Theofanis

Origin

Greek origin, from Θεόφανης (Theophanes), composed of θεός (theos, 'God') + φαίνω (phaino, 'to show' or 'to appear'). The name appears in ancient Greek texts and was borne by early Christian saints, notably Saint Theophanes the Confessor. It does not have direct Aboriginal or Māori roots.

Meaning

'God has revealed' or 'appearance of God'. In Australian English contexts, it often connotes someone with a strong spiritual or noble bearing, and may be associated with a historical or religious aura.

Pronunciation

/ˌθi.əˈfænɪs/ (thee-uh-FAN-iss), with the primary stress on the third syllable in Australian English pronunciation, /θ/ as in 'think', and /æ/ as in 'cat'.

Variants & Nicknames

Name Days

• 19 August (Feast of Saint Theophanes, Orthodox and Catholic calendars)
• First Sunday of Lent (Religious observance in some Christian traditions relevant in Australia)
• 25 December (Christmas) — culturally associated as a time of divine revelation and family gathering.

Name Pairings

Names that pair well with theofanis:

• Alexander and Sebastian
• George and Christopher
• Elias and Samuel

Fun Facts

• The name Theofanis has historical links to Byzantine religious figures and has appeared in Australian archives due to Greek community contributions.
• It is relatively uncommon, making it distinctive among Australian names, with a subtle classical elegance.
• Famous bearer: The Greek-Australian artist Theofanis Sintos, known for his contributions to contemporary art scenes in Australia.

Personality Traits

Common traits associated with the name theofanis:

• Noble
• Spiritual
• Intelligent
• Reflective

Aesthetic Qualities

The name has a balanced, classical appearance with a soft but noble sound, suitable for formal and casual contexts in Australia. The spelling lends itself to elegant typographic presentation.

Geographical Distribution

More common in Greek-Australian communities, particularly in areas like Melbourne and Sydney with significant Greek populations, but generally rare overall in wider Australian demographics.

Numerological Significance

Name number 9 (according to Pythagorean numerology), associated with humanitarianism, idealism, and a global outlook, fitting for its historical and spiritual dimensions.

Astrological Connections

Typically associated with zodiac signs like Pisces and Sagittarius, reflecting traits such as intuition, adventure, and philosophical depth, aligning with the name's spiritual heritage.

Historical Context

The name is associated with Byzantine saints and scholars, with cultural echoes in Australia through Greek Orthodox institutions and community leaders. Its classical roots give it a scholarly or historical feel, often appreciated in academic and religious circles.

Linguistic Adaptability

The name adapts well across various languages, maintaining its Greek form in scholarly contexts, but often simplified phonetically as 'Theo' in casual Australian usage.

Famous People Named theofanis

• Theofanis Gekas (Footballer)
• Theofanis Skarlatos (Cultural Anthropologist)
• Saint Theophanes (Historical religious figure)

Popularity in Australia