Surname Alkis - Meaning and Origin
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Alkis: What does the surname Alkis mean?
The last name Alkis is a Greek name and is one of the oldest surnames found in Greece. It is thought to derive from the pre-Greek word "alkos" which means strength or power. This is echoed in the Greek work "alkē" which means strength or power as well. Throughout history, many Greek names have been changed or adapted so it is possible that Alkis began as a longer or different form than it is currently most commonly known.
Alkis was traditionally a surname given to noble families in both Greece and Cyprus, providing the bearer with a level of prestige. It is most commonly found on the islands of Cyprus, Crete, and parts of Greece. Today, however, it is widely recognized across the Greek diaspora, with many families holding the surname in distant lands such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom.
Aside from representing strength and power, Alkis also carries a sense of leadership, honour, and responsibility. The name is widely associated with the concept of defending those less powerful, suggesting the bearer of the surname is both brave and caring. There is even a Greek phrase which translates as "His name is Alkis" - used in referring to someone who has shown exemplary behaviour.
Altogether, the Alkis surname carries a proud and strong meaning and has long been a sign of nobility and prestige to those fortunate enough to bear it.
Order DNA origin analysisAlkis: Where does the name Alkis come from?
The last name Alkis is predominantly found in Greece today. Although it has a venerable history in Greece, Alkis is also a common family name in some other countries and regions around the world.
In the Ottoman Empire, Alkis began as a surname during the middle of the 19th century, and was first recorded in the villages of Anatolia (present-day Turkey). It can also be found in Romania and Bulgaria, where it first appeared in the 18th century.
In the United States, Alkis is commonly attributed to immigrants who came to the US from Greece. The first Alkis to arrive was Demosthenes Alkis, who came in 1904. His brother followed him in 1914. Many of his descendants can still be found in the US today, living mainly in California.
In addition to these countries, Alkis can also be found in Australia and New Zealand, as well as in some parts of Canada, Scandinavia, and Western Europe. It is likely that many of these individuals are descended from Greek migrants who moved to these countries during the 20th century.
All in all, Alkis is a unique and ancient surname with an interesting past, and one that continues to be passed down through generations in many countries around the world.
Variations of the surname Alkis
The surname Alkis is most prevalent in Greece and Turkey, and many variants exist. Common spellings include Alkis, Alchis, Alches, Alkys, Alchese, Alkez, and Alkezjian. In Turkey, the surname is usually spelled Alkis, whilst in Greece the Greek form Alchis is more common.
When translated into English, Alkis or Alchis is usually spelled Alcis or Alkys. Alkys is the Latin spelling for Alkis, and is sometimes found with a final e, such as in the spelling Alkyse. Another Latinised variant of the name is Alkez or Alkezjian.
The surname Alkis has several surnames associated with it, including Alchoury, Alighieri, Alkezde, Alkizy, and Alkias. These surnames are derived from Alkis and represent variations in spelling or a patronymic translation.
Finally, Alkis is a patronymic name, meaning it is derived from a personal name. The most common source of the surname Alkis is from the name Aleksis, the Greek form of the Greek name Alex. Other related names include Alecko, Aleks, Aleksandar, Alxander, Alxsander, and Alejandro.
Famous people with the name Alkis
- Antonia Alkis: Greek actress and Instagram influencer
- Olya Alkis: Ethiopian fashion and beauty model
- Elina Alkis: Greek classical singer and boxer
- Katerina Alkis: Greek singer and composer
- Christos Alkis: Greek actor and television host
- Dimitris Alkis: Greek basketball player
- Georgios Alkis: Greek actor, director and writer
- Nikos Alkis: Greek football player
- Angelos Alkis: Greek swimmer
- Stavros Alkis: Greek soccer player