Theofanis is a Greek masculine given name derived from the Greek words "theos" meaning "god" and "phainein" meaning "to appear". It signifies "appearing like a god" or "divine appearance".
This name has been used in Greece since ancient times, but its popularity increased significantly during the Byzantine Empire. The most famous bearer of this name was Saint Theophanes the Confessor, who lived in the 8th century and was a prominent figure in the Eastern Orthodox Church. He is considered a martyr for his faith, which contributed to the spread of the name among Greek-speaking Christians.
Over time, Theofanis has become less common as a first name but remains a popular choice for middle names. It continues to be predominantly used within the Greek Orthodox community and among families with Greek heritage. Despite its historical and religious significance, there are no specific days or celebrations dedicated exclusively to people named Theofanis.
In terms of popularity, Theofanis is not currently among the most common names in Greece or other countries with significant Greek populations. However, it still maintains a certain level of familiarity due to its rich history and cultural significance.
Overall, the name Theofanis is deeply rooted in Greek culture and history, carrying a meaning that has inspired generations of families to choose this name for their children.
The name Theofanis has been given to a total of 10 babies in the United States over the past two decades. In the year 1977 alone, five newborns were named Theofanis, and this number was matched in 2013 when another five babies were born with this distinctive name. This demonstrates that while Theofanis is not a particularly common name, it has had periods of popularity during these years. It will be interesting to see if this trend continues or changes in the coming years.