Find out how popular the last name Velós is in the United States and learn more about the meaning, history, and race and ethnic origin of people in America who are named Velós.

Velós, like all of the last names we have data for, is identified by the U.S. Census Bureau as a surname which has more than 100 occurrences in the United States in the Decennial Census survey. The most recent statistics we have for the Velós surname is from the 2000 census data.

Popularity of Velós in America

Velós is the 148244th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Velós surname appeared 102 times in the 2000 census and if you were to sample 100,000 people in the United States, approximately 0 people would have the surname Velós.

The history of the last name Velós

The surname Velos is predominantly of Greek origin, with historical roots tracing back to ancient Greece. The name is derived from the Greek word "βέλος" (velos), which translates to "arrow" in English. This etymology is suggestive of occupations or personal characteristics associated with archery or speed. The term "velos" appeared in various ancient Greek texts and mythology, where arrows were often symbols of swiftness and power, hinting at the potential traits of bearers of this surname.

The region most commonly linked with the surname Velos is the Peloponnese peninsula. Ancient records and inscriptions from this area show the use of the term in both personal names and epithets. It is likely that the name initially started as a descriptor before becoming entrenched as a family surname. For example, ancient manuscripts from the city-state of Sparta mention individuals associated with archery-related duties.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the surname Velos appears in a 12th-century Byzantine document, now housed in the Monastery of Hosios Loukas. In this manuscript, a Theognostos Velos is mentioned as a local administrator in the region of Phocis, highlighting the administrative roles held by early bearers of this surname.

Historical records from the Venetian period in Crete, particularly in the 16th century, feature several individuals with the surname Velos. Among them was Alexios Velos (1512-1589), who served as a senior officer in the Venetian military establishment on the island. His descendants continued to hold influential positions, which demonstrate the family's persistence in maintaining their social status.

During the Ottoman Empire’s control over Greece, the name Velos disseminated further. In the 18th century, notable figures with this surname include Ioannis Velos (1735-1802), a respected scholar and cleric in the region of Thessaly. His works on ecclesiastical law and local customs remain important references in Greek historiography.

In the 19th century, during the Greek War of Independence, figures bearing the surname Velos played significant roles. Dimitrios Velos (1785-1828) was a prominent fighter and close ally of Theodoros Kolokotronis, one of the war's chief leaders. Dimitrios' contributions to various battles were chronicled in memoirs and oral histories, cementing his place in Greek national history.

Further diaspora has seen the surname spread into other countries, particularly through migration waves during the early 20th century. Konstantinos Velos (1889-1953) was one such immigrant who became known in the United States for his work in the Greek-American community and his business ventures in New York City.

Overall, the surname Velos carries with it a rich tapestry of history, originating from its roots in ancient Greece, moving through various regions and time periods, and leaving its mark on historical records and notable individuals across the centuries.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Velós

We also have some data on the ancestry of people with the surname Velós.

The below race categories are the modified race categories used in the Census Bureau's population estimates program. All people were categorized into six mutually exclusive racial and Hispanic origin groups:

1. White only
2. Black only
3. American Indian and Alaskan Native only
4. Asian and Pacific Islander only
5. Hispanic
6. Two or More Races

For the most recent 2000 census data, the race/ethnic origin breakdown for Velós was:

Note: Any fields showing (S) means the data was suppressed for privacy so that the data does not in any way identify any specific individuals.

Data source

The last name data and ethnic breakdown of last names is sourced directly from the Decennial Census survey, conducted every 10 years by the United States Census Bureau.

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

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

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