Last Name Aptsiauri

Learn more about the origin of the last name Aptsiauri

The meaning and origin of the last name Aptsiauri

The surname Aptsiauri is of Georgian origin, specifically from the region of Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti in western Georgia. It belongs to the Mepisetiauri (meaning "from Mepis") family name cluster, which is one of the oldest and most prominent lineages in the country. The name Aptsiauri is believed to be derived from the village or fortress of Aptskhara, located in the Samegrelo region. Over time, the spelling and pronunciation of Georgian surnames have varied as a result of cultural and historical influences, leading to different forms being found today. For example, alternative spellings of the name include Aptsiauri, Aptsiuri, Aptschauri, and Aptsjauri.

Geographical distribution of the last name Aptsiauri

The surname Aptsiauri is primarily concentrated in Georgia, a country located at the intersection of Europe and Asia. Within Georgia, the majority of individuals bearing this surname can be found in the regions of Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti, Adjara, and Guria, which are located on the western coast of the country. Atsiauri is also present to a lesser extent in other parts of Georgia, such as Kakheti, Mtskheta-Mtianeti, and Shida Kartli. This surname seems to have a strong connection with the western part of the country, possibly due to historical or cultural reasons that require further research. Outside of Georgia, the occurrence of Aptsiauri is relatively rare, with only a few instances reported in Russia, Ukraine, and the United States, likely as a result of diaspora or migration.

Variants and spellings of the last name Aptsiauri

The surname Aptsiauri can be found with various spelling and pronunciation variations due to differences in transliteration and regional dialects. Some common versions include:

1. Apstiauri - This is the Georgian orthography, which is the most commonly used system in modern-day Georgia for writing the Georgian language.
2. Aptsiаури - The Cyrillic version of the surname, used primarily in regions where the Cyrillic script is prevalent.
3. Abtsiauri - An alternative spelling that may be found in some records or documents.
4. Avtsevich - A Russianized variant of the surname, which could have been adopted by individuals emigrating from Georgia to Russia or other Russian-speaking regions.
5. Aptsiaoury - A less common variation that may result from transcription errors or different transliteration practices.
6. Aptsiauri - A possible plural form of the surname in some contexts, but it is not commonly used as a standalone surname.

Famous people with the last name Aptsiauri

Notable individuals with the surname Aptsiauri include:

1. Nikoloz Aptsiauri (1927-2008), a prominent Georgian actor who played lead roles in numerous films and theatre productions, as well as serving as the Artistic Director of the Rustaveli Theatre from 1965 to 1973.

2. Revaz Aptsiauri (born 1940), a former Soviet football player who won numerous accolades during his career, including being named the Footballer of the Year in the Soviet Union twice and earning over 40 caps for the national team.

3. Giorgi Aptsiauri (born 1978), a Georgian professional football coach and former player who has managed various clubs in Georgia and abroad, as well as playing for the Georgian national team at the international level.

Genealogical research on the last name Aptsiauri

The surname Aptsiauri originates from Georgia, a country located at the intersection of Eastern Europe and Western Asia. Historically, it is part of the Kartli or Mtskheta-Mtianeti region, which has been inhabited since ancient times. The name Aptsiauri is believed to have derived from a place name, indicating that early bearers of this surname may have originated from a specific locale within this region. Over time, the surname spread throughout Georgia and beyond as its inhabitants migrated or were displaced by various historical events. Notable figures with the Aptsiauri surname include Georgian politician Shalva Aptsiauri and footballer Dato Aptsiauri. Genealogical records for this surname are most abundant in contemporary Georgia, offering researchers a wealth of information to trace family history and connections within this lineage.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "aptsiauri"
• 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 : 30 July 2025