Beridze

Beridze (Georgian: ბერიძე) is the most common surname in Georgia, derived from the Georgian word beri (ბერი) meaning "monk" together with the patronymic suffix -ძე (-dze) meaning "son of". Thus, Beridze literally means "son of the monk", originating as a patronymic or occupational surname indicating descent from a monastic figure. The use of ecclesiastical terms in Georgian surnames reflects the profound influence of Orthodox Christianity in the region since the 4th century.

As the most prevalent surname in Georgia, Beridze belongs to a class of surnames ending in -dze (e.g., Japharidze), which are typical of western Georgia, particularly the historical region of Imereti and the Black Sea coast. By contrast, surnames ending in -shvili ("child of") are more common in eastern Georgia, including the capital Tbilisi. The dominance of Beridze in the country highlights the widespread adoption of patronymic surnames from clergy-related roots, likely due to the high social status and educational role of monks in medieval Georgian society.

Notable bearers of the surname span various fields: Avtandil Beridze (1955–2020) served as a politician; Tengiz Beridze (1939–2024) was a biochemist; Zurab Beridze (born 1979) is a swimmer, and another Zurab Beridze (born 1958) works as a diplomat; Levan Beridze is both a swimmer and diplomat; and Giorgi Beridze (born 1997) is a professional soccer player. These individuals reflect the modern international reach of the lineage, though the root context of religious life remains central to its origin.

• Meaning: "son of the monk"
• Origin: Georgian
• Type: Patronymic surname formed with suffix -dze
• Usage: Predominantly Georgia; most common surname in the country