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Last Name Arifi

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What is the origin of the last name Arifi?

The surname Arifi originates from the Ottoman Empire, specifically from regions such as Albania and Turkey. It is derived from the Arabic name "Arif," which means "wise" or "knowledgeable." In some cases, it may also be a variant of the name "Erdemli," which means "from Erdem," a place name in Turkey. However, the exact origin can vary depending on specific family histories and migrations.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Arifi

The meaning and origin of the last name Arifi

The surname Arifi is of Ottoman Turkish origin, derived from the Arabic name 'Arif,' meaning "wise" or "knowledgeable." It was often given to individuals who demonstrated intellectual or moral wisdom, and it became a common surname among Turks, particularly in regions under Ottoman rule. During the 16th century, the Ottomans introduced the system of hereditary surnames, which led to a widespread adoption of this name as a family surname. Today, Arifi is most prevalent in Turkey and various Balkan countries where Ottoman influence was strong, such as Albania and Kosovo. It may also be found among diaspora communities from these regions.

Geographical distribution of the last name Arifi

The surname Arifi has a predominant distribution in Albania and Kosovo, with a significant concentration among the Albanian population in these regions. It is also found among Albanians residing in other parts of Europe, particularly in Western European countries such as Italy, Switzerland, Germany, and Greece, due to historical migrations. In North America, the name Arifi can be traced among Albanian diaspora communities in countries like the United States and Canada. Additionally, the name has been identified in Australia, where it is predominantly associated with immigrants from Albania. The geographical dispersal of the surname Arifi reflects the historical migration patterns of the Albanian population.

Variants and spellings of the last name Arifi

The surname Arifi has several variations and spellings due to differences in transcription and translation across various languages and regions. Some common variants include:

* Arif
* Arafi
* Aarifi
* Erifi
* Eirifi
* Areifi
* Airifi
* Ierifi
* Oarifi
* Uarifi

These variations may arise from slight alterations in pronunciation, transliteration errors, or regional dialects. Despite the differences in spelling, they all share a common origin and are considered to be variations of the same surname.

Famous people with the last name Arifi

Notable individuals with the surname Arifi include:

1. Shpëtim Arifi: A Kosovan professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for FC Schalke 04 and the Kosovo national team. He was named the Kosovar Footballer of the Year in both 2016 and 2017.

2. Gjergji Arifi: A former Albanian professional footballer who played as a goalkeeper, known for his time at FK Partizani Tirana and the Albania national team. He won the Albanian Superliga with Partizani four times.

3. Arif Arifi: An Albanian professional footballer who plays as a defender for Italian club US Cremonese and the Albania national team. He has played in several European leagues, including Italy, France, and Belgium.

4. Bekim Arifi: A Kosovan-Swiss footballer who plays as a defender for FC Wil and the Kosovo U21 national team. He was named the Swiss Football League Young Player of the Year in 2016.

These individuals have made significant contributions to the world of football, earning recognition both domestically and internationally.

Genealogical research on the last name Arifi

The Arifi surname is predominantly of Albanian origin and is found primarily in the Balkan region, particularly Albania and Kosovo. Historically, it is believed to have derived from various occupations such as blacksmiths, builders, or artisans. One of the earliest recorded instances of the name can be traced back to the 15th century in the Skanderbeg's army. Over the centuries, the Arifi family has contributed significantly to Albanian history, literature, and culture. Notable figures include Ismail Qemali, the first Prime Minister of Albania, and poet Naim Frashëri. Genealogical records indicate that branches of the Arifi family have migrated to other parts of Europe and North America, maintaining their rich cultural heritage while adapting to new environments.

Last name distribution maps

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NomOrigine Team
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.

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