Last Name Bekerian

The surname Bekerian is of Armenian origin. It is derived from various Armenian given names such as Bedros (meaning "son of Bedros"), Petros (meaning "stone" or "rock"), or other similar names with the diminutive suffix "-ian." This pattern of surnames formed by adding -ian to personal names is common in Armenia and among the Armenian diaspora.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Bekerian

The meaning and origin of the last name Bekerian

The surname Bekerian is of Armenian origin. It is derived from various places in historic Armenia and Turkey, such as Bekirli and Bekerek, which were named after the Persian title "Beg" meaning "lord" or "chieftain". The name Bekerian, like many Armenian surnames, likely evolved over time due to geographical relocations and assimilation into different cultures. In the diaspora, this surname can be found among descendants of Armenians who were displaced during events such as the Armenian Genocide in the early 20th century. The Bekerian name serves as a connection to their Armenian heritage and history.

Geographical distribution of the last name Bekerian

The surname Bekerian is predominantly of Armenian origin and has a concentrated distribution among Armenians and their diaspora. Historically, it is most prevalent in Armenia itself, particularly in regions such as Shirak, Aragatsotn, and Kotayk. In the diaspora, significant numbers of Bekerians can be found in various countries with a substantial Armenian population, including the United States, Lebanon, Syria, Iran, Georgia, and France. The highest concentration in the United States is in California, particularly in Fresno, Los Angeles, and Glendale, which have large Armenian communities. In Canada, Toronto and Montreal also host sizeable Bekerian populations. These distributions reflect both historical migration patterns and the establishment of Armenian communities around the world.

Variants and spellings of the last name Bekerian

The surname Bekerian has several variations and spellings due to differences in transcription, translation, and regional pronunciation over time. Some common spelling variants include Bekarian, Bekarianos, Bekriam, Beckerian, and Backerian. These variations may be found among individuals of Armenian descent, as the surname is of Armenian origin. The original form of the name likely derives from the Armenian "Bekiryan," which means "son of Bekir." Additionally, some families may have adopted slight variations in spelling when immigrating to different countries or adapting their names to the local language and phonetic system.

Famous people with the last name Bekerian

Notable individuals with the surname Bekerian include:

1. Kevon Bekerian: An American professional soccer player who plays as a goalkeeper for the Los Angeles Galaxy II in USL Championship and the U.S. national under-23 team. He was drafted by the LA Galaxy in the 2018 MLS SuperDraft.

2. Michael Bekerian: A Canadian-Armenian businessman and philanthropist. He is the founder, chairman, and CEO of Telesystem International Wireless (TIW), a mobile telecommunications company based in Toronto, Canada.

3. Paul Bekerian: An American writer, poet, translator, and editor. He is known for his works on Armenian literature and culture, as well as his poetry collections such as "The Dictatorship of the Heart" and "Toward a New Language."

4. Varoujan Bekerian: A prominent Armenian-American architect who designed numerous buildings in California. His most notable work is the Armenian Museum and Cultural Center in Watertown, Massachusetts, which was completed posthumously.

These individuals have made significant contributions in various fields such as sports, business, literature, and architecture.

Genealogical research on the last name Bekerian

The surname Bekerian is of Armenian origin and has roots in the Armenian Highlands, a region historically located within the present-day Republic of Armenia and eastern Turkey. The name can be traced back to various clans and families who migrated from their ancestral homeland due to historical events such as the Armenian Genocide (1915-1923). Bekerians are primarily found in diaspora communities, particularly in countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, and France. Notable individuals with this surname include Garo Bekerian, an American politician of Armenian descent, and Karnig Bekerian, a renowned Armenian-American composer. Genealogical research often involves tracing the family's history through immigration records, census data, church records, and other historical documents to understand the specific lineages and migrations of the Bekerian family within the context of Armenian diaspora.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "bekerian"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

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.
Last updated : 30 July 2025

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