Χαραλάμπους



The surname Haralampous is an abnormal transliteration of the Greek name Χαραλάμπους. Χαραλάμπους is usually transliterated into the Latin alphabet as Haralambous or Charalambous as while μ is an "m" sound and π is a "p" sound, in combination they are read as "mb". As a surname it is particularly common in Cyprus (the Greek half, obviously).

The name is derived from χαρά meaning "joy" and λάμπω meaning "to shine", though the particular translation varies depending on who you ask. Suggested translations include "shine from happiness" (Greek-Names.info), "glowing with joy" (the Wikipedia page for Saint Charalambous), "bright joy" (South African Surnames – Eric Rosenthal 1965 via Forebears.co.uk), and "happy light" (a restaurant owner in London).

Then again, maybe they're all wrong and it's not a male Greek name after all, but a female Australian name. Those poor, poor girls.