"cross, the Christian cross"
Origin: Greek
Language: Greek
Stavros
Pronunciation: [ st-uhvr-OHZ ]
Does Stavros flow with your last name?
A proud Greek name meaning the holy cross
Greek
Cypriot
Greek-American
Traditional
Strong
Classic
Bold
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Nicknames
Nicknames for Stavros
2 shorthand options for every setting
Meaning & Origin
"upright post, beam"
Origin: Ancient Greek
Language: Greek
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Things to Know About This Name
- Associated with 'Stavros' SNL character played by Billy Crystal in the 1970s, a caricature of Greek immigrants
The Story of Stavros
Stavros derives from the Greek word 'stavros' (σταυρός) meaning 'cross' — specifically, the Christian cross. The name arose in the Byzantine era as the Christian faith spread through the Greek-speaking world, and parents began naming children after the symbol of Christ's crucifixion. It has been a staple of Greek Orthodox naming traditions for over a millennium.
Stavros remains a consistently popular name in Greece and Cyprus, ranking among the top 30 boys' names in Greece. In Greek diaspora communities (particularly Greek-Americans and Greek-Australians), it's a name that strongly signals cultural heritage.
In the Greek Orthodox Church, the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross (September 14) is one of the 12 Great Feasts, and Stavros is celebrated as a name day on that date. In Greece, name days are often celebrated as enthusiastically as birthdays.
Historical Record
Stavros first appeared in US Social Security records in 1966.
Over 1,019 babies have been named Stavros in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Stavros is past its peak , currently ranked #5,557 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Stavros Niarchos (1909-1996) was one of the world's wealthiest shipping magnates and an iconic figure of Greek diaspora success
- The September 14 Feast of the Holy Cross is the most important name day celebration for men named Stavros in Greece
- In the 1970s SNL sketch, Billy Crystal played 'Stavros', a character that sparked debate about ethnic stereotyping in comedy
Stavros in Other Languages
Greek
Σταύρος
French
Stavros
English
Stavros
Spanish
Stavros
Cypriot Greek
Σταύρος
Popularity Over Time
#5,557
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Peaked 1977
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Stavros
S
Stavros Halkias
Entertainer
1988
Greek-American comedian known for his comedy specials and podcast 'Stavros Halkias Live'
S
Stavros Niarchos
Business
1909
Greek shipping magnate and one of the world's wealthiest individuals in the mid-20th century, rival to Aristotle Onassis
S
Stavros Flatley
Entertainer
Father-son Greek-Cypriot comedy dance duo famous for their parody of Riverdance on Britain's Got Talent
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Compare Stavros with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #5,557
- Total SSA Count
- 17
- Cultural Origins
- Greek Cypriot Greek-American
- Pronunciation
- Moderate
- Formality
- Formal
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Low
Common Nicknames
Stav
Stavro
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, strong style, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, traditional style, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, Greek heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Classic pairing, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, strong style, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Stavros
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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"protector of people"
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Frequently Asked Questions About Stavros
What does the name Stavros mean?
"cross, the Christian cross" (from Greek). "upright post, beam" (from Ancient Greek). Stavros derives from the Greek word 'stavros' (σταυρός) meaning 'cross' — specifically, the Christian cross. The name arose in the Byzantine era as the Christian faith spread through the Greek-speaking world, and parents began naming children after the symbol of Christ's crucifixion. It has been a staple of Greek Orthodox naming traditions for over a millennium.
What is the origin of the name Stavros?
Stavros has Greek, Ancient Greek, Cypriot, and Greek-American origins. In Greek, it means "cross, the Christian cross". In Ancient Greek, it means "upright post, beam".
Is Stavros a boy or girl name?
Stavros is primarily used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Stavros?
Stavros is pronounced st-uhvr-OHZ.
How popular is the name Stavros?
Stavros is currently ranked #5557 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Stavros?
Common nicknames for Stavros include Stav and Stavro.
What are good middle names for Stavros?
Popular middle name pairings include Stavros Nikos, Stavros Andreas, Stavros Konstantinos, Stavros Giorgos, Stavros Petros, Stavros Alexandros, and Stavros Dimitris.
What are good sibling names for Stavros?
Names that pair well with Stavros as siblings include Nikos, Alexis, Kostas, Elena, Dimitra, Athena, and Yiorgos.
How many syllables does Stavros have?
Stavros has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Stavros a common or rare name?
Stavros is an uncommon name, ranked #5557 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Stavros
Stavros is a boy name with Greek, Cypriot, and Greek-American origins . The name means "cross, the Christian cross" in Greek .
Stavros is currently ranked #5,557 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Stavros has 2 syllables and is pronounced st-uhvr-OHZ, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Stavros include Stav and Stavro. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis