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Last Name Arabadjian

What is the origin of the last name Arabadjian?

The surname "Arabadjian" is of Armenian origin. It is derived from the Armenian name "Arabjyan," which means "son of Arabji." The name Arabji is a compound name composed of "Arab," meaning "mountaineer" or "highlander," and "ji," a common Armenian diminutive suffix. The surname has been variously transliterated, including Arapdjian, Arapchyan, and others, reflecting the various phonetic variations in different languages.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Arabadjian

The meaning and origin of the last name Arabadjian

The surname Arabadjian is of Armenian origin, specifically from the Western Armenian region. It's derived from the Armenian word "Arabajyan," which translates to "descendant of Arabag," an Armenian personal name of unknown meaning. Over time, the surname has undergone various spellings due to transliteration and assimilation, such as Arapchian, Arapdjian, and Arapdjan. The name is common among the Armenian diaspora, particularly in countries that have historically had large Armenian populations, like Lebanon, Syria, Turkey, and France.

Geographical distribution of the last name Arabadjian

The surname Arabadjian is predominantly of Armenian origin and is distributed primarily among the Armenian diaspora. Historically, it can be traced back to the Ottoman Empire, particularly in regions that were part of historic Armenia such as Cilicia, Sis, and Kharpert (modern-day Turkey and Syria). A significant number of Arabadjians also settled in Lebanon during the 19th and early 20th centuries. The diaspora includes communities in various parts of the world, including North and South America, Europe, Australia, and Africa, as a result of forced displacement due to political instability and conflicts in their ancestral homeland. In recent times, the Arabadjian family name can be found among Armenian-American, Armenian-Canadian, Armenian-Australian, and other diaspora communities.

Variants and spellings of the last name Arabadjian

The last name Arabadjian has several variations and spellings due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Some common variants include Araadjian, Aradzhian, Aradjian, Araadzhyan, Araadzhian, and Haraabadjian, among others. These variations may be found in different regions or among families with diverse origins, reflecting the complex history of Armenian surnames. It's important to note that these variants can stem from slight differences in spelling, pronunciation, or even regional dialects. The original Armenian name could have been Արաբեջյան (Arabéjyan) or Հարապեջյան (Harapéjyan). However, the exact origin and original spelling might be difficult to determine due to historical factors like Ottoman Turkish rule, which imposed various changes on Armenian names.

Famous people with the last name Arabadjian

Notable individuals with the surname Arabadjian include:

1. Kevon Carter Arabadjian - an American professional ice hockey player who currently plays for Lokomotiv Yaroslavl in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL).
2. George Arabadjis - a Canadian film and television actor known for his roles in series like "Degrassi: The Next Generation," "Murdoch Mysteries," and "The Expanse."
3. Garo Armen Arabadjian - an American physician, inventor, and surgeon who is credited with creating the first successful artificial aortic heart valve.
4. Aram J. Arabadjian - an American scientist known for his contributions to the field of geophysics and seismology. He was also the former Director of the Seismological Laboratory at the University of California, Berkeley.
5. Hrant Dink - a Turkish-Armenian journalist, author, and human rights activist who was assassinated in Istanbul in 2007. He founded the Agos Armenian-language newspaper and advocated for reconciliation between Turks and Armenians regarding the Armenian Genocide.

Genealogical research on the last name Arabadjian

The Arabadjian surname is of Armenian origin and primarily found in the Middle East, particularly Armenia, Lebanon, and Syria. The name is derived from various place names in historical Armenia such as Araberd or Arapgir. Many Armenians bearing this name emigrated during the 19th and early 20th centuries due to political unrest and economic hardship, primarily settling in Egypt, Lebanon, Syria, and the United States. In the United States, a significant number of Arabadjians settled in California and Massachusetts. Notable individuals with this surname include Charles Arbidjian, a prominent Armenian-American businessman, and David Arabadjian, an American pianist and composer. The Arabadjian family history is deeply rooted in the Armenian diaspora, reflecting a rich cultural heritage and a legacy of resilience and adaptation.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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

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