NomOrigine Background

Last Name Arifi

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.

Unlock and discover the hidden secrets of the surname Arifi

Unlock the Secrets of Your Surname Now

For only 3.95 $, you get:

  • Full access for 7 days
  • Unlimited access to all name and surname profiles
  • High-quality Origin Certificate
  • Download: Keep a precious memory with your origins downloadable in PDF format.
  • Unlimited search
  • Ad-Free: Enjoy a smooth and uninterrupted user experience.
  • ✅ 15-Day Money-Back Satisfaction Guarantee!
Unlock the Secrets of Your Surname Now
🎁 Special offer today: 3.95 $ instead of 6.95 $
⏳ This exclusive offer expires in:

✅ 15-Day Money-Back Satisfaction Guarantee!

What our users say

“I discovered fascinating details about my family history. This service is amazing for tracing our roots!” - Jean D.

“This site strengthened our sense of family belonging by uncovering our origins. Highly recommended!” - Marie L.

“The information was detailed and accurate. I learned interesting facts about my ancestors. A must-have!” - Paul S.

✅ Join the 5,000+ people who have already discovered the fascinating history of their last name!

Discover my family history now

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What will I discover by exploring my last name?
Answer: You will discover the geographical origin, etymology, and unique history of your last name. You can also explore family traditions and historical events connected to it.

Question: How long does it take to access the information?
Answer: Once your payment is confirmed, access is instant. You can start exploring right away.

Question: Are the details about my last name accurate?
Answer: Our data comes from extensive research in reliable archives and historical databases. While we cannot guarantee 100% accuracy, we strive to provide the most complete and precise information possible.

Payment Information

or pay by card

By clicking 'Confirm my payment', you agree to our refund policy, accessible via this link: Refund Policy, as well as our cancellation policy accessible via this link: Cancellation Policy

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

Chargement de la carte...

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 : 24 August 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below:

Similar Last Names

Ari ahmad (Last name)

surnames > ari-ahmad

The last name "Ari Ahmad" originated in Indonesia and is commonly found among people of Indonesian or Malay descent. It is a combination of two names, "Ari" and "Ahmad", which are ...

Aria atash (Last name)

surnames > aria-atash

The last name "Aria Atash" has Persian origins. "Aria" means noble or honorable in Persian, while "Atash" means fire. This last name could potentially refer to someone noble or hon...

Ariadi (Last name)

surnames > ariadi

The last name "Ariadi" is of Indonesian origin. It is derived from the given name "Aria," meaning "noble" or "lion" in Sanskrit.

Arian xtylix (Last name)

surnames > arian-xtylix

No data available.

Arianchinita (Last name)

surnames > arianchinita

The surname "Arianchinita" appears to have Spanish origins. It may be derived from the name "Arianchina," which could be a variation of the surname "Arianchi." The exact meaning or...

Ariani (Last name)

surnames > ariani

The surname Arianian does not have a clearly established origins that can be definitively traced to one specific region or ethnicity. However, it is possible that some forms of thi...

Ariano (Last name)

surnames > ariano

The surname Ariano is of Italian origin and is derived from the place name Ariano Irpino in the Campania region of southern Italy. The name likely signifies someone from Ariano Irp...

Arianty (Last name)

surnames > arianty

The last name "Arianty" is of Indonesian origin. It is a common surname in Indonesia and may be derived from a Javanese or Sundanese word or name.

Arias (Last name)

surnames > arias

The last name "Arias" is of Spanish origin. It is derived from the Spanish word "aria," which refers to an expressive solo song in an opera. The surname likely originated as a patr...

Arias-rodriguez (Last name)

surnames > arias-rodriguez

The surname Arias-Rodriguez is of Spanish origin and consists of two separate patronymic surnames. The first part, "Arias," is derived from the given name "Hermias," which evolved...

Ariati (Last name)

surnames > ariati

The last name Ariati is of Italian origin. It is a surname derived from the personal name Ariato, which is a variant of the name Ariadne, derived from the Greek word "ariagne," mea...

Ariawan (Last name)

surnames > ariawan

The last name Ariawan is of Indonesian origin. It is derived from the Javanese words "ari" meaning "day" and "awan" meaning "cloud."

Ariayi (Last name)

surnames > ariayi

The last name "Ariayi" is of Iranian origin. It is a surname commonly found in Iran and is likely derived from a Persian or Iranian language meaning.

Ariaza (Last name)

surnames > ariaza

The last name "Ariaza" is of Spanish origin. It is believed to be derived from the Basque word "ari" meaning "sheep" and the suffix "-az" denoting "abundance of" or "place of," sug...

Arib (Last name)

surnames > arib

The last name "Arib" does not have a well-known origin or meaning. It is possible that it could be of Arabic origin, as it is similar to the Arabic word "Areeb" which means "pleasa...