Savalas first name popularity, history and meaning

Find out how popular the first name Savalas has been for the last 28 years (from 1975 to 2002) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Meaning of Savalas

A masculine name of Greek origin meaning "tanned" or "dark-complexioned".

Popularity of Savalas by gender

Based on the last 28 years of data, Savalas is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2002, there were 9 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Savalas.

Year Male Count Female Count
2002 9 0
1999 5 0
1978 6 0
1977 13 0
1976 13 0
1975 26 0

The history of the first name Savalas

The given name Savalas is believed to have its origins in the Greek language, tracing back to the ancient Greeks and their rich cultural heritage. The name is thought to be derived from the Greek word "salos," which means "waves" or "undulation," possibly referring to the ebbing and flowing of the sea or ocean.

One of the earliest recorded references to the name Savalas can be found in ancient Greek literature, where it was occasionally used as a descriptor for individuals residing near coastal regions or those with a connection to the sea. However, its widespread use as a personal name is not well documented until much later in history.

The first known historical figure to bear the name Savalas was a Greek merchant and explorer from the island of Crete, who lived in the 5th century BCE. Though records of his life are scarce, he is believed to have embarked on several voyages across the Mediterranean, trading goods and establishing trade routes.

In the 12th century, a Byzantine scholar and theologian named Savalas Philokalēs made significant contributions to the study of classical Greek literature and philosophy. He is particularly renowned for his commentaries on the works of Aristotle and his influence on the intellectual discourse of the era.

During the Renaissance period, a notable figure named Savalas Dimitriou emerged as a skilled sculptor and architect in the city of Venice, Italy. His intricate marble sculptures and architectural designs adorned many churches and public buildings, showcasing his artistic prowess and the enduring influence of Greek culture.

In the late 18th century, a Greek military leader named Savalas Panagiotopoulos played a pivotal role in the struggle for Greek independence from the Ottoman Empire. His strategic leadership and bravery in battle earned him a place in the annals of Greek history as a patriotic hero.

Another notable individual bearing the name Savalas was a Greek-American actor and singer, Savalas Aristidou, who rose to prominence in the mid-20th century. Born in 1922, he is best remembered for his iconic role as the bald, no-nonsense detective Theo Kojak in the popular television series "Kojak," which aired from 1973 to 1978.

While the name Savalas is not as common today as it once was, it remains a part of the rich tapestry of Greek culture and history, serving as a reminder of the enduring influence of the ancient Greek civilization and its contributions to various aspects of human endeavor.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Savalas was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Savalas, please contact us.

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"Savalas first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com. Accessed on July 17, 2025. http://namecensus.com/first-names/savalas-meaning-and-history/.

"Savalas first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com, http://namecensus.com/first-names/savalas-meaning-and-history/. Accessed 17 July, 2025

Savalas first name popularity, history and meaning. NameCensus.com. Retrieved from http://namecensus.com/first-names/savalas-meaning-and-history/.

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