Stelios (Greek: Στέλιος) is a Greek masculine given name, functioning as a short form or variant of Stylianos (Greek: Στυλιανός). The name is ultimately derived from the Greek word στῦλος (stylos) meaning "pillar." This etymology stems from Saint Stylianos of Paphlagonia, a 6th-century hermit from Adrianopolis in Asia Minor who is venerated as a patron saint of children in the Greek Orthodox tradition. Notable Bearers Several notable individuals bear the name Stelios across various fields. Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou, founder of the easyGroup conglomerate (easyJet, easyHotel), is one of the most widely recognized. In sports, Stelios Giannakopoulos is a former association football player who represented the Greek national team. The arts are represented by singer Stelios Kazantzidis, a iconic figure in Greek popular music, and performance artist Stelarc (Stelios Arcadiou). Composer Stélios Vlavianós and songwriter Stelios Phili have also contributed to music. In fiction, a character named Stelios appears in the film 300, portrayed by Michael Fassbender. Cultural Significance The name Stelios is widely used in Greece and among the Greek diaspora. It carries the religious and cultural heritage of Saint Stylianos, emphasizing themes of strength and protection (via the "pillar" metaphor). The shorter form Stelios is more common in everyday use, while Stylianos is often retained as the formal given name. Meaning: "Pillar" Origin: Greek Type: Variant Usage Regions: Greece, Cyprus, Greek diaspora