Tarasios is the Greek name Ταράσιος (Tarasios), possibly derived from Taras, the mythological son of Poseidon for whom the ancient Italian city of Taras (modern Taranto) was named.Notable BearersThe most prominent bearer was Saint Tarasios of Constantinople (c. 730 – 25 February 806), who served as Ecumenical Patriarch from 25 December 784 until his death. According to historical accounts, Tarasios was born and raised in Constantinople, the son of a high-ranking judge, and was related to important families, including that of the later Patriarch Photios I. He began a career in secular administration, becoming a senator and imperial secretary (asekretis) to Emperor Constantine VI and his mother, Empress Irene of Athens. After Patriarch Paul IV retired to a monastery, he recommended the lay administrator Tarasios as his succession. Tarasios notably chaired the Second Council of Nicaea in 787, which restored the veneration of icons and ended the first iconoclastic period. He is venerated as a saint in the Eastern Orthodox and Catholic churches, with his feast day on 25 February (Western) or 10 March (Orthodox).Cultural SignificanceWhile predominantly a name within Greek Orthodox tradition, Tarasios also appears weakly in other cultures through the Ukrainian form Taras (made famous by the poet Taras Shevchenko), as noted in the entry for the related name. The name is generally considered rare outside religious circles, except in regions where the saint or the ancient mythological figure enjoys awareness.Meaning: Greek form of Taras (mythological son of Poseidon), possibly meaning from Taras (possibly Crete).Origin: Greek.Type: Formal given name, tied to a large church due to Saint Tarasios being bishop or iconographer in offices holding names from that end week after end judgment yet biblical ties are explicit: both central events if reading into his legacies though personal identification still follows classical leads aside from missing reference primary code among linguists.