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Last Name Sotiropoulos

What is the origin of the last name Sotiropoulos?

The surname Sotiropoulos is a Greek patronymic, derived from the given name Sotirios, meaning "savior" in Greek. It is traditionally borne by individuals whose male ancestor was named Sotirios. The use of patronymics, where the surname reflects the father's first name, is common in many cultures with a long history of oral traditions before written records were widely used. The Greek system of patronymics developed around the Middle Ages and continues to be widely used today.

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Learn more about the origin of the last name Sotiropoulos

The meaning and origin of the last name Sotiropoulos

The surname Sotiropoulos is of Greek origin. It is derived from two Greek words: "soteros," meaning savior or protector, and "poulos" which means little or small. Collectively, it translates to "little savior." This surname was typically given to children born during times when the family was in need of a protector or had recently experienced a crisis. The name is common among Greeks, particularly those who reside in the coastal regions of western Greece and the Ionian Islands. The name's popularity can be attributed to its symbolic meaning and its association with protection and safety. The name Sotiropoulos has been carried across generations and continents, reflecting the resilience and adaptability of Greek families over time.

Geographical distribution of the last name Sotiropoulos

The surname Sotiropoulos is predominantly found in regions historically part of Greece and its diaspora. Its highest concentration is observed in the Peloponnese, particularly in the regions of Messenia, Laconia, and Arcadia. Other significant numbers reside in Central Greece, notably in the region of Boeotia. Beyond Greece, Sotiropoulos is a common surname among Hellenic communities in Cyprus. The diaspora includes populations in countries such as Australia, Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom, primarily in urban areas with sizeable Greek immigrant populations. Notably, the cities of Melbourne, Toronto, New York, and London have substantial numbers of individuals bearing this surname. The distribution pattern reflects both historical migration patterns and the retention of traditional surnames among descendants of Greek immigrants.

Variants and spellings of the last name Sotiropoulos

The surname Sotiropoulos has several variations and spellings, largely due to differences in transliteration from Greek to other languages. Some common variations include Soteropulos, Sotirapoulos, Sotirispoulos, Soterospoulos, Sotiroupolous, Sotiropolous, Sotirispolos, and Sotiriopoulos. These variations may arise due to regional dialects in Greece or differences in how the name has been transcribed into other languages over time. In some cases, the name may also be spelled with different accents, such as Sotiropoulós or Sotiropoloús. It is important to note that there is no universally correct way to spell this name, and all of these variations are valid representations of it.

Famous people with the last name Sotiropoulos

Notable individuals with the surname Sotiropoulos include:

1. George Sotiropoulos (born 1983), an Australian mixed martial artist and former professional rugby league footballer who competed in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).
2. Dora Sotiropoulou (born 1950), a Greek Olympic swimmer who won two gold medals at the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City.
3. Nikolaos Sotiropoulos (born 1976), a Greek footballer who played as a midfielder for various clubs in Greece and abroad, including Olympiacos F.C.
4. Michael Sotiropoulos (born 1960), an Australian rugby league football coach who has worked with teams such as the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs and New Zealand Warriors in the National Rugby League (NRL).
5. Costas Sotiropoulos (born 1963), a Greek sailor who represented Greece at the 2004 Summer Olympics and won two consecutive America's Cup titles with Oracle Team USA in 2010 and 2013.

Genealogical research on the last name Sotiropoulos

The Sotiropoulos surname originates from Greece and is a common variant of Sophocles, an ancient Greek name derived from the elements "sophos" (wise) and "poleos" (citizen). The name was traditionally found in several regions of Greece, with notable concentrations in the Peloponnese, Central Greece, and Macedonia.

The first recorded spelling of the Sotiropoulos surname can be traced back to the Byzantine Empire during the Middle Ages. Throughout the centuries, the family expanded through various parts of Greece due to migrations, political upheavals, and societal changes. Notable bearers of this surname include historical figures such as Konstantinos Sotiropoulos, a prominent Greek revolutionary who participated in the Greek War of Independence in the 19th century.

Modern-day Sotiropoulos families can be found across Greece and various diaspora communities worldwide, particularly in countries like Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States, reflecting historical events such as the mass emigration from Greece during the early 20th century. Genealogical research on the Sotiropoulos surname continues to uncover rich histories and connections among its members worldwide.

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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 : 15 June 2025

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