Why do many Greek last names end in -polis? Doesn't the word 'polis' mean city-state?

Answer 1

Maybe the polis combined with whatever comes before it means that they (or their ancestors really) come from a particular place.

Answer 2

There are not an extraordinary number of Greek words that end in -polis. Where they do, they refer to 'city' (not necessary City State) We have as many words, derived from the original Greek, that incorporate 'Polis' or it's derivatives. Like Metropolis, for instance.

Answer 3

A polis was frequently divided into three types of inhabitants. The first, and highest, “group” of inhabitants are citizens with political rights. Then are the citizens without political rights. Lastly are the non-citizen. I believe it may have had something to do signifying class structure at one time.

Answer 4

I have two greek friends, and their last names end in -Trenko and -niotes. In fact, I don't think I've ever met a Greek with a last name ending in Polis. I do lead a sheltered life though.....

Answer 5

"polis" is a unique type of greek citystate with two levels. The higher being the acropolis where temples, etc were

Answer 6

How about -polis meaning "citizen"? Just guessing

Answer 7

'Poli' in modern Greek means state, but it is more common as a place name than a personal name, e.g., Neapoli (= new town) is pretty common as a place / district name.

The most common surname ending is -opoulos (masculine) or -opoulou (feminine) meaning 'child of' e.g., Petropoulos / Antonopoulos / Gianakopoulos.

Answer 8

Not sure but the Italians I notice end in la alot.

Answer 9

I'll just answer your last question: yes!