Last Name Antaki

The surname Antaki is of Syrian and Lebanese Arabic origin. It is derived from the Arabic word "antaki" meaning "from Antioch," an ancient city that was located in present-day Turkey but was significant in Syria's history, as it served as the capital of the Roman Empire's Eastern Provinces for several centuries. Over time, many people from Antioch migrated to other regions, including Lebanon and Palestine, carrying their names with them. The surname Antaki is common among Arabic communities in these regions and among Syrian diaspora communities around the world.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Antaki

The meaning and origin of the last name Antaki

The surname Antaki originates from the Middle East, specifically Syria and Lebanon, where it is a common Christian name. It comes from the Arabic word "antakya," which means "Antioch" in English, referring to the ancient city in present-day Turkey. Antioch was an important center of early Christianity and was known as Antiochia and Antiochia ad Orontes in ancient times. The name spread to various regions due to historical events such as migrations and conquests, making it a surname found among Syrian and Lebanese diaspora communities worldwide. In other contexts, the name may also be a variation of Antonakis or Antacius, derived from Greek roots related to the name Anthony.

Geographical distribution of the last name Antaki

The Antaki surname is predominantly found in regions with significant Syrian and Lebanese populations due to its Arabic origins. In Syria, it is most prevalent in cities such as Aleppo, Homs, Damascus, and Hama. In Lebanon, Beirut, Tripoli, and the Bekaa Valley are areas where the surname Antaki is commonly found. Beyond the Middle East, there are also substantial communities of people with the last name Antaki in various parts of the world, including North America, Europe, Australia, and South America, largely as a result of diaspora due to conflicts or economic reasons over the past century. The Antaki surname is associated with diverse professions and backgrounds among these communities, reflecting their dispersal across different regions and cultures.

Variants and spellings of the last name Antaki

The Antaki surname has various spellings and variations due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Some common versions include: Antaky, Antaqi, Antaquey, Antaqui, Antakia, Antacchi, and Antachy. These variations stem from regional dialects, changes in language norms, or errors in documentation. The original Arabic form of the name is أنتاقي (An-taqi), which translates to "the merchant" or "trader." This surname has roots in Syria and Lebanon, originating from the ancient city of Antakya, now known as Antioch. The Antaki family is one of the oldest and most prominent Christian families in Syria, with a rich history dating back over 1600 years.

Famous people with the last name Antaki

The Antaki family has produced several notable figures in various fields. One of the most renowned is Nawal Antar (born 1936), a Lebanese writer and women's rights activist. She was one of the first Arab women to work as a journalist and is best known for her autobiographical works, including "The Trees Were Once People" and "I Have No Place to Call My Own."

Another prominent Antaki is Avedis Aharonian (1874-1927), an Armenian poet, journalist, and politician. Born in Istanbul, he was a key figure in the Armenian national liberation movement and is widely recognized for his powerful political poetry. His works include "The Harvest of Ashes," "Cries from Ararat," and "Awakening."

Lastly, Paul Antaki (1875-1930) was a Syrian Orthodox bishop who served as the Metropolitan Bishop of Aleppo. He played an important role in the establishment of the University of St. Joseph in Beirut and was known for his advocacy for women's education.

Genealogical research on the last name Antaki

The Antaki surname originates from Syria and is of Arabic descent, derived from the word "antakya" meaning "Antioch," an ancient city in present-day Turkey. The Antakis were originally Christian Arab families who settled in the coastal cities of modern-day Lebanon during the Crusades. Over time, many Antaki families emigrated to various parts of the world, including North and South America, Africa, and Europe. In North America, the Antaki family can be traced back to immigrant Abraham Antaky, who arrived in New York City from Syria in 1893. The surname has various spellings, including Antakia, Antakey, Antachi, and Antoky, due to transliteration and assimilation processes during migration. The Antaki family is known for its involvement in various professions, including academia, medicine, business, and politics. Notable individuals with the surname include George S. Antaky, a prominent Lebanese-American diplomat and politician, and Adele Antaki, a British psychiatrist and author.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "antaki"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
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.
Last updated : 11 August 2025

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