Sotiropoulos Surname Meaning

The Greek surname Sotiropoulos (Σωτηρόπουλος) is a patronymic name, meaning it is derived from the given name of a male ancestor. The root Sotiro- comes from the first name Sotirios (Σωτήριος), which originates from the Ancient Greek word sōtḗr (σωτήρ), meaning “savior” or “deliverer.” This name became deeply rooted in Greek society through Christian tradition, where it is associated with salvation and Christ as the Savior. The suffix -opoulos is a patronymic marker that developed during the Byzantine period and became especially common in the Peloponnese and southern mainland Greece, meaning “son of” or “descendant of.” Consequently, the surname Sotiropoulos signifies “the son of Sotirios” or, more literally, “the descendant of the savior.”