Last Name Davani

Learn more about the origin of the last name Davani

The meaning and origin of the last name Davani

The surname Davani is of Persian origin, derived from the region Dabiran, located in central Iran. Originally, it was likely a geographical name for someone who lived in or hailed from this region. Over time, as individuals migrated, the surname Davani became widespread among various communities, notably among Persians and Indian Parsi Zoroastrians. The name is also found in other parts of the world due to diaspora movements, particularly in countries with significant Persian or Parsi communities such as India and the United States. In its modern usage, Davani functions as a last name and carries cultural connotations associated with these communities.

Geographical distribution of the last name Davani

The surname Davani has its roots in Iran and is predominantly found among Persian speakers. According to various genealogical databases, the name is most concentrated within Iran, particularly in Tehran, Isfahan, and Kerman provinces, suggesting an origin from these regions. Additionally, there are significant populations of individuals with the surname Davani in other countries that have historically had a large Persian diaspora, such as the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. This geographical distribution suggests migration events from Iran to other parts of the world over time, although the precise historical movements are not fully documented.

Variants and spellings of the last name Davani

The surname Davani has several variations and spellings across different regions and cultures. Some of the most common include Davanian, D'Avanzo, DeVanni, Diavanni, Deveni, and Devanny. These variants may arise due to factors such as regional dialects, transcription errors during immigration or assimilation processes, or personal preference. Additionally, some families might have slightly different spellings within the same lineage due to similar reasons. It is essential to note that these variations do not necessarily reflect a change in the name's meaning or origin. The Davani surname often has roots in Italy and can be derived from places like Tuscany or Veneto, with possible meanings linked to "blacksmith" or "new house."

Famous people with the last name Davani

The Davani family has notable contributions across various fields, with several members garnering prominence globally. One such figure is Dr. Firuzan Davani-Agaei, an Iranian-American scholar who specializes in Persian literature and cultural studies. She serves as a professor at the University of Texas at Austin. In music, there's composer and conductor Mehdi Hossein Davani, known for his work with the Tehran Symphony Orchestra. He has collaborated with renowned artists like Placido Domingo and Zubin Mehta. Another significant figure is Minoo Moallem, a professor of Sociology and Gender Studies at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Her research focuses on modern Iranian culture and politics. Lastly, Dr. Amin Davani, an Indian-American economist, is the Charles B. Thorpe Chair in Economics at Emory University. His work primarily revolves around economic development and public policy. These individuals, among others, represent the intellectual and artistic impact of the Davani family.

Genealogical research on the last name Davani

The Davani surname is primarily of Persian origin, derived from the city of Davan in Iran. Historical records suggest that the Davani family migrated from Persia to India during the medieval period, where they established themselves and contributed significantly to the cultural and social landscape. Notable figures with the Davani name include the Indian poet and scholar Sa'di Shirazi (1213-1292), who was originally a Persian but is often associated with the city of Davan due to his family roots. The surname has since spread globally, particularly among Parsi Zoroastrians in India, as well as in Iran and other countries with significant Persian populations.

The Davani lineage can be traced back through various branches, some of which have notable distinctions. For instance, the Davanis of Bombay were prominent figures in the Parsi community, contributing significantly to the legal, educational, and philanthropic sectors in India during the British colonial era. Genealogical research on the Davani surname is a rich exploration of history, culture, and migration patterns, offering insights into the interconnectedness of societies across continents over centuries.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "davani"
• 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