Papanikolaou Surname Meaning

The Greek surname Papanikolaou (Παπανικολάου) is a patronymic name, meaning it is derived from the name and role of a male ancestor. The prefix Papa- comes from the Greek word papás (παπάς), meaning “priest,” while the root Nikola- comes from the given name Nikolaos (Νικόλαος). The name Nikolaos originates from the Ancient Greek words níkē (“victory”) and laós (“people”), translating to “victory of the people,” and became widespread through the veneration of Saint Nicholas. The suffix -ou is a genitive marker meaning “of” or “belonging to.” Consequently, the surname Papanikolaou signifies “the descendant of the priest Nikolaos” or, more literally, “of Father Nicholas.”