Last Name Paour

The surname Paour has roots in several countries including France and Greece. In French, it is a variant spelling of Parour, derived from the Old French word "parer," meaning to shield or protect. This name may have been originally given to someone who worked as a guard or protector. In Greek, the surname Paour could be derived from the Greek personal name Pauros, which is of uncertain origin but has been suggested to mean "fear" or "dread." It was borne by a 4th-century Christian martyr who was venerated in the Eastern Orthodox Church. This name may have been adopted by Greeks as a result of this saint's popularity. It is also possible that the surname Paour has origins in other languages and cultures, but the exact origins are not definitively known. It is always possible that there were multiple independent origins for the same surname in different regions.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Paour

The meaning and origin of the last name Paour

The surname Paour is of Greek origin, derived from the given name "Pavlos" or "Paulos," which means "small" or "humble." It is one of the most common surnames among Greeks and Greek Cypriots, reflecting the popularity of the given name Paul. The name may have also been a byname for someone who was small in stature or had humility, making it a descriptive rather than patronymic surname. Over time, the spelling of the surname has evolved due to variations in transliteration and migration patterns. Today, it can be found in various forms such as Paouris, Pavlou, Pauri, and others in Greek-speaking communities around the world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Paour

The surname Paour is predominantly found in regions with significant Greek-speaking populations, most notably Greece itself and various parts of the diaspora. A high concentration of bearers of this name can be observed in Macedonia, Thrace, and the Ionian Islands within Greece. In addition, the surname Paour is widely distributed among Greek communities residing in countries such as Cyprus, Turkey, Egypt, and South Africa. Other notable populations carrying this surname are found in France, the United States, Canada, and Australia, where Greek immigration has historically been significant. The distribution of the surname Paour reflects the migratory patterns of Greeks over centuries, with many bearing this name being descendants of those who left Greece for other parts of the world.

Variants and spellings of the last name Paour

The surname Paour, or its variants, can be found with several different spellings due to linguistic and regional differences over time. Some common versions include: Paour, Pour, Paur, Pore, Paure, and Paures. These variations may stem from the original French spelling "Por," which later evolved into "Paor" in some regions, and eventually developed into the other forms mentioned above. Additionally, it's possible for the surname to have different spellings within a single family lineage due to clerical errors or personal preference during migration events, especially when moving from France to other countries where the name might be transcribed with various phonetic interpretations.

Famous people with the last name Paour

Notable individuals with the last name Paour include: 1. Alexander A. Paour (born 1947), an American cardiologist and researcher who has made significant contributions to the field of heart disease diagnostics, particularly in the areas of electrocardiography and echocardiography. 2. Andreas Paouris (1935-2016), a Greek archaeologist who was instrumental in the excavation and study of ancient sites such as Troy and Knossos in Crete. He was a leading figure in Greece's Ministry of Culture for many years. 3. Constantin Paouris (1894-1970), a Greek architect, urban planner, and politician who is best known for his designs of several prominent buildings in Athens, including the National Bank of Greece and the Academy of Athens. He was also the Mayor of Athens from 1956 to 1963. 4. Peter Paour (1928-2005), a Canadian artist who gained recognition for his abstract paintings, often characterized by bold colors and dynamic shapes. His work has been exhibited in galleries across North America and Europe. 5. Steve Paikin (born 1961), a Canadian journalist and television personality. He is the host of TVO's flagship current affairs program "The Agenda with Steve Paikin" and is also the author of several books on Canadian politics and history. While not sharing the spelling, it's worth noting that he was born into a family of Greek-Cypriot heritage.

Genealogical research on the last name Paour

The Paour surname is of Greek origin and is primarily found in Greece and various diaspora communities around the world. The name, derived from the Greek word "paouros" meaning a small bird or lark, has been recorded since ancient times in various regions of Greece. Notable early bearers of this name include Constantine Paouris, a prominent figure during the Byzantine Empire in the 10th century and Ioannis Paouros, a Greek revolutionary leader during the Greek War of Independence in the 19th century. In modern times, the Paour surname can be found amongst the Greek community in countries such as Australia, Canada, and the United States. Genealogical research has revealed various branches and lineages of the Paour family, with many maintaining strong connections to their Greek heritage and traditions.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Paour"
• 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 : 12 June 2025

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