Apostol Surname: Origin, Meaning & Family History

Etymology of the Apostol Name

From Greek 'apostolos' meaning messenger or apostle, often given as a baptismal name in Orthodox Christian communities

The Apostol Family Through History

The Apostol surname has been part of the English landscape since the medieval period. The development of hereditary surnames in England accelerated after the Norman Conquest, as record-keeping became more systematic and families needed fixed identifiers for legal and property purposes.

Historical records trace the Apostol surname to 12th century, with the name associated with Greece, Romania, and the Balkans. Parish records, tax rolls, and manorial documents from this period provide evidence of the family's presence and standing in their local communities. The geographic distribution of a surname often reveals important clues about a family's origins and the movements of their ancestors over the centuries.

The Apostol name carries notable connections to the British peerage, including Several Phanariot Greek noble families bore this name and served as administrators in the Ottoman Empire; the Apostol family produced Romanian boyars in the 17th and 18th centuries. These connections place the family within the broader network of titled families that have shaped British history. The peerage system recognises five ranks of nobility—Duke, Marquess, Earl, Viscount, and Baron—and families connected to this system held positions of influence in Parliament, the military, and the administration of the realm.

The Apostol name has been carried by notable figures across a range of fields. These individuals represent just a fraction of the Apostol legacy that continues to unfold.

Coat of Arms

Coats of arms were granted to specific individuals and their descendants, not to everyone sharing a surname. If you believe you may be entitled to bear the Apostol arms, the College of Arms can help verify your lineage. Learn more in our guide: How Do I Find My Family Crest?

Aristocratic Heritage

This surname has significant connections to noble families and titled individuals.

• Several Phanariot Greek noble families bore this name and served as administrators in the Ottoman Empire; the Apostol family produced Romanian boyars in the 17th and 18th centuries

Historical peerage documents reference the Apostol family, demonstrating their place within the broader framework of British nobility and social hierarchy. To understand where these titles sit in the hierarchy, see our interactive peerage hierarchy chart.

Distinguished Bearers of the Apostol Name

Related Surnames

These surnames share a similar Greek / Romanian / Slavic origin and may have historical connections to the Apostol family.

Explore England Lordship Cities

Discover the lordship history of cities connected to the Apostol family's Greek / Romanian / Slavic heritage.