Titos
TEE-tos
Titos is the Greek form of the Latin name Titus, whose meaning is debated among scholars, proposed origins include Latin 'titulus' (title, honor), the Sabine word for sun, or a connection to the Titans of Greek mythology. In the Christian tradition, Titos is best known as the faithful companion of Saint Paul mentioned in the New Testament epistles. He served as the first bishop of Crete and is venerated as a saint in both Orthodox and Catholic churches.
At a glance
Titos is the Greek form of Titus, the apostolic companion of Saint Paul who became the first Bishop of Crete. It is a compact, strong name with deep New Testament roots and enduring use in Greek Orthodox communities, especially in Crete.
Etymology & History
Titos entered Greek as an adaptation of the Latin praenomen Titus, one of the most common first names in ancient Rome. The Latin name's etymology is uncertain; it may derive from 'titulus' (inscription, title), from a Sabine word meaning sun, or from the mythological Titans. Some scholars connect it to the Etruscan name Tite, suggesting pre-Roman Italic origins.
In Greek, the name was transliterated as Τίτος (Titos) and used primarily in the context of the New Testament figure who appears in Paul's letters and in the Epistle to Titus. Greek-speaking Christians of the 1st and 2nd centuries adopted the name as both a commemoration of the apostle and a name suitable within Roman civic culture.
The name's brevity, just two syllables in Greek, gave it practical appeal across both Greek and Roman contexts, facilitating its use in bilingual Mediterranean communities. Today Titos retains the same crisp, strong character that made it appealing in antiquity, functioning equally well as a traditional Greek name and as an internationally recognizable short form.
Cultural Significance
Titos holds a special place in the religious and cultural identity of Crete. Saint Titos is the patron saint of the island, and the magnificent Cathedral of Saint Titos in Heraklion stands as one of the most important churches in Greece. The island celebrates the feast of Saint Titos on August 25, a major religious and cultural event attended by thousands of Cretans each year.
In the New Testament, Titos appears as a trusted emissary and trouble-shooter for Paul, sent to Corinth to manage difficult community disputes and to Crete to organize the church there. The Epistle to Titus, addressed to him by Paul, provides guidance on appointing elders and maintaining sound doctrine, making Titos a figure associated with ecclesiastical order and pastoral wisdom.
In modern Greece, Titos is most common in Crete, where the patron saint's influence on naming remains strong. Beyond Crete, the name is used throughout Greece as a dignified short-form name with clear apostolic authority, appreciated by parents who want a traditional yet easily pronounceable Greek name.
Famous people named Titos
Saint Titos (Titus)
Titus Flavius Vespasianus
Frequently Asked Questions
Names like Titos
Loukas
“From Lucania”
Loukas is the Greek form of Luke, derived from the Latin Lucanus, meaning a man from Lucania, a region of southern Italy. Saint Luke was one of the four Evangelists and the author of the third Gospel, as well as the Acts of the Apostles. He is venerated as the patron saint of physicians and artists, giving the name a dual heritage of healing and creativity.
Markos
“Of Mars, warlike”
Markos is the Greek form of the Latin name Marcus, which derives from Mars, the Roman god of war. The name carries connotations of strength, courage, and martial prowess. In the Christian tradition, Saint Mark the Evangelist, known in Greek as Markos, authored the second Gospel and is traditionally regarded as the founder of the Church of Alexandria. His symbol, the winged lion, remains one of the most iconic in Christian iconography.
Pavlos
“Small, humble”
Pavlos is the Greek form of Paul, derived from the Latin paulus meaning small or humble. It carries the extraordinary legacy of Saint Paul the Apostle, one of the most transformative figures in the history of Christianity. The name combines classical Greek elegance with deep spiritual resonance.
Timotheos
“Honouring God”
Timotheos is the original Ancient Greek form of the name known in English as Timothy. It is composed of two Greek elements: 'time' meaning honour or value, and 'theos' meaning God. Together they express the concept of one who honours God, a deeply meaningful name in early Christian tradition. Saint Timothy, a devoted companion and disciple of Saint Paul, bore this name and gave it lasting significance in Christian communities across the world.
Where you'll find Titos
Titos shows up in these curated collections across Namekin.