Sotirios

Meaning & origin

Sotirios is a distinctly Greek name with strong religious significance, drawn from the Greek word for 'savior'. In U.S. records, the name first appeared in 1967 and reached its peak year in 1977, though it has never ranked in the top 1000. Since 1967, usage has remained stable at very low levels, with fewer than 5 births per year in most decades. The name is almost exclusively given to boys, and its top states of use are not statistically significant due to rarity. Sotirios carries a rich cultural and Orthodox Christian heritage, often given in honor of Christ the Savior. While uncommon in the United States, it remains a traditional choice within Greek communities, where the short form Sotiris is frequently used in daily life. The name is stable in usage without signs of a revival, maintaining a quietly steady presence among Greek-American families.

Sotirios is a Greek given name derived from the Greek word sōtēr (σωτήρ), meaning 'savior' or 'deliverer'. It is directly linked to the religious title Sotēr used for various gods and ultimately for Christ in Christian tradition. The name has been common in Greece and among the Greek diaspora, often given in honor of Christ the Savior, and appears in the Orthodox calendar associated with the feast of the Savior. While historically rooted in religious devotion, Sotirios has remained a staple Greek name, occasionally shortened to Sotiris in everyday use.