Savalas is a unique and distinctive given name of Greek origin. It is derived from the Greek word "savalo," which means "bald." Despite its literal meaning, Savalas has become a name that carries a certain charm and has been adopted by families beyond Greece.
The use of Savalas as a given name can be traced back to ancient Greece. In those times, people often had names that reflected their physical appearance or characteristics. Therefore, it was not uncommon for parents to name their children after attributes such as hair color or texture. However, the name Savalas gained significant popularity during the 20th century.
One of the most notable figures who popularized the name Savalas was American actor Telly Savalas, born Aristotle Savalas on January 21, 1922. Although he was not bald in his early life, his receding hairline became prominent as he aged, leading him to embrace the nickname "Kojak," after his iconic character in the TV series of the same name. Telly Savalas' fame and popularity likely contributed to an increase in the use of the name Savalas among parents.
Today, Savalas remains a less common given name, but it is still used by families who appreciate its unique sound and Greek heritage. It is often chosen for its distinctive character and as a nod to Greek culture and history. Although some people might associate the name with its literal meaning related to baldness, many find its origin and story appealing.
In summary, Savalas is a Greek-derived given name that means "bald." Its use can be traced back to ancient Greece but gained popularity during the 20th century, likely influenced by American actor Telly Savalas. Today, it remains a distinctive choice for parents who appreciate its unique sound and cultural heritage. Despite its literal meaning, many find the name Savalas appealing due to its origin story and distinctive character.
The name Savalas has had varying popularity over the years in the United States, with a total of 102 babies given this name since 1974. The year with the highest number of births was 1974, with 30 newborns sharing the name Savalas. However, there was a significant decrease in its popularity in subsequent years, with only 5 births recorded in 1999. Interestingly, the name saw a resurgence in popularity in 2002, with 9 babies named Savalas that year. Despite these fluctuations, it is clear that the name Savalas has remained relatively uncommon throughout the years, with no more than 30 births recorded in any given year between 1974 and 2002.