Last Name Stavros

The surname Stavros originates from Greece. It is a variant of the Greek given name "Stavros," which means "cross" in English. This name was commonly given to boys born on the Christian holiday of Good Friday, commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, and was also used as a symbol of Christianity. The surname Stavros is most prevalent among Greek-speaking communities and their diaspora around the world.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Stavros

The meaning and origin of the last name Stavros

The surname Stavros has Greek origins and is derived from the Greek word 'stavros' which means 'cross'. It was often given to Christians as a symbol of faith, due to the significance of the cross in Christianity. The name may have also been given to individuals who lived near or worked on a cross-shaped landmark. In Greece, it is one of the most common surnames and can be found in many parts of the country, particularly in the Aegean Islands, where it is often spelled as Stavridis or Stavrakis due to the common practice of patronymic naming in Greek culture. The name Stavros has been borne by notable figures throughout history, including Saint Stavros, a 4th-century martyr, and Stavros Niarchos, a prominent Greek shipping magnate.

Geographical distribution of the last name Stavros

The surname Stavros is predominantly found in regions with historical connections to Greece, particularly the Peloponnese and certain Aegean islands. It also has a significant presence among Greek communities in Cyprus, as well as in various diaspora communities around the world, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. The name is less common but can still be found in other parts of Southern Europe and in some Middle Eastern countries. This geographical distribution reflects both historical population movements and the spread of the Greek diaspora over time.

Variants and spellings of the last name Stavros

The surname Stavros has several variations and spellings. They include Stavros, Stavro, Stavrou, Stavroulakis, Stavropoulos, Stavrakis, Stavaros, Stavroglou, and Stavridis. These versions can also be found with different endings such as -es, -ou, -aki, or -idis depending on the region of origin. The name is predominantly Greek in origin and is derived from the word "stavros," which means cross in English. This surname is common in Greece, Cyprus, and other regions with a significant Greek population. The variations are a result of differences in spelling rules, regional dialects, and personal preference over time.

Famous people with the last name Stavros

Notable individuals bearing the surname Stavros include:

1. Stavros Niarchos (1909-1996), a Greek shipping tycoon and philanthropist, who was one of the wealthiest people in the world during his lifetime.
2. Stavros Theodorou (born 1948), a Cypriot composer, best known for his collaboration with singer Anna Vissi.
3. Stavros Katsigakis (born 1950), a Greek-American computer scientist and the founder of CyberSource Corporation, which was later acquired by Visa.
4. Stavros Kalogeropoulos (born 1982), a Greek professional basketball player who has played for several clubs in Greece and abroad.
5. Stavros Stavridis (born 1950), a retired United States Navy admiral of Greek descent, who served as the Supreme Allied Commander Europe from 2009 to 2013.

These individuals have made significant contributions to various fields such as business, music, sports, and military service.

Genealogical research on the last name Stavros

The surname Stavros has Greek origins, dating back to the Byzantine Empire. It is derived from the Greek word "stavros," meaning cross, which was often given to children born during significant religious events, such as the feast day of Saint Helena, who is traditionally said to have discovered the True Cross upon which Jesus was crucified. The name Stavros has been widely distributed throughout Greece and its diaspora communities due to historical events such as the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in 1453 and subsequent waves of migration. Notable individuals with the surname include Stavros Niarchos, a Greek shipping magnate, and Stavros Kostes, a Greek-American academic. The family name can also be found in various spellings such as Stavro, Stavrou, Stavropoulos, and others, reflecting regional variations in pronunciation and spelling.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Stavros"
• 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 June 2025

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