelides, a Cypriot-British political scientist who is currently a professor at the London School of Economics (LSE). His research focuses on international relations and European integration.

2. Christos Tsiolis (also known as Chris Michaelides), a British-Cypriot entrepreneur and founder of several successful tech companies, including the digital marketing agency We Are Social.

3. Euripides L. Michaelides, a prominent Cypriot politician who served as Minister of Education and Culture, Minister of Defense, and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs in various governments from 1988 to 2004.

4. Marios Michaelides, a Cypriot-Australian mathematician known for his work on the theory of algebraic curves and their applications in number theory. He is a professor at the University of Sydney.

These individuals have made significant contributions in various fields such as politics, academia, entrepreneurship, and mathematics.

Genealogical research on the last name Michaelides

The surname Michaelides originates from Greece and is a variant of the more common Greek surname Michailidis, which derives from the given name Michail or Michael, a variation of the Hebrew name Mikha'el (meaning "who is like God?"). The name is believed to have been brought to Greece by Venetian or Genoese traders during the Middle Ages. Historically, it was common among Greek Orthodox families in regions such as Crete, the Peloponnese, and Constantinople. Notable individuals with the surname Michaelides include Greek philosopher Evangelos Mantzikertis (1875-1936), Greek painter Konstantinos Michaelidis (1854-1922), and Cypriot politician Neoklis Sylikiotis (born 1963). The name is also found among the Greek diaspora in countries such as Cyprus, Australia, and the United States.

Last name distribution maps

Chargement de la carte...

NomOrigine Team
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 :

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below:

Similar Last Names