Last Name Zafiropoulos

The surname Zafiropoulos is of Greek origin. It is derived from two Greek words: "zafir" which means 'sapphire' and "poulos" meaning 'son of'. Thus, the name Zafiropoulos originally meant 'son of the sapphire one'. This surname can be found among the Greek population, particularly in Greece and among the Greek diaspora.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Zafiropoulos

The meaning and origin of the last name Zafiropoulos

The surname Zafiropoulos is of Greek origin, derived from the elements "Zafiro" (saphhire, sapphire) and "poulos" (little). It was likely a nickname for someone who was compared to the precious stone sapphire due to their beauty, intelligence, or other distinctive characteristics. The surname Zafiropoulos is commonly found among Greeks, particularly those originating from the regions of Macedonia and Thrace in northern Greece. As with many Greek surnames, it may have evolved over time due to various factors such as geographical location, occupational changes, or simply by personal preference. The name's popularity outside of Greece is relatively low, but it remains a common surname among the diaspora communities.

Geographical distribution of the last name Zafiropoulos

The surname Zafiropoulos is predominantly found in regions with significant Greek populations, primarily Greece itself and various diaspora communities. In Greece, it is most concentrated in the region of Western Macedonia and particularly in the city of Kozani, where it originates from. Outside of Greece, large numbers can be found in countries with historic Greek settlements, such as Cyprus and various parts of the United States, including New York City, Chicago, and Los Angeles. Smaller communities can also be found in Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. The distribution pattern suggests a migration history of individuals bearing the surname Zafiropoulos from their ancestral home in Greece to other parts of the world.

Variants and spellings of the last name Zafiropoulos

The surname Zafiropoulos has several variations and spelling alternatives due to differences in transliteration from the Greek language, regional dialects, and individual preferences. Some of the most common variants include: Zafirapoulos, Zaffiropulou, Zafiris, Zaphiridis, Zafiriou, Zafiris-Poulos, and Zafirispolous. Additionally, shortened or anglicized versions might include Zafiropo, Zaf, Zafir, or Poulos as a separate name. It's important to note that the spelling of names can vary based on factors like immigration records, personal preference, or cultural influences.

Famous people with the last name Zafiropoulos

Notable individuals with the surname Zafiris/Zafiropoulos include:

1. Stelios Zafiroupolos (born 1948), a Greek-American mathematician, known for his work in the field of operator theory.
2. Nick Zaffiro (born 1956), an American professional wrestler who performed under the ring name Big Boss Man and was a two-time World Tag Team Champion with the WWE.
3. George Zafiris (born 1948), a Greek former water polo player, who competed in the 1972 Summer Olympics and won a silver medal as part of the Greek team.
4. Yorgos Zafiropoulos (born 1960), a Greek actor, best known for his roles in films such as "Electra" and "The Weeping Meadow."
5. Anastasia Zafiroglou (born 1987), a Greek actress, known for her work in television series like "To Nisi Tis Aretis" and "The Island."
6. Dimitrios Zafiropoulos (born 1930), a Greek politician who served as the Minister of Finance from 1994 to 1995.
7. Yannis Zafiris (1928-2020), a renowned Greek archaeologist, specializing in ancient Greek pottery and excavation sites like Vergina and Thessaloniki.

Genealogical research on the last name Zafiropoulos

The surname Zafiropoulos originates from Greece and is a variant of the more common surnames Zafiris and Poulos. The name Zafiris is derived from the Greek word 'zafir', meaning sapphire, while Poulos is derived from 'poule', meaning 'small' or 'young bull'. The combination of these two names results in Zafiropoulos, which is commonly found among Greeks.

The name Zafiropoulos can be traced back to the Byzantine Empire period, with variations such as Zaphyropoulos and Zafiris also documented during this time. The surname gained significant popularity after the Greek Revolution of 1821, when many Greeks adopted new surnames as part of a movement to distance themselves from their Ottoman overlords.

Today, the name Zafiropoulos is most prevalent in Greece but can also be found in other countries with large Greek diaspora communities such as the United States, Canada, and Australia. Notable individuals bearing this surname include Nikos Zafiropoulos, a prominent Greek lawyer, politician, and former Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Panagiotis Zafiropoulos, a Greek professional basketball player who has played for various European clubs and the Greek national team.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "zafiropoulos"
• 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 : 29 July 2025

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