Why lots of city names starting with NEA in Greece

Here are some of the reasons why many places in Greece have names starting with “Nea”:

• Population Exchange: Following the Greco-Turkish War (1919-1922), a massive population exchange occurred between Greece and Turkey. Millions of Greeks from Anatolia fleed their homes and resettled in Greece. Many of the new settlements they established were named with the prefix “Nea” to signify their new beginnings.
• Urban Development: In the 20th century, rapid urbanization led to the creation of new neighborhoods and suburbs in Greek cities. These new areas were often named with the “Nea” prefix to distinguish them from older, historical parts of the city.
• Classical References: In some cases, the “Nea” prefix is used in conjunction with ancient Greek place names to evoke a sense of historical continuity and cultural heritage. For example, “Nea Smýrni” (New Smyrna) is a suburb of Athens named after the ancient city of Smyrna (now İzmir, Turkey).

Therefore, the prevalence of place names starting with “Nea” in Greece is a reflection of the country’s complex history, marked by significant population movements, urbanization, and a strong connection to its classical past.

Regional Concentration with Nea prefixed City Names

• Kentriki Makedonia 52
• Attiki 19
• Anatoliki Makedonia kai Thraki 15
• Dytiki Ellada 12
• Peloponnisos 12
• Ipeiros 9
• Kriti 8
• Thessalia 8
• Dytiki Makedonia 5
• Sterea Ellada 5
• Voreio Aigaio 2

Nea prefixed City Names