porphyrios

Porphyrios is a masculine given name and surname of Greek origin. It is the Greek form of Porphyrius/Porphyry, derived from the word porphyros meaning purple, a term historically associated with imperial symbolism and the mineral porphyry. The name has appeared in religious and secular contexts across Greek-speaking communities and has been carried into various languages through Christian and scholarly usage.

In historical Christian contexts, the name is borne by saints. Saint Porphyrius of Gaza, a bishop in late antiquity, is venerated in both Eastern and Western Christian traditions for his leadership in Gaza during the early centuries of Christianity. The Greek form Porphyrios is used in Orthodox hagiography and liturgical references to him.

In modern times, the name is associated with Elder Porphyrios of Kafsokalyvia (1906–1991), a Greek Orthodox monk and spiritual teacher who became widely known for his ascetic life and pastoral counsel. He was canonized as a saint by the Orthodox Church of Greece in 2013 and remains a respected figure within contemporary Greek Orthodoxy and among Orthodox Christians worldwide.

The name Porphyrios continues to be used in Greece as both a given name and a surname, appearing in historical records, religious writings, and contemporary contexts. Variants appear in other languages as Porphyrius or Porphyry, depending on transliteration and tradition.