What is the origin of the last name Asghari?

The surname Asghari is an Iranian name and originates from Persia (now Iran). The name often indicates a person who belongs to the Asghar branch or clan within Persian society. The name "Asghar" means "the less" or "the younger" in Persian, and was often used as a given name, but it has also been used as a surname. The use of family names, including the adoption of surnames like Asghari, became more common in Iran during the Qajar dynasty (1794-1925). Prior to that, individuals were primarily identified by their given name, occupation, or tribe. The adoption of surnames was a gradual process and varied across different regions and social classes in Iran. It is important to note that family names can be traced back to various roots such as occupations, geographical locations, tribal affiliations, religious titles, or personal attributes, among others. The specific origin of the surname Asghari may vary depending on individual families' histories.
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Learn more about the origin of the last name Asghari

The meaning and origin of the last name Asghari

The surname Asghari is of Persian origin, derived from the Arabic name Ashgar, which means "lion" or "hero." In Persian, the suffix "-i" or "-zadeh" is often added to personal names to create surnames. Thus, Asghari can be translated as "son of Asghar" or "belonging to Asghar." This surname is common among individuals of Iranian descent and reflects the rich history and cultural heritage of Persia. The name has also been spelled variously over time, including Ashgari, Askari, and Askary.

Geographical distribution of the last name Asghari

The surname Asghari has a significant presence in various regions, primarily within Iran and Azerbaijan due to their shared cultural and historical ties. It is also common among the Persian diaspora, including communities in the United States, Canada, Australia, and Europe, as a result of migration from Iran. The name can also be found in other Middle Eastern countries such as Afghanistan and Pakistan, reflecting its Arabic-Persian origin. Additionally, smaller populations bearing the Asghari surname are dispersed across Central Asia and South Asia due to historical events like the Mongol invasions and the British Raj.

Variants and spellings of the last name Asghari

The last name Asghari has various spellings and variations due to differences in transliteration and regional pronunciation. Here are some common versions:

1. Asgharie - A spelling variation that adds an additional 'e' at the end, which is sometimes added to surnames ending in 'i' for phonetic reasons or as a result of errors in transcription.
2. Ashgaray - An alternative spelling that may be found, especially among individuals with Iranian origins.
3. Eshghari - This version represents an attempt to transliterate the name using the Perso-Arabic script, where 'E' is used instead of 'A'.
4. Asghar - While not a surname on its own, it can be shortened from Asghari as a given name and sometimes adopted as a surname.
5. Ashghari, Eshghary, Asqarie, Asghary, Eshqari, and Aşqarı are some other potential variations that may exist among individuals with Persian or Iranian heritage. It is essential to note that the spelling can vary due to differences in transcription, migration, and regional pronunciation.

Famous people with the last name Asghari

Notable individuals with the surname Asghari include Miladinovic Asghari, a Bosnian professional footballer who plays as a left back for the Serbian club FK Rad and the Bosnia and Herzegovina national team. Another well-known figure is Bahram Asghari, an Iranian-American businessman, investor, and philanthropist. He co-founded the investment firm Asghari Capital LLC and has been active in various charitable causes. In the realm of entertainment, Navid Negahban, a Canadian actor of Iranian descent, is recognized for his roles in films such as "Homeland" and "American Sniper". Additionally, Mahsa Asghari, an Iranian human rights activist, gained international attention when she was sentenced to prison for her participation in the 2018 Iran protests. These individuals demonstrate a diverse range of professional accomplishments and activism from various fields.

Genealogical research on the last name Asghari

The Asghari surname is primarily of Persian origin and derives from the Arabic word "ash-sharī," meaning noble or distinguished. It is one of many surnames that emerged during the Islamic Golden Age, when the use of family names became widespread in the Persian Empire. Over time, it has been adopted by numerous families across Iran and other regions with significant Persian populations, such as Afghanistan and Azerbaijan.

Notable figures bearing the Asghari surname include Iranian poet Mohammad-Ali-Ashtiani Asghari, known for his contributions to traditional Persian poetry; and Fariborz Asghari, an influential Iranian architect who designed numerous buildings in Tehran. The surname is also common among immigrants from these regions living in Western countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia.

In terms of genealogical research, tracing the origins of the Asghari surname can be challenging due to its widespread adoption and lack of specific familial connections. However, by examining records from Persia's Islamic Golden Age, as well as immigration records from the 20th century, it is possible to piece together some aspects of the family's history.

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NomOrigine Team
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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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