Papathanasiou Surname Meaning

The Greek surname Papathanasiou (Παπαθανασίου) 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 Athanasi- comes from the given name Athanasios (Αθανάσιος). The name Athanasios originates from the Ancient Greek word athanasía, meaning “immortality,” formed from a- (“not”) and thánatos (“death”), translating to “deathless” or “immortal.” The suffix -ou is a genitive marker indicating descent or belonging, meaning “of” or “belonging to.” Consequently, the surname Papathanasiou signifies “the descendant of the priest Athanasios” or, more literally, “of Father Athanasios.”