Alexiou (Greek: Αλεξίου) is a Greek patronymic surname, meaning "son of Alexios." The name traces its roots back to the ancient Greek personal name Alexis, derived from the Greek verb alexo (ἀλέξω), meaning "to defend" or "to help."Etymology and Historical ContextThe given name Alexios and its cognates were historically significant in the Byzantine Empire, where five emperors bore the name. The Latinized form Alexius was also used in Western contexts. As a surname, Alexiu (with the ‑ou ending) marks descent or lineage in Greek naming traditions—like the English prefix „son of.” Thus, Alexiou literally identifies a descendant of someone named Alexios.Notable BearersAmong prominent modern bearers, Haris Alexiou (born 1950) is a renowned Greek singer known for genre-crossing music; Elli Alexiou (1894–1988) was a distinguished writer; Alexandros Alexiou (born 1963) and Giannis Alexiou (born 1984) are football players who active in Greek clubs; and Margaret Alexiou is a influential scholar of Modern Greek and Byzantine studies. The songwriter Peter Vagenas bears Alexiou as a maternal surname. O λending itself to all contexts in Greece.Distribution and VariantsCulturally, Alexiou is almost exclusively found among Greeks and the worldwide Greek diaspora. This name parallels several Italian variants such as Alesi, Alessio, and Alessi, not literal translation rather pointing to transnational spread. The given forms derive from both indirect adaptations over interactions through Orthodox movements or centuries-long contacts across largely Latin roman- Greek bi-spheres.Key FactsLanguage/Culture: GreekOrigin: Patronymic, from the given name AlexiosMeaning: “Son of Alexios”Notable Bearers: see notable table above suggesting sports (Alexandros and Giannis Alexiou) and arts (Haris Elli Alexiou)