Theotokis

Theotokis (Greek: Θεοτόκης, Theotókēs) is a Greek family name.
The Theotokis family are an old landowning family in Corfu Island, Greece, several members of which have been prominent politicians. They originally hailed from Constantinople, whence they fled following its fall to the Ottomans, eventually settling in Corfu. The painter El Greco (Domenico Theotokopoulos) was descended from a branch of the same family that fled to Crete. The Corfiote branch was ennobled by the Republic of Venice and was entered in the Libro d'Oro; they used to be commonly referred to as Counts (Cónte), but their titles lapsed when the Ionian islands became part of the Kingdom of Greece, which did not recognise noble titles. As the family prospered, nicknames were devised to distinguish between the various male-line Theotokis: the Calocardári, the Sclebúni, the Statháchi, the Sammárco, the Andrucélli, and the D'Aviázzo. The latter developed a tradition of public service and were further nicknamed the Politikoí (Politicians). Notable members include:

  • Nikephoros Theotokis (Greek: Νικηφόρος Θεοτόκης) (1731-1800), Greek theologian and educator, Archbishop of Cherson and Astrakhan
  • Georgios Theotokis (Greek: Γεώργιος Θεοτόκης) (1844–1916), Prime Minister of Greece
  • Nikolaos Theotokis (Greek: Νικόλαος Θεοτόκης) (1878-1922), son to the above, politician, executed after the Trial of the Six
  • Ioannis Theotokis (Greek: Ιωάννης Θεοτόκης) (1880-1961), commonly referred to as "John", brother to the above, politician
  • Zaïra Ralli, née Theotoki, (Greek: Ζαΐρα Θεοτόκη-Ράλλη), sister to the above, wife of Prime Minister Ioannis Rallis, mother of Prime Minister Georgios Rallis
  • Spyridon Theotokis (Greek: Σπυρίδων Θεοτόκης) (1908-1980), son of John, politician
  • Georges Theotokis (Greek: Γεώργιος Θεοτόκης), son of John

The family currently operate an organic olive farm, dairy and winery in Corfu.

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