Spiro

♂ Boy

Pronounced SPEE-roh /ˈspiː.roʊ/Medium

Meaning: A short form of the Greek name Spyridon, borne by Saint Spyridon of Corfu, a fourth-century bishop deeply venerated in the Orthodox Church. The root is often linked to Latin spiritus, 'spirit; breath', or to a Greek word for a basket.Low

In 30 seconds: A warm Greek short form: Spiro comes from Spyridon, the name of a beloved saint (said 'SPEE-roh'). We note the saint respectfully.

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Origin MediumGreek

MeaningA short form of the Greek name Spyridon, borne by Saint Spyridon of Corfu, a fourth-century bishop deeply venerated in the Orthodox Church. The root is often linked to Latin spiritus, 'spirit; breath', or to a Greek word for a basket.

U.S. rank (2024)#13915 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births5 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year1970

Total births (all-time)≈ 1,011

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Spiro is the everyday Greek short form of Spyridon, the name of Saint Spyridon of Corfu, one of the most venerated saints of the Orthodox Church. The root is uncertain — Latin spiritus, 'spirit', is often suggested — so we note that. Greek-American families brought the short form to the U.S., where Spiro Agnew made it briefly familiar. Warm, sunlit, and Greek (said 'SPEE-roh').

It appears only rarely for boys in the U.S. Rare, Greek, and traditional.

Did you know? Every Spiro stands behind Saint Spyridon, the fourth-century bishop whose relics rest on Corfu — where the name is so common it is almost a local badge. We note the saint respectfully (said 'SPEE-roh').

Overall data confidence 50%

References — Spiro — Short form of Spyridon; Saint Spyridon of Corfu; root debated

Variations

SpyrosSpyroSpiridon

Nicknames

SpiSpike

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Spiro…

Spyridon— the full name behind it

Stavros— a like Greek boys' classic

Dimitri— a like warm Greek name

Nikos— a like Greek short form

Explore names like Spiro

By themegreek short traditional orthodox

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Spiro mean?

Spiro is a short form of Spyridon, the name of Saint Spyridon of Corfu. The root is debated, often linked to Latin spiritus, 'spirit'.

How do you pronounce Spiro?

It's said SPEE-roh /ˈspiː.roʊ/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Spiro a boy or girl name?

Spiro is a boy's name.

How popular is Spiro?

Spiro is a rare name for boys in the U.S., more familiar in Greece.