Paraskevas

Paraskevas is the masculine form of Paraskeve, a Greek name derived from the word paraskeue meaning "preparation" or "Friday" (the day of preparation before the Sabbath). The name originated from the early Christian tradition, referencing the day of Jesus Christ's crucifixion and burial, which is commemorated as Good Friday in many Christian denominations.

In Greek culture, Paraskevas is widely used, especially among Orthodox Christians, as it honors Saint Paraskeve (also known as Saint Paraskevi), a 2nd-century Christian martyr who was executed in Rome during the reign of Emperor Hadrian. The saint is venerated as a healer of eye ailments and is often depicted holding the eyes of the martyrs she healed. Her feast day is celebrated on July 26 in the Eastern Orthodox Church.

The feminine counterpart Paraskevi is more common as a given name, while Paraskevas is the standard male version. Notable bearers include modern Greek athletes such as footballers Paraskevas Antzas (born 1977), who played for the Greece national team, and Paraskevas Christou (born 1984), a Cypriot footballer. Among others, Paraskevas Andralas (born 1978) is a Greek association football player, and Paraskevas Sphicas is a particle physicist known for his work on the Large Hadron Collider at CERN.

The name has also led to the surname Paraskevopoulos, meaning "son of Paraskevas," and a Lithuanian variant, Paraskėvas. In terms of distribution, Paraskevas remains primarily found in Greece and in Greek communities around the world.

• Meaning: "preparation" or "Friday"
• Origin: Greek, derived from paraskeue
• Type: Male given name
• Usage: Primarily Greek Orthodox culture
• Cultural significance: Linked to Saint Paraskeve, a 2nd-century martyr