Find your village
Most people know less than they think — and more than they expect. Start with the small clues.
Start with what your family already has
The surname
Greek surnames often point to a region or an island. Ask older relatives how it was spelled and said back home.
Church and baptism records
Parish papers in the US often name the village. A baptism or marriage certificate may carry it too.
Immigration papers
Ship lists, naturalisation files and old passports usually record the place of birth.
Family photographs
Look on the back for names, dates and places. A shop sign or a church in the background can be enough.
Greece by region
Diaspora families came from every part of the country. These are the regions to know.
PeloponneseCreteEpirusMacedoniaThraceThessalyCentral GreeceIonian IslandsCycladesDodecaneseNorth Aegean islandsAttica
Be ready for spelling changes. Village names were often spelled differently in English, and some villages were renamed or merged over the last century. Write the name down several ways before you search.
When you find the place
- Contact the village or municipality office — they often know old families and can point you to someone who remembers yours.
- Ask at the village church and the café. Both are where news travels.
- Bring photographs and names. Show them; do not just describe them.
More guides for specific regions are on the way.