Vlahos is a Greek surname that serves as an alternate transcription of the Greek Βλάχος (see Vlachos).Etymology & OriginThe root of the name lies in Greek Vlachos, meaning "Romanian, Wallachian". This term derives from Old Slavic volxŭ, referring to a "Romance-speaker", ultimately of Germanic origin. The word "Vlach" historically referred to Latin-speaking populations of the Balkans, such as the Romanians, Aromanians, and other Romance groups, and was adopted into Greek as an ethnic designation.Notable BearersSeveral individuals named Vlahos (or Vlachous) in modern times have gained prominence internationally and in Greece:Alexander Vlahos, Welsh actor best known for playing Mordred in the BBC series Merlin.Eros Vlahos, English actor known for his role in Game of Thrones.Helen Vlachos (1911–1995), Greek journalist, newspaper director and publisher, daughter of Georgios Vlachos. During the Greek military junta (1967–1974), she actively resisted censorship.Petro Vlahos (1916–2013), American engineer who pioneered the bluescreen compositing technique, winning an Academy Award for technical achievement.Tony Vlachos, winner of Survivor: Cagayan and Survivor: Winners at War.Hierotheos Vlachos (born 1945), Greek Orthodox metropolitan and theologian known for his writings on Orthodox spirituality.Leesa Vlahos, Australian former Labor politician in South Australia.Georgios Vlachos, Greek journalist who founded the daily newspaper Kathimerini in 1919.Cultural Significance & DistributionThe surname Vlahos/Vlachos is common in Greece and in the Greek diaspora. Due to migration, bearers also appear in the United States, Australia, and other countries. While in contemporary Greek usage individual names are understood historically as meaning "Vlach" or "person from Wallachia", the specific identity of Vlachs encompasses a group with a distinct cultural heritage widespread in the Balkan region.Related NamesFeminine forms of the family include Vlachou and Vlahou. Various analogous surnames in other languages share the ultimate etymology of an endonym or nickname for outsiders describing eastern Romance people. Examples lead, across other cultures: Vlahović (Serbian), Vlašić (Croatian), and interpretations ultimately echoing can be found further afield such as Wallace (Scottish), Wallis, Walsh used in both Scottish and Hibernic forms in parallel. Likewise English Welch with Welsh reference resonate in part. Meaning: 'Vlach' or 'Romanian/Wallachian'Origin: Greek, ultimately from Old SlavicType: Surname (middle = is masculine in form; feminine form Vlahou)Regions of relevant usage: Primarily Greece and Greek diaspora