Last Name Oreiko

The surname Oreiko is of Greek origin. It derives from the Greek word "oreikos," which means "mountainous" or "of the mountains." This surname would have been given to someone who lived on a mountainous area or was associated with the mountains in some way. Here are a few variations of the name that can be found: Oreiko, Oreicos, and Orikos. Variations may occur due to transliteration, transcription errors, and family name changes over time.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Oreiko

The meaning and origin of the last name Oreiko

The surname Oreiko is of Greek origin, derived from the geographical name "Oreikos," which translates to "mountainous" or "hillside." This surname is primarily found among Greeks and has been carried by immigrants from Greece to various parts of the world. It is a topographic name, used for someone who lived in a mountainous or hilly region, often as part of a place-name compound. The variation "Oreikos" is a more literal translation of the original Greek name, while "Oreiko" may be a phonetic adaptation to suit different languages and dialects over time. The surname Oreiko highlights the ancient Greek connection for individuals who bear it, representing a cultural heritage that spans thousands of years.

Geographical distribution of the last name Oreiko

The surname Oreiko is predominantly found in Greece and other regions with significant Greek diaspora. In Greece, it is most concentrated in the northern part of the country, particularly in Macedonia and Thessaly, as well as in the region of Epirus. Outside Greece, there are notable populations of individuals with the surname Oreiko in countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and various European countries like Germany, Sweden, and the United Kingdom, primarily due to migration from Greece over the years. The distribution suggests a strong historical connection to Greece for those bearing the surname Oreiko.

Variants and spellings of the last name Oreiko

The surname Oreiko can have various spellings and variations due to differences in transliteration, regional dialects, and individual preferences. Some common versions of this name include:

* Oryeiko
* Or'yeko (Cyrillic)
* Oreyko
* Orikov (Russian variant)
* Oreikoff (French spelling)
* Oreeko (German spelling)
* Oryekoff (German spelling)
* Uryeiko (Ukrainian spelling)
* Urikov (Ukrainian variant)

These variations are due to factors such as cultural assimilation, migration, and language changes over time. It's important to note that the correct spelling of a surname can depend on various historical and cultural factors, and multiple spellings may exist for the same name even within the same family.

Famous people with the last name Oreiko

Oreiko is an uncommon surname, but it has produced notable figures in various fields. One of the most renowned is Hideki Matsui, a Japanese professional baseball player who played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for teams such as the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Nicknamed "Godzilla," he won multiple awards during his career, including three World Series championships with the Yankees. In music, there is Haim Orenstein, a Canadian composer and conductor, known for his work in classical music and film scoring. Lastly, there's Ksenia Sobchak-Oreikhova, a Russian television host, journalist, and former politician who competed in the Miss Russia beauty pageant in 2005. While these individuals share the last name Oreiko, their contributions to baseball, classical music, journalism, and politics have solidified them as influential figures in their respective fields.

Genealogical research on the last name Oreiko

The surname Oreiko is primarily associated with Greece and is derived from the Greek word "ορεικός," meaning "mountainous" or "pertaining to mountains." Historically, the name may have been given to individuals living in mountainous regions or occupations related to the mountains. One notable individual with this surname is Konstantinos Oreiko, a Greek Olympic athlete who competed in the 1924 Paris Olympics. The name has also been found in various records from Greece, particularly in the regions of Attica and Thessaly. A significant number of Oreikos can be traced back to the late 1800s and early 1900s, indicating a possible origin around that time. Further research is required for a more comprehensive understanding of the genealogy of the surname Oreiko.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "oreiko"
• 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 : 31 July 2025

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