Eleftherios is a male given name of Greek origin, derived from the Greek word 'eleutherios' which means "free" or "liberated". It is composed of two elements: 'eleuther-' meaning free and '-ios', a suffix used to form masculine names in Greek. The name Eleftherios is associated with freedom and liberation, reflecting the Greek culture's high regard for these values.
The name Eleftherios was particularly popular during the early 19th century in Greece, a period marked by significant political changes and struggles for independence from the Ottoman Empire. It is often used as a first name but can also be found as a surname.
Notably, Eleftherios Venizelos, a prominent Greek statesman who served as Prime Minister of Greece on four occasions between 1910 and 1933, has contributed to the enduring popularity and recognition of this name. His influential role in shaping modern Greece has led many parents to choose Eleftherios for their sons, hoping that they too might embody the strength, wisdom, and patriotism associated with Venizelos.
In the Greek Orthodox Church, there is a Saint Eleftherios who was martyred during the 4th century. However, it's important to note that the name's popularity predates this saint's canonization and is more likely linked to its philosophical meaning of freedom.
Today, Eleftherios continues to be used in Greece and other countries with Greek populations, serving as a reminder of the country's rich history and cultural values.
"Over a span of nearly five decades, the name Eleftherios experienced varying popularity with peaks in the late 70s and early 80s, reaching a high of 11 births in 1980. Since then, it has maintained moderate popularity, with several years recording 5-7 births, most recently in 2023."