Last Name Eskenazi

The surname Eskenazi is of Jewish origin and is believed to have derived from the city of Isfahan (also known as Ekbatan) in Persia (modern-day Iran). The name was often used as a marker of Jewish identity, similar to other surnames of Hebrew or geographical origins that emerged among Sephardic Jews. The Eskenazi family is one of the most prominent and ancient Jewish families with roots traced back to medieval Spain. They were expelled from Spain in 1492 during the Inquisition, along with other Jews, and dispersed across Europe, North Africa, and the Ottoman Empire. Some of them settled in the Middle East, including Persia, where the name Eskenazi became associated with the city of Isfahan. However, it is essential to note that this is a general explanation, and there may be various family histories and specific origins within the Eskenazi lineage. It's always advisable to consult genealogical resources or family historians for more accurate information about a particular family's history.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Eskenazi

The meaning and origin of the last name Eskenazi

The surname Eskenazi is of Jewish ancestry, specifically Sephardic, originating from the Iberian Peninsula. The name is derived from the Hebrew phrase "Ish Kenaz" which means "man of Kenaz," a place in the Bible associated with the tribe of Judah. During the 15th century, many Sephardic Jews were expelled from Spain and Portugal, causing mass migration to other parts of Europe and the Middle East. The surname Eskenazi is one such result of this diaspora. The name has since been adopted by various families in different countries, with variations such as Ishkaniz, Escanazi, and Escenazy also being recorded. The surname remains common among Sephardic Jewish communities today, particularly in Israel, Turkey, and various European nations.

Geographical distribution of the last name Eskenazi

The surname Eskenazi is predominantly found among individuals of Sephardic Jewish descent, with origins tracing back to Spain and Portugal. Over time, due to various historical events such as the Spanish Inquisition and expulsion of Jews from Spain in 1492, many Sephardic Jews migrated to other parts of Europe, North Africa, and the Ottoman Empire. Today, significant populations bearing the Eskenazi surname can be found across these regions, including Turkey, Greece, Bulgaria, Israel, France, and countries in North Africa like Morocco and Tunisia. In addition, the name has also been recorded among Sephardic communities in other parts of the world, such as the United States, Canada, and Latin America, where diaspora populations from the original regions have settled over the centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Eskenazi

The surname Eskenazi has several variants and spellings, primarily due to differences in transliteration and regional pronunciation. Some of the most common variants include Eschkenazy, Eschkenazi, Escobar-Eskenazi (a fusion of Sephardic Jewish and Iberian heritage), Ischkenazi, Ischkensky, and Ischkenaz. Other variations may include Eskanazi, Eschkany, Escobarr-Eskenazi, and even Eiskenazi, although these are less common. These variations reflect the diversity of Jewish communities throughout history, particularly those of Sephardic descent who were dispersed across the Mediterranean and Europe during various periods.

Famous people with the last name Eskenazi

The Eskenazi family, of Jewish Persian descent, has produced several notable individuals recognized globally. Lord Jacob Eskenazi, born in 1937, is an English businessman and philanthropist who served as the Deputy Lieutenant of Nottinghamshire from 2006 to 2018. In the world of art, Charles Saatchi, though not officially using the Eskenazi surname, was born into the family and is a renowned art collector and gallery owner. Simha Eskenazi, an Iranian Jewish businessman, is known for his efforts to secure the release of Jewish hostages during the Iran hostage crisis in 1980. In the United States, David Eskenazi is a sports broadcaster and author who co-authored "Washington Baseball: A Definitive History of the Mariners, Pilots, and Rainiers." These individuals have left significant marks in various fields, demonstrating the family's diverse contributions to society.

Genealogical research on the last name Eskenazi

The Eskenazi surname originates from the Middle East and is of Sephardic Jewish descent. It derives from the Hebrew word "Ish Kenazi," meaning "a man from Canaan." The name was commonly adopted by Jews in Spain, Portugal, and North Africa before the Inquisition forced many to flee and seek refuge in other parts of Europe and the Ottoman Empire. Notable Eskenazi families include the prominent merchant family based in Istanbul, who played a significant role in the economy and social life of the city during the Ottoman period. The name is also prevalent among Sephardic communities in Amsterdam, London, and other European cities where Jews from the Iberian Peninsula settled after their expulsion or conversion during the Inquisition. Today, Eskenazi remains a common surname among Jewish populations, particularly those of Sephardic and Ashkenazi descent.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Eskenazi"
• 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 : 23 July 2025

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