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Last Name Atmaca

What is the origin of the last name Atmaca?

The surname Atmaca is of Turkish origin. It is derived from the Turkish word "atmak," which means "to ride" or "horseman." The surname may have been given to someone who was a skilled horseman, or it could have been a nickname for someone who owned horses. The suffix "-ca" is a common Turkish suffix that can indicate occupation, place of origin, or nickname.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Atmaca

The meaning and origin of the last name Atmaca

The surname Atmaca is of Turkish origin, specifically from the Ottoman Empire. It is derived from a common Turkish word "at" which means horse, and "makam," which translates to seat or place. In this context, the name could have been given to someone who was regarded as being as steady and reliable as a horse. Over time, it has become a widely used surname among people of Turkish descent.

Geographical distribution of the last name Atmaca

The surname Atmaca is primarily distributed across Turkey, with a significant concentration in the western and central regions of the country. According to data from FamilyEducation.com, it is most frequently found in the provinces of Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Bursa, and Adana. Beyond Turkey, there are smaller numbers of people bearing this surname in other parts of Europe, particularly Germany, Sweden, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, and the Netherlands, due to historical migrations from Turkey. Additionally, the Atmaca surname can also be found in some communities in North America, primarily in Canada and the United States, as a result of immigration from Turkey in the late 1900s.

Variants and spellings of the last name Atmaca

The surname Atmaca has several variations and spellings due to transliteration differences between Turkish and other languages. Some common variants include Atamaca, Atamakha, Athmaca, and Atmacha. These variations are primarily the result of differences in pronunciation or spelling conventions across different languages and cultures. Additionally, there may be regional dialects within Turkey that use slightly different pronunciations, leading to further variations. Despite these differences, the root of the name remains Atmaca, which is derived from the Turkish words "at" meaning horse, and "makça" meaning a type of fruit or berry, likely referencing a person who resembled a horse or lived near such a plant.

Famous people with the last name Atmaca

The Atmaca family has contributed significantly to various fields worldwide. One notable member is Ersin Atmaca, a Turkish-Dutch scientist who specializes in nanomaterials and nanotechnology. He has published numerous research papers and holds several patents related to his work. Another prominent figure is Cem Atmaca, a Turkish professional footballer who currently plays for Bursaspor as a goalkeeper. On the entertainment front, there's Haluk Bilginer Atmaca, a renowned Turkish actor known for his roles in numerous movies and television series. His portrayal of Yusuf Ziya Pasha in the series "Muhteşem Yüzyıl" earned him critical acclaim. Lastly, there's Sevil Atmaca, a distinguished Turkish scholar focusing on the history of the Ottoman Empire and its art. She is currently a professor at Boğaziçi University in Istanbul. These individuals demonstrate the diverse talents and achievements associated with the Atmaca surname.

Genealogical research on the last name Atmaca

The surname Atmaca is of Turkish origin and is believed to have derived from several possible sources. One interpretation suggests that it comes from the Ottoman Turkish term "at makamı," meaning "horse position" or "horseman's post." Another theory proposes that it might be a regional variant of the Arabic surname At-Taqi, which means "the wise" or "the intelligent." The name is relatively common in Turkey and among Turkish diaspora communities. Notable figures with this last name include Turkish painter Fahrelnissa Zeid, who was born Necla Atmaca, and Turkish-American scientist Cem Atmaca. Genealogical records for the Atmaca family are primarily found in Turkey, with early documented instances dating back to the Ottoman Empire in the 16th century.

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 : 29 July 2025

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