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Last Name Elmazi

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What is the origin of the last name Elmazi?

The surname Elmazi is of Albanian origin. It is derived from a personal name "Elmaz," which is a variant of the Turkish name "Elmas" meaning 'diamond' or 'gem.' The Albanian population in the Balkans has been influenced by its neighboring countries, such as Turkey and Greece, resulting in a blend of various cultural and linguistic elements, including surnames.
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The meaning and origin of the last name Elmazi

The surname Elmazi is believed to have its origins from the Albanian language, specifically from the region of Kosovo and Albania. The name is derived from the word "Elma" which means 'apple' in Albanian. It is likely that the name was originally a nickname for someone who was compared to an apple or had a characteristic resemblance to one. As with many surnames, the precise origin may vary between families and regions, but the association with the Albanian word for 'apple' is a common theme. The spelling variations of this name can include Elmazzi, Elmazi, and others, reflecting different transcriptions over time and across borders.

Geographical distribution of the last name Elmazi

The surname Elmazi is predominantly found in the Balkan region, specifically within Albania and Kosovo, due to historical migration patterns. In Albania, it's most concentrated in regions like Tirana, Durres, and Shkoder. In Kosovo, it can be found in cities like Pristina, Peja, and Mitrovica. The name also has a presence in other Balkan countries such as North Macedonia and Bulgaria, primarily among the Albanian diaspora. Outside of Europe, small populations bearing the surname Elmazi can be found in various parts of North America, Australia, and Western Europe, where members of the Albanian diaspora have settled.

Variants and spellings of the last name Elmazi

The surname Elmazi has several variations and spellings, originating from Albania and other parts of the world where Albanian people reside. Here are some common variations:

1. Elmazi - the standard spelling found in many English-speaking countries.
2. Elmazi - a slightly different spelling that may be found occasionally.
3. Elmajlisi - this is a variant that follows Albanian orthography more closely, with 'j' representing 'dz' sound in Albanian.
4. Elmajli - another variant following the same principle as Elmajlisi.
5. Elmazaj - a possible misspelling or variation of the surname.
6. Elmazy - an alternate spelling that may be found, especially among those who anglicize their names.
7. Almazi - a phonetic spelling that represents the pronunciation of the name in English, although it is not traditionally associated with Albania or Albanian surnames.

Famous people with the last name Elmazi

Notable individuals with the surname Elmazi include:

1. Azem Elmazi - A Swiss-Albanian professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Italian club Parma and the Albania national team. He began his career at FC Zürich before joining Basel in 2016, where he won the Swiss Super League twice.

2. Fatos Elmazi - A Kosovar politician who served as the Minister of Health between 2014 and 2017, during the second government led by Prime Minister Isa Mustafa. He is also a member of the Assembly of Kosovo for the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK).

3. Shkumbin Elmazi - A professional footballer who plays as a defender. Born in Albania, he has represented several clubs across Europe, including Austria Wien and Sampdoria. He has also played for the Albania national team.

Genealogical research on the last name Elmazi

The surname Elmazi originates from Albania and is predominantly found among the Tosk-speaking population in the southern part of the country. Historically, it is believed to be derived from the personal name Mazo or Mazzo, which was popular during the Middle Ages. Variations of this surname also include Elmazi-Mazo and Mazumi. The Elmazi family has a significant presence in contemporary Albanian politics and culture. Notable individuals bearing the name include Alket Elmazi, an Albanian politician who served as the Minister of Defense from 2013 to 2017, and Mirela Pandevska Elmazi, an acclaimed opera singer. The surname Elmazi can also be found among the Albanian diaspora in countries such as Kosovo, Greece, and the United States.

Last name distribution maps

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NomOrigine Team
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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.

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