Soterios is a Greek masculine given name of ancient origin. The name derives from the Greek word 'soteria', which means 'salvation' or 'deliverance'. It was often used in ancient Greece to denote someone who had saved their community from danger.
The use of Soterios as a name continued throughout the Byzantine Empire, with several notable figures bearing this name. One of the most famous was Saint Soterios of Peiraeus, a bishop and martyr who lived during the 5th century AD. He is revered in the Eastern Orthodox Church as one of the patron saints of Athens.
In modern times, Soterios has been adopted by other cultures besides Greece. It can be found among communities with Greek heritage around the world, such as Australia, Canada, and the United States.
While once quite common among Greeks, today Soterios is considered an old-fashioned or even somewhat uncommon name in many places. However, it remains deeply rooted in Greek Orthodox traditions and continues to carry the historical significance of its ancient roots.
The name Soterios, while not extremely common, has seen a steady presence in the United States since at least 1965. According to available records, there were 5 babies born with the name Soterios in that year alone. This means that, despite its uniqueness, the name was bestowed upon at least one child annually during this period. While the total number of births may not be particularly high, it does indicate that the name has been chosen by parents for their children over multiple years.