panos

Panos is a masculine given name of Greek origin, commonly used as a diminutive form of Panagiotis (also rendered Panayiotis). The name Panagiotis derives from the Greek words “pan” meaning “all” and “hágios” meaning “holy”, a reference to the Virgin Mary (Panagia) in Eastern Orthodox Christianity. As a shortened version, Panos retains the cultural and religious connotations of the full name while offering a more informal, familiar address.

The name Panos is widely used throughout Greece and among the Greek diaspora. It appears across various age groups, though its popularity peaked in the mid‑20th century, corresponding with wider use of traditional Christian names. In contemporary Greece, Panos may also serve as a standalone given name, separate from Panagiotis, reflecting a trend toward simpler, modernized forms.

Notable individuals named Panos include Panos Kammenos, a Greek politician and former Minister of National Defence; Panos Panay, a Greek‑American executive known for his work at Microsoft; and Panos Roussopoulos, a documentary filmmaker and activist. In the arts, Panos is occasionally employed as a pen name or stage name for its brevity and cultural resonance.

Beyond personal naming, “Panos” can denote the plural of “pano”, a term used in photography and visual media to describe panoramic images, though this usage is less common. Overall, Panos remains a recognizable element of Greek onomastics, symbolizing both religious heritage and contemporary naming practices.