Panagiotopoulou is a Greek surname in its feminine form, derived from the patronymic Panagiotopoulos, which means "son of Panagiotis". The feminine suffix -poulou indicates descent or affiliation, making Panagiotopoulou the equivalent of "daughter of Panagiotopoulos". While most Greek surnames ending in -opoulos have a masculine form -opoulos and a feminine form -opoulou, usage varies in modern Greece: women may adopt either the masculine or the feminine form depending on personal or family tradition. Etymology The root of the name lies in Panagiotis, a Greek masculine given name derived from Panagia, a title of the Virgin Mary meaning "all-holy". The title combines the Greek prefix pan- ("all") with hagios ("sacred, devoted to the gods"). Panagiotis is among the most common Greek names, reflecting the profound devotion to the Virgin Mary in Greek Orthodox tradition. Through this chain, Panagiotopoulou ultimately traces its origins to Mary, a name of debated Hebrew and Egyptian origins, but profoundly significant in Christianity as the name of Jesus' mother. Historical and Cultural Context The suffix -opoulos is particularly common in the Peloponnese and western Greece, indicating familial lineage. The Wikipedia extract mentions that the Latin translation of Panagiotopoulos would be Sanctissimopueri (shortened to Santos) and the Old English translation Alhaligsson (shortened to Hale), though these are quite obsolete given that the name is almost exclusively Greek. Modern bearers include figures like Diamantis Panagiotopoulos, a noted archaeologist, and Panos Panagiotopoulos, a Greek politician. The feminine form has also become an established surname for women, used by individuals such as Marie Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou, a Greek politician MEP. Though the surname is not among the most common Greek surnames, it is well-represented in various professional fields. Key Facts Meaning: Daughter of Panagiotopoulos (i.e., of the lineage of Panagiotis) Origin: Greek, from Panagiotis, a name honoring the Virgin Mary Type: Patronymic surname with feminine suffix Usage Regions: Greece and Greek diaspora