Panagiotopoulos

Panagiotopoulos is a Greek surname meaning "son of Panagiotis". It is a patronymic name formed by adding the suffix -opoulos, which in Greek means "son of" or "descendant of", to the given name Panagiotis. The feminine form is Panagiotopoulou (Παναγιωτοπούλου), equivalent. The name is common throughout Greece and among the Greek diaspora.

Etymology

The root name Panagiotis itself derives from the Greek Panagia (Παναγία), a title for the Virgin Mary meaning "all holy". This is composed of pan meaning "all" and hagios meaning "devoted to the gods, sacred". So the surname Panagiotopoulos ultimately honors the "all-holy" Virgin Mary, a central figure in Orthodox Christianity.

Notable Bearers

• Diamantis Panagiotopoulos (born 1967), Greek archaeologist known for his work on Bronze Age Aegean civilizations, especially Thera and Minoan frescoes.
• Georgios Panagiotopoulos (born 1969), Greek sprinter who competed in the 200 meters at the 2004 Summer Olympics.
• Marie Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou (born 1952), Greek politician who served as a Member of the European Parliament.
• Nicos Panayotopoulos (born 1963), Greek journalist, screenwriter and novelist.
• Panos Panagiotopoulos (born 1957), Greek politician who served Minister of National Defense and member of the Hellenic Parliament.
• Georges B. Panagiotopoulos (1917–2007), educator who taught at the Anavrta School of Athens and used gardens to teach science. He was from Kyparissia, Arcadia.

Cultural Significance

The suffix -opoulos is one of the most common patronymic endings in Greek surnames, particularly from the Peloponnese region. It indicates lineage or descent. The name Panagiotopoulos reflects the deep influence of Orthodox Christianity, where the Virgin Mary (Panagia) holds a central role. Variants in other cultures include Armenian forms like Panossian and Panosyan, which share the root of their respective countries’ name and suffix patterns for "son of"

• Meaning: Son of Panagiotis
• Origin: Greek
• Type: Patronymic Surname
• Usage Regions: Greece, Greek diaspora