EtymologyXanthopoulos is a Greek surname whose masculine form is born by the bearer, while its feminine version is Xanthopoulou (Ξανθοπούλου). The name is a patronymic, meaning "son of Xanthos". Xanthos (ξανθός) means "yellow" or "fair-haired" in Greek. The surname’s root thus evokes a physical characteristic, like many other Greek names based on hair or skin hue. In Greek mythology, Xanthos is the name of several minor figures, including a king of Pelasgia and a king of Thebes, and also appears as a river god in Homer.Notable BearersSeveral individuals in various fields carry the name Xanthopoulos. In the ecclesiastical sphere, Callistus Xanthopoulos (died 1397) and Isidore Xanthopoulos (died 1462) each served as Patriarch of Constantinople. Nikephoros Kallistos Xanthopoulos was a 14th-century Byzantine historian and ecclesiastic, and Ignatios Xanthopoulos was a 14th-century monk and writer. In the arts, Nikos Xanthopoulos (1934–2023) was a renowned Greek actor, featuring in many films from the 1950s onward. In science, Basilis C. Xanthopoulos (1951–1990) was a Greek physicist known for contributions to general relativity. The surname is also borne by several athletes, including footballers Charalambos Xanthopoulos (born 1956), Christos Xanthopoulos (born 1954), and Petros Xanthopoulos (born 1959), as well as basketball player Vassilis Xanthopoulos (born 1984).DistributionAs a Greek patronymic, Xanthopoulos is most common in Greece and among the Greek diaspora. The feminine equivalent Xanthopoulou is also used, formed by appending the feminine genitive suffix -poulou rather than the masculine -poulos.Key FactsMeaning: “Son of the fair/yellow”Origin: Greek (patronymic)Type: SurnameUsage region: GreeceRelated names: Panagiotopoulou, Xanthopoulou