Clues in Greek Last Names and Other Genealogy Resources

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Certain Greek surname suffixes are associated with various parts of Greece, providing clues to where a family might have originated. Here are common place-based suffixes:

akis: Crete and the Aegean Islands
akos: Laconia
as: Macedonia and the Epirus
atos or –etos: Ionian islands
eas: Messenian part of the Mani peninsula
allis or –ellis: Dodecanese islands, mainly Rhodes
iadia or –iades: Asia Minor
idis or –ides: Asia Minor
lis: Turkey
oglou: Asia Minor
ou: Cyprus
opoulos: originally Peloponnesus, but now widespread throughout Greece

Greek Genealogy Research Tips

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Get ready to rush into your roots research—we’ll initiate you to the alpha and omega of discovering your Hellenic heritage.

Greek Genealogy Records Terms

Familiarize yourself with these Greek genealogy terms, and you’ll be more comfortable using your ancestors’ Greek records. We give both the Greek word and a transliteration.