The last name Abaza originates from multiple regions due to various historical factors. One of the most common origins is from the Circassian people, a Northwest Caucasian ethnic group native to the region now known as the modern-day Republic of Adygea in Russia and parts of Turkey.
The Abazas are one of the several subtribes of the Circassians. They originated in the western part of the Circassian homeland, in the region of Shapsugh. During the 19th century, many Abaza people were forcibly relocated by the Russian Empire, contributing to the diaspora of Circassian communities worldwide.
In another context, the name Abaza can also be found among Arabs, originating from the town of Al-Abaza in Egypt. The Arabic root "abaz" means "the one who is wise" or "wise man." However, it's essential to note that surnames don't always follow strict linguistic rules and can undergo changes during migration or due to historical events.
It is important to consult genealogical resources for a more accurate determination of the specific origin of a particular Abaza family.
Learn more about the origin of the last name Abaza
The meaning and origin of the last name Abaza
The surname Abaza is of Turkish origin, specifically from the Circassian community of northwestern Caucasus. It is derived from the Circularzian tribal name "Abadze," which means "servant" or "dependent." The name may have been a hereditary title given to people who served as vassals or officials in the Circassian principalities. Over time, the spelling and pronunciation of the surname have evolved due to migration and cultural assimilation. Today, variations of the name can be found across various countries, particularly among descendants of Circassians who were forced to leave their homeland during the Russian conquest in the 19th century.
Geographical distribution of the last name Abaza
The last name Abaza is predominantly found in the Caucasus region, particularly in Russia and Georgia. In Russia, it is most commonly concentrated in the North Caucasus, specifically in the republics of Kabardino-Balkaria and Karachay-Cherkessia, where it is one of the traditional ethnic names among the Circassian population. In Georgia, it can be found among the Meskhetians, a Turkic-speaking ethnic group who were forcibly deported from Georgia by the Soviet Union in 1944 and later repatriated to various countries, including Azerbaijan and Russia. Smaller numbers of people with the surname Abaza can also be found in other parts of the world due to migration, especially in Turkey, Ukraine, and some European countries.
Variants and spellings of the last name Abaza
The surname Abaza has several variations and spellings, primarily due to differences in transliteration and regional dialects. Some of the most common versions include:
* Abasov (Абазов) - This is a Russian spelling, derived from the Turkic name.
* Abazov (Абазов) - Another Russian spelling that may be found.
* Abaza (Абаза) - A variant of the surname found in Ukraine and Belarus.
* Avaz (Awaz, Awazi, Avace) - These are alternative spellings from Turkish or Armenian origins.
* Avazeh, Avazy - Variations that may be found among Persian speakers.
* Abas (Abàs) - An Italian spelling derived from a Turkish or Armenian origin.
* Avas (Auwas, Awaus) - A Hungarian variation of the surname.
* Obaz (Обаз) - A rare Macedonian spelling.
* Avazzini (Avacez, Avacino, Avazino) - Italian-American derivatives from earlier immigrant families.
These variations and spellings reflect the diverse history and migration patterns of people with the Abaza surname.
Famous people with the last name Abaza
The Abaza surname is associated with several notable figures across various fields. One of the most prominent is Zara Abaza, an American actress and model who gained recognition for her roles in TV shows such as "Mad Men" and "Sneaky Pete." In the world of music, Raul Di Blasio, also known by his stage name Raul Abaza, is a Grammy-winning Cuban-American record producer and DJ. He has worked with numerous artists including Enrique Iglesias, Jennifer Lopez, and Ricky Martin. Additionally, Mikhail Abaza, a Russian politician, served as the Minister of Finance in the 1990s during Boris Yeltsin's presidency. In academia, Efstratios Gavrilovich Abaza was a prominent 19th-century linguist who made significant contributions to the study of the Caucasian languages.
Genealogical research on the last name Abaza
The Abaza surname is predominantly associated with the Circassian ethnic group from the North Caucasus region, specifically from the Abazakhia region in modern-day Russia. Historically, the Abaza people were part of the larger Circassian federation known as the Abkhazians. The name "Abaza" is believed to originate from their ancestral homeland, Abazakhia. Over time, many Abazas migrated due to conflicts and political changes, spreading across various parts of the former Ottoman Empire, particularly in Turkey, Syria, and Jordan. Some also emigrated to Europe and North America, especially during the 19th and 20th centuries. The Abaza name is predominantly Muslim, reflecting the religious affiliations of the Circassian people. Genealogical research on the Abaza surname often involves tracing migration patterns and connecting with other members of the Circassian diaspora to piece together family histories.
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
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