Prokopios

Prokopios is a masculine given name of Greek origin, derived from the Greek name Prokopios (Πρόκοπιος). The form is used in Greek-speaking communities and has been rendered in Latin as Procopius in historical texts. The name carries a sense of forward movement or progress and has appeared in various periods of ancient, medieval, and modern Greek history.

The most prominent bearer is Procopius of Caesarea (c. 500–565), a Byzantine official and historian under Emperor Justinian I. He wrote The Wars, The Buildings, and the Secret History. His works provide crucial, though sometimes contested, evidence about Justinian’s reign and the mid-6th century Byzantine world. Modern scholars evaluate his accounts for biases and intended audience, balancing their insights against other contemporary sources.

In modern times, Prokopios remains a common given name in Greece and among Greek-speaking communities. The name appears in several transliterations, including Prokopios, Prokop, and Procopius, and is borne by individuals across fields such as academia, religion, and sports. It also appears in Orthodox Christian hagiography and in post-Byzantine naming traditions, where regional spellings and pronunciations may vary.