Surname Kazantzis - Meaning and Origin
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Kazantzis: What does the surname Kazantzis mean?
Kazantzis is a Greek surname derived from the Byzantine name "Kazantzes", which was itself derived from a personal name formed from the Greek root "kazan-", meaning "fierce", and the element "-tzis", meaning "son of". The Greek element "-tzis" is a patronymic ending that has been used to form family names throughout the eastern Mediterranean region for centuries.
Kazantzis is an especially common surname in modern Greece, but may also be found in the wider Greek diaspora countries of Europe, the United States, and Canada.
The strong, brave meaning associated with the surname has extended to numerous family coat of arms designs, many of which prominently feature a fierce lion. The lion often adorns Greek family crests and crests featuring lions may suggest a militant nature, implying that the family had a history of protecting themselves or others with military strength or rivalry.
In addition to this more martial definition, the name's Greek origin has also been read to take on a more peaceful significance, recalling the fierceness of the lion in protecting one's family and way of life. This more serene interpretation has likewise been embraced in inspiring crests with close ties to the Greek Orthodox Church. Such crests often bear images of the popular figure of Saint George slaying the dragon. This type of crest symbolizes courage, integrity, commitment, and strength of character—all values that many ascribe to the Kazantzis name.
Order DNA origin analysisKazantzis: Where does the name Kazantzis come from?
The last name Kazantzis is generally associated with Greek heritage, as it is a surname derived from the name ‘Kazantzis’, a typical Greek name of Cretan origin. It is particularly common in the area of western Greece, especially Crete, as well as certain parts of the southern Peloponnese. The area of Laconia and Mani also have large Greek communities with the Kazantzis surname being common.
Today, people with the surname Kazantzis can be found living in many Greek cities and villages. It is also common among the Greek diaspora, particularly in North America and Europe. There is a noticeable presence of the surname in the United States, Canada and Australia. Subsequently, it is also present in many other countries around the world, irrespective of Greeks living within those countries.
Given its origin within Greece, the surname Kazantzis has a vital historic association with the Greek nation. Though it is relatively common in its native country, it has spread around the globe due to population migrations, indicating an ongoing dynasty of the Greek nation through the dispersal of its citizens.
Variations of the surname Kazantzis
Kazantzis is an ancient Greek surname of uncertain origin. It is derived from the ancient Greek name Kázantzos (καζαντζος), which is thought to be a variant of the Latin name Casantius or Casianus, derived from the Latin word for “to cut”. The variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin for Kazantzis can be broken down into two broad categories: traditional Greek variants and English-language derivatives.
Traditional Greek variants of Kazantzis include: Kazantzakis, Kazantis, Kazantzidou, Kazandzakos, Kazantzoglou, and Kazantakos. Spellings of the surname range from Kazantzis (the most common spelling) to Casantius, Casantius, Casianus, Kázántzos, and Kázántzou.
In English, the variations and derivatives of Kazantzis include: Casius, Cassius, Casan, Casanova, Casanelli, Casalino, and Casemore. Spellings range from Casius (the most common) to Cassius, Cazan, Cazanelli, Cazale, Casanova, Casalino, Casemore, and Caserta.
Variants of this surname have been anglicized and spelling variations have been adopted throughout the world, expanding the reach of the surname far beyond its original Greek roots. However, the traditional Greek spelling of Kazantzis remains the most popular spelling for this surname today.
Famous people with the name Kazantzis
- Christopher Kazantzis: Greek born British contemporary visual artist
- George Kazantzis: Cretan poet and writer
- Matthew Kazantzis: Australian filmmaker and photographer
- Arthur Kazantzis: Greek Australian recording artist
- Nikos Kazantzis: Greek actor
- Eleftherios Kazantzis: Greek actor
- Janis Kazantzis: Greek actress
- Demetrius Kazantzis: Greek American filmmaker
- Maria Kazantzis: Greek vocalist and theatre director
- Konstantinos Kazantzis: Greek Cypriot architect