Last Name Berati

The surname Berati is believed to have originated from the city of Berat in Albania. Berat is an ancient city with a rich history dating back thousands of years, located along the Osum River in central Albania. The city's name is thought to derive from the Illyrian word "Bërata," which means "thousand waters." Over time, as people migrated and settled, some took on their place of origin as a surname. Therefore, Berati is likely a patronymic or locative surname indicating someone originally from Berat. This is a common naming pattern found in many cultures throughout history.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Berati

The meaning and origin of the last name Berati

The surname Berati originates from Albania, a country located in Southeastern Europe. It is derived from the word "berat," which means "weight" or "town" in Albanian. This surname is often associated with the city of Berat, an ancient and historically significant city in Albania. The Berati family name could have been adopted by individuals who hailed from this city, or by those who belonged to families that had migrated from there. Over time, the surname has spread among various communities due to migration, particularly within Albanian-speaking populations. It is now a common surname not only in Albania but also among diaspora communities around the world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Berati

The surname Berati is primarily found in Albania and its diaspora communities. It originates from the city of Berat, located in central Albania, which has been inhabited since ancient times. This name is associated with the Berisha clan, one of the five traditional clans that ruled over Berat during medieval times. The Berat region was part of the Ottoman Empire for several centuries and many people from there emigrated to other parts of Europe and North America during the 20th century, spreading the surname globally among Albanian diaspora communities. Today, a significant number of individuals with the last name Berati can be found in countries such as Italy, Greece, Germany, Switzerland, United States, Canada, Australia, and many other nations with substantial Albanian populations.

Variants and spellings of the last name Berati

The surname Berati has several variations and spellings across different regions and languages. Here are some of them:

* Albanian: Berati, Bërati, Beratlju, Beratt, Beratti, Beratich, Beratie, Beratini, Beratic, Beratko, Beratolli, Beratici
* Italian: Berati, De Berati, Di Berati, Da Berati
* Serbian/Croatian/Bosnian: Berat, Beratić, Beratić, Beratović
* Greek: Vlahogiannis, Vlahopoulos, Vlachogiannis, Vlachopoulos (Greek versions often originating from Albanian or Aromanian speaking families)

It is important to note that these variations and spellings may also be found among individuals of various ethnic backgrounds due to migration, assimilation, and transcription errors over time.

Famous people with the last name Berati

Notable individuals bearing the surname Berati include:

1. Ilir Berati (born 1987), an Albanian professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for FC Kairat and the Albania national team.

2. Jeton Berati (born 1996), a Swedish professional footballer who currently plays as a defender for Djurgårdens IF.

3. Lorik Cana-Berati (born 1984), an Albanian former professional footballer who played as a midfielder and is the current coach of FK Partizani Tirana.

4. Petrit Berati (born 1990), an Albanian-Swiss professional footballer who plays as a forward for Stade Rennais FC.

5. Xherdan Shaqiri (full name: Xherdan Shaqiri Berati; born 1991), a Swiss professional footballer who plays as a winger or attacking midfielder for Lille OSC and the Switzerland national team, who was born in Kosovo to an Albanian family.

These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields of professional football, demonstrating athletic skill and dedication.

Genealogical research on the last name Berati

The Berati surname originates from the ancient city of Berat, Albania, which is located along the Osum River valley. Historically, the region was part of the Byzantine Empire and later the Ottoman Empire. The name Berati is thought to have derived from the city's name, suggesting a lineage or origin connection.

During the Ottoman rule, many Albanian families adopted surnames as part of administrative reforms in the 19th century. The Berati family, like others, may have taken their name from the city at this time to distinguish themselves within the community.

Throughout history, the Berati family has been influential in various aspects of Albanian culture. Notable figures with the surname include Mihal Grabner, a Baroque composer who was born in Berat in 1638, and Kostandin Kristoforidhi, a renowned author and educator. The Berati family has also contributed significantly to politics and military service, particularly during the Albanian National Awakening movement of the late 19th century.

Today, the Berati surname can be found throughout Albania as well as other parts of Europe, North America, and Australia, reflecting the migration patterns of Albanians in modern times. Genealogical research on the Berati family continues to uncover more details about their rich history and contributions to Albanian culture and society.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "berati"
• 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 : 25 July 2025

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