Surname Stais - Meaning and Origin
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Stais: What does the surname Stais mean?
The last name Stais is of Greek origin originating from the word stoa meaning a porch. The word stoa was used to denote a covered walkway leading to a temple or house. It is believed that the Stais surname was given to someone who lived in a building with a portico or porch.
Over time, the Stais surname was adopted as a distinguishing family name throughout Greece. It is thought to be one of the oldest Greek surnames, with the name appearing in records dating back to the fifteenth century. Its root origin may have been derived from the word Stauros meaning cross.
Although the majority of modern bearers of the Stais surname are of Greek descent, the name can also be found in small numbers elsewhere in Europe, particularly in German and Scandinavian countries.
A number of notable people have the surname Stais, including composer Stavros Stais, the founder of the first Greek school for the deaf and blind. Politician Michail Stais, former President of the Hellenic Republic, was also born with the last name Stais.
In today’s world, the name Stais is more commonly associated with Greek pride and tradition, symbolising a strong cultural connection to an ancient history.
Order DNA origin analysisStais: Where does the name Stais come from?
The last name Stais has its origins in Poland and is common throughout Eastern European countries such as Lithuania, Russia, and Ukraine. It is also present in some Scandinavian countries like Sweden and Denmark.
The name is derived from the verb “staiti,” which means “stand.” Beyond its Eastern European roots, the last name Stais is now fairly prevalent in the United States. The name first arrived in America in the 19th century when Polish immigrants began to settle throughout the country.
Today, the name Stais is especially common in such states as Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. According to census data, there are well over 600 thousand Stais-affiliated individuals in the United States. Although the name may have begun in Poland, it is certainly “here to stay” in American society.
Variations of the surname Stais
The surname Stais is believed to have originated in the Netherlands, where it was known in various forms and as a patronymic surname. The most common variant of the name is Staes, with alternate spellings including Staess, Stas, Stase, and Staesz. The surname Stais is also a variant spelling of the Dutch surname Steeg, which is itself derived from the language of the Achterhoek region.
Other surnames that are closely related to the Stais surname include Steel, Steen, Steeb, Steep, Steem and Stegen. The surname Steel is an example of a surname with similar roots. It is derived from the Middle English word steeple, which means ‘stone’. This earlier form of the Stais surname might have ultimately come from the Old German word stein, which means ‘stone’ or ‘rock’. The Steeb variation is likely derived from the Low German word steeb, which means ‘pole or stick’.
The surname Steep is derived from an occupational name, referring to someone who sold groceries or other goods, such as salt or fish. Steem is derived from the Old German word staem, which means ‘bridle’ or ‘rein’; this occupation might have referred to a maker of saddles or reins. The Stegen variation is likely derived from the Old High German word steg, which was a military term referring to a wall or fortification.
All of these surnames are variants and spellings of the Stais surname, and are believed to all be of Dutch origin.
Famous people with the name Stais
- Christopher Stais: American professional wrestler.
- Simon Stais: British professional football player.
- Petar Stais: Croatian graphic designer.
- Joe Stais: American Major League Baseball pitcher from the 1930s.
- Monique Stais: French business consultant for international enterprises.
- Tony Stais: Former American ice hockey player.
- Janis Stais: Lithuanian hip hop artist.
- Sarah Stais: American singer and songwriter.
- Jack Stais: Australian reality television contestant.
- Janina Stais: Dutch film editor.
- John Stais: Greek restaurateur and author.
- Johnny Stais: American musician and long-time associate of Elvis Presley.
- Ava Stais: American fashion model.
- Niamh Stais: Irish fashion designer.
- Giannis Stais: Greek sports journalist.
- Sofia Stais: Italian influencer and YouTuber.
- Ingrid Stais: Latvian artist and painter.
- Rona Stais: French entrepreneur and philanthropist.
- Lucas Stais: Brazilian actor.
- Tom Stais: British auto racing commentator.