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Last Name Beqiraj

What is the origin of the last name Beqiraj?

The surname Beqiraj is an Albanian name and it is derived from the given name Beqir, which is a variant of the Arabic name Abu Bakr. The name Abu Bakr means "father of promise" or "father of the highborn." The name became popular among Albanians during the Ottoman Empire era, as many Albanians adopted Muslim names at that time. The surname Beqiraj is most common in Albania and Kosovo.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Beqiraj

The meaning and origin of the last name Beqiraj

The surname Beqiraj is of Albanian origin. It is derived from the given name Beqir, which is a variant of the Arabic name "Abu Bakr," meaning "father of Bakr." The name Abu Bakr is prominent in Islamic tradition as the first caliph (leader) of the Islamic community following Muhammad's death. The surname Beqiraj may have been adopted by Albanians who converted to Islam during the Ottoman Empire's rule over the region, as the name reflects a Muslim heritage. Over time, variations of the surname, such as Beqiraji, Beqiri, and others, have also emerged due to differences in spelling and phonetic interpretation. Today, the Beqiraj surname is predominantly found among Albanian communities, both in Albania and diaspora populations around the world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Beqiraj

The surname Beqiraj is predominantly found in Albania and Kosovo, both historically part of the Ottoman Empire. It is one of the most common surnames in Albania and ranks among the top 100 surnames in Kosovo. In Albania, it is particularly prevalent in the central and northern regions, with high concentrations in districts like Shkodra, Lezhë, Tirana, and Dibra. In Kosovo, it can be found in various regions but is notably more common in the northwestern part of the country, such as Peja, Prizren, and Mitrovica. The surname Beqiraj is also present in smaller numbers in other parts of Europe due to migration, particularly in countries with significant Albanian diaspora communities like Greece, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, and Austria.

Variants and spellings of the last name Beqiraj

The surname Beqiraj has several variations and spellings due to differences in transliteration and regional pronunciations. Here are some common variants:

1. Beqiraiji - This is one of the variations, where the ending "j" is doubled as is common in Albanian language for certain nouns.
2. Beqiraji - Another variation with a double "j" at the end, though less common than the previous one.
3. Beqiraj - This is the most commonly used and recognized spelling outside of Albania. In this version, the ending "j" is single, which follows English orthographic conventions for representing foreign names.
4. Beqira - A shorter variant without the final "j", possibly due to misinterpretation or simplification of the original name.
5. Beqiraji (with a long i) and Beqiraij (with a short i) are other possible variations, though less common. These differences in vowel length may occur when pronunciation is transliterated into different writing systems.

It's essential to note that the correct spelling can vary depending on personal preference, geographical location, or the specific conventions used for transcribing the Albanian language into other writing systems.

Famous people with the last name Beqiraj

Notable individuals with the surname Beqiraj include:

1. Ardian Beqiraj - A professional footballer who plays as a forward for KF Teuta Durresi and the Kosovo national team. He previously played for Borussia Dortmund II, Fortuna Düsseldorf, and 1860 Munich in Germany.

2. Vullnet Beqiraj - A Kosovar-Swiss professional footballer who plays as a striker for FC Luzern in Switzerland's Super League. He has also represented the Albania national team at international level.

3. Besa Beqiraj - An actress and singer from Kosovo, known for her roles in various films and television shows, including "Fugitive Pieces" and "The Hour of Liberation".

4. Shpetim Beqiraj - A Kosovar-Swiss professional football coach and former player who managed FC Luzern and served as the assistant coach for the Switzerland national team. He also played professionally in Switzerland, Germany, and Austria.

Genealogical research on the last name Beqiraj

The surname Beqiraj is predominantly found among Albanian-speaking populations, particularly in the regions of Kosovo, Albania, and North Macedonia. The name is a patronymic derived from the male given name Beqir or Beg, meaning "lord" or "master" in Turkish, which was adopted by many Albanians during the Ottoman Empire's rule.

Historical records show that the Beqiraj family originated from the Dibra region in northern Albania. Some branches of the family migrated to other parts of the Balkans over the centuries, with significant settlements occurring in Kosovo and North Macedonia during the 19th and 20th centuries. The family played various roles in local society, including agriculture, trade, and public service. Notable figures bearing the name include Hysen Beqiraj, a prominent Albanian politician, and Albulena Beqiraj, an award-winning Macedonian journalist.

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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