Stavros

Meaning & origin

Stavros first appeared in U.S. Social Security records in 1966, reflecting post-war Greek immigration patterns. Its peak popularity came in 2007, and the name has held a stable trajectory since, never breaking into the top 1,000. In 2025, 1 in 100,475 baby boys were named Stavros, a consistent niche for families with Greek heritage or a preference for strong, consonant-rich names. The name remains most common in New York, home to a large Greek-American community, yet it has not become widespread elsewhere. Its endurance without sharp rises or falls suggests a loyal but narrow following. Stavros may never reach mainstream popularity, but its cultural grounding and dignified meaning continue to appeal to parents seeking a name with clear ethnic roots and historical depth.

Stavros is a modern Greek form of the ancient name Stauros, derived from the Greek word "stauros" meaning "cross" or "stake." Historically, the name was used in reference to the Christian cross, but its earlier meaning of "crowned" or "victorious" is also associated with the laurel wreath. While common in Greece and the Greek diaspora, it gained limited but steady use in the United States from the mid-20th century onward.