Several recent studies by the Greek Statistical Agency (ELSTAT) have revealed the most popular male and female names in Greece.
Greek names are steeped in history, tradition, and deep cultural meaning, making them far more than just identifiers. They draw from ancient mythology, Orthodox Christianity, and family customs, often chosen with great care to honor both ancestors and saints.
Names in Greece follow the wishes of the grandparents
in Greece, it is quite common for parents to baptize their children according to the wishes of the grandparents, particularly when it comes to the child’s name. This tradition is deeply rooted in Greek culture and Orthodox Christian customs.
It is traditional for the firstborn son to be named after the paternal grandfather, and the firstborn daughter to be named after the paternal grandmother. The second-born children are often named after the maternal grandparents.
Most popular male names in Greece
According to ELSTAT statistics, the most common male name in Greece is Giorgos (George). More than 10 percent of Greeks have the name in honor of Saint George, also George of Lydda, an early Christian martyr who is venerated as a saint in Christianity. According to tradition, he was a soldier in the Roman army.
Following Giorgos is Yiannis or Giannis with 8 percent of Greeks adopting that name. Giannis Antetokounmpo is perhaps one of the most famous Greeks who was baptized as Giannis to honor John the Baptist one of the central figures of Christianity, preacher and baptizer on the banks of the Jordan River; the forerunner, herald and baptizer of Jesus of Nazareth.
Kostas or Konstantinos follows very close. The name honors Constantine I also known as Constantine the Great, a Roman emperor from AD 306 to 337 and the first Roman emperor to convert to Christianity.
In 4th place is Nikos with 7.30 percent and in 5th is Dimitris. Sixth in the ranking is Panagiotis, followed by Vassilis, Christos, Thanasis and Andreas.
Among the 20 most common names in Greece is Anastasios or Tasos, Manolis, Charalambos which has some diminutives (Haris, Babis, Lampis), Ilias and Alexandros.
Most popular female names in Greece
Top of the list is Maria. According to ELSTAT statistics 10 percent of Greek women are called Maria. Maria Callas and Maria Menounos are among the most famous Greek women with this name.
Next is Eleni and in third place is Katerina who 50 years ago might have been called Kate.
Vasiliki (or Vasso) follows on 4 percent with Panagiota (or Giota) with about 2.5 percent. There are also many females called Irene (or Rena), Angeliki, and Georgia, The name Dimitra occupies the 11th place, while the 12th place is shared by Anna and Ioanna.
Konstantina, Anastasia, Paraskevi, Christina”, Stavroula, Despina and Kalliopi, which was once Popi. One in 100 Greek women have either the name Fotini, or Alexandra, or Chrysa, or Athina, or Theodora.
A few decades ago there was a trend that was considered “xenomania”, borrowing names mainly from the English language: Betty and Angie were popular in the past, but almost forgotten today.
