Thanassis

Thanassis is a Greek given name, typically a diminutive of Athanasios. Athanasios itself derives from the Greek element meaning immortal or deathless, formed from a- (without) and thanatos (death). The name is commonly used in Greece and among Greek communities abroad, and several spellings are in circulation, including Thanasis and Thanos.

The name is primarily a male given name in Greek-speaking communities. Variants reflect informal and regional usage, with Thanassis and Thanasis often being preferred in formal or written contexts, while Thanos is a common shorter form in everyday speech. In broader popular culture, Thanos is also the name of a well-known Marvel Comics character.

Notable bearers include Thanasis Antetokounmpo (born 1992), a Greek-Nigerian professional basketball player who has played in the NBA, and Thanasis Veggos, a prominent Greek actor known for his work in film and theater. The name’s presence in Greece and among the Greek diaspora has made it recognizable beyond specific individuals, contributing to its continued use in modern times.