Surname Xemos - Meaning and Origin
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Xemos: What does the surname Xemos mean?
The last name Xemos is an interesting and unique one. It is an Greek surname, originating in the Byzantine Empire in the 6th century. It is thought that the name is derived from the Greek language, derived from two words: 'xenos' and 'homon', meaning 'foreigner' and 'same', respectively. The name is thought to have been used to refer to a foreigner who assimilated into the local society in Greece.
The Xemos family has its roots in the aristocratic class. The name has been linked to noble families throughout the Mediterranean region with many of the distinguished members of the Xemos family having attained prestigious positions. For example, some members of the family held political offices in the Byzantine court, and other family members served in the military during the Venetian siege of Constantinople.
Throughout the centuries, the Xemos family has produced a number of prominent individuals including writers, politicians, and cultural figures. Their legacy is still evident today in the various works of art, literature, and other cultural activities associated with the Xemos name.
The Xemos surname continues to be popularly used to this day, and its diverse heritage and interesting backstory continue to fascinate many.
Order DNA origin analysisXemos: Where does the name Xemos come from?
The last name Xemos is most common today in Southern Europe, particularly in the countries of Greece and Turkey. It is also found in other parts of Europe, such as in France, Germany, and Switzerland, but at lower frequencies.
The origins of the Xemos surname can be traced back to the 12th century in the historically Greek region, in which the surname was used as a nickname by its first carriers. Those with the maiden name Xemos were likely Greek in descent and their name was associated with the ancient Greek word “xenos,” which means guest or foreigner.
The surname has become a prominent one over the centuries, and its frequency has steadily increased. Today, its current holders have adopted a variety of spellings, including Zemos, Xemos, Hemos, and Demos.
Within modern Greece, Xemos is among the 100 most common surnames, and in Istanbul it is among the 25th most common. Meanwhile, in London, Xemos is the 3,530th most common surname. In France, Germany, and Switzerland, its infrequency is reflected by its rank outside of the top 1000.
Ultimately, the Xemos surname has endured the test of time and has been passed down through generations in many different regions. It is likely to continue to increase in popularity both inside and outside of its region of origin.
Variations of the surname Xemos
The surname Xemos is an ancient Greek name originating from the province of Epirus, on the western side of mainland Greece. Variations of the name include Ximos, Xymos, Xymos and Symos. All of these spellings are common variants of the original Xemos.
The Greek spelling of Xemos is Ξήμος and this can also be seen in other languages. Some variant forms include Zemos, Cemos, Demos, Simos, Szemos and Zimos.
Other variants include Scemos, Shmos, Chimos, Shmescos, Shmexas and Szymos. This list is not exhaustive, as there may be more variant spellings that exist.
The surnames associated with the name Xemos include Xymis, Xemides, Xemadi, Xemion, Xemes, Xymanti and Symos. The surname Symos is derived from the original Xemos, meaning ‘sounding’ or ‘celebrated’ as taken from the Greek root, xymo or symo. Other related surnames include Ximakis, Ximbidis, Xymofragos and Xemodios.
The Xemos surname is widespread, found throughout Greece and in parts of the Greek diaspora. It is speculated that the name originated in Epirus but spread throughout Greece, especially in the Peloponnese, and to other countries across the world with Greek emigration.
Famous people with the name Xemos
- Jim Xemos: American college basketball coach, most notably at the University of Detroit Mercy men’s basketball team from 1975 to 1986.
- Evan Xemos: Retired American soccer player who most notably played for MLS’ Seattle Sounders from 1994 to 2003.
- Chris Xemos: Greek footballer currently playing for the Super League Greece club Apollon Smyrnis.
- Ryan Xemos: Former Australian Rules footballer who played in the AFL from 2005 to 2014.
- Yannis Xemos: Greek paralympic archer who represented Greece at the Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.
- Marissa Xemos: Professional tennis player from the United States who has competed at four Grand Slam events.
- Iannis Xemos: Greek film director who is best known for directing the films “To Dokimi” and “ 1967: War of the Sun”.
- Beata Xemos: Slovak film and television actress. She is most known for her roles in the television series “Ako Buddha” and “The Mutants”.
- Constantine Xemos: Greek footballer who is currently playing for Superleague Greece club AEK Athens.
- Stelios Xemos: Greek football goalkeeper who is currently playing for the Greek Superleague club Aris Thessaloniki.