Surname Karakis - Meaning and Origin
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Karakis: What does the surname Karakis mean?
The last name Karakis is derived from the Greek word "karatza", meaning "walnut". This origin is evident in several other places in Greece. It is likely that the first known bearers of this surname were involved in the harvesting or processing of walnuts, given the association of walnuts with the Greek diet. Over time, the surname has spread, appearing in locations across Europe.
The meaning of the surname can be symbolic of good fortune and patience. This is seen in the nature of the nut, which takes time and care to cultivate. Additionally, the walnut is a symbol of fertility and abundance. It is believed that the trees bearing the fruit provide good luck and blessings to those who take care of them.
The many possible variations in spelling of the name could suggest that the family had a long history of migrating, both within and outside of Greece itself. This is backed up by the presence of the name in countries such as Serbia, Croatia and Czechia.
The surname Karakis has origins steeped in the culture and traditions of Greece, and today the name is renowned for its symbolism and links to good fortune. For those with this as their surname, it may be a sign of strength, resilience and a reminder of their ancestral history.
Order DNA origin analysisKarakis: Where does the name Karakis come from?
The last name Karakis is most common today in Greece, as well as certain other parts of Central Europe and the Balkans. It is a fairly rare surname, so its concentrations elsewhere are not particularly notable.
In Greece, the last name Karakis has grown more popular throughout the last few decades. According to Greek census records, between 2011 and 2019, the name was found more than 5,000 times. It is the 21st most popular Greek last name in the country and tends to be located around the area of Mount Olympus and the country’s capital, Athens.
In Europe as a whole, the name is found in smaller numbers in a handful of countries, including Turkey, Bulgaria, and Serbia. However, these instances are usually those of immigrants who have taken on the last name, but have Greek ancestry.
In the United States, the name can be found in small numbers throughout the country and accounts for just 0.001% of the population. This suggests the name is mainly held by those of Greek ancestry.
Overall, the last name Karakis can primarily be found in Greece, with smaller concentrations in other European countries and the United States. Its greatest concentration is located in the area of Mount Olympus and the city of Athens, and has steadily grown in popularity over the last few years.
Variations of the surname Karakis
The surname Karakis can trace its origin back to the south-western coast of Greece. This surname is commonly found in areas such as Athens, Corfu, and Crete. Variants of the surname Karakis include Karakas, Karakias, and Karakos, and it can have various spellings such as Karakos, Karakias, Karakis, Karakallis, Karakazes, Karakoulis, Greek Karakis and Konstantinou Karakis.
The Greek Karakis is a variation of the surname that was developed during the twentieth century in order to appeal to the large Greek expatriate community living in the United States. It has also been anglicized to Karaxes, Karakis or Karakousis, all of which mean the same thing in English.
Another common variant of the surname Karakis is the surname Karakallis. This version of the name can be traced back to thirteenth century Greece when it was spelled as Karagallou. It has since been anglicized to Karakallis, which literally translates to “strong arms”.
The surname Karakos is believed to have originated from the region of Crete, where the surname was used by families who had migrated to the area. It can also have the spellings of Karakas, Karakouthis or Karaxas, all of which mean the same thing but sound somewhat different when spoken.
The surname Konstantinou Karakis is a variation that stems from the Konstantinou family, a prominent family in nineteenth century Greece. This surname is still found in various forms of spelling, such as Const. Karakis or Konstantinou Karakos.
In conclusion, the surnanes Karakis, Karakas, Karakias, Karakos, Karakallis, Karakazes, Karakoulis, Greek Karakis and Konstantinou Karakis all share a common origin, though they have been adapted in different forms throughout the years.
Famous people with the name Karakis
- Kostas Karakitsos: Greek football player and coach.
- Costas Karakitsos: Greek orthopedic surgeon and founder of the innovative Karakitsos Shoulder Technique.
- Lydia Karakitsos: American fashion designer who has been featured in numerous publications, such as Vogue, W Magazine, and Harper's Bazaar.
- Marios Karakitsos: Greek composer, producer and multi-instrumentalist, best known for his work in the traditional music from the region of Epirus.
- Vangelis Karakis: Greek musician, best known as the keyboard player from the Greek rock band Pyx Lax.
- Kostas Karakitsos: Greek singer, musical producer, and actor, known for his work on Greek television and films.
- Elena Karakitsou: Greek actress, known for her performances in theater, television, and film.
- Georgia Karakis: American tech-entrepreneur, CEO of Oxytocin, a virtual world and social networking platform.
- Demetrios Karakis: Greek political scientist and diplomat, formerly a professor at the Panteion University of Political and Social Sciences in Athens.
- Mateos Karakitsos: Greek actor and director who has starred in over twenty feature films and stage productions.