Last Name Fazel

The surname Fazel has Persian origins and is derived from the Arabic word "fayl" which means "camel". This surname is commonly found among people with Persian, Afghan, Tajik, and Pakistani heritage. It's one of many surnames that were adopted by various Middle Eastern communities during the Islamic Golden Age (8th-15th centuries). However, it's important to note that the exact origin can vary for individual families due to factors such as migration and local naming traditions.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Fazel

The meaning and origin of the last name Fazel

The surname Fazel is of Persian origin, derived from the word "fazl" which means 'blessing' or 'grace'. It is one of many Persian surnames that have been adopted by people of Persian descent, particularly those who immigrated to other countries such as India and Pakistan. The name Fazel can also be found among Iranian immigrants in the United States and other Western countries. As a patronymic surname, it often indicates that the original bearer was the son or descendant of someone named Fazl. It is pronounced with the stress on the first syllable as "FAH-zul". In its various spellings like Fazeli, Fazal, Fazli, etc., it represents a common Persian surname that signifies blessings and grace, often reflecting the cultural heritage of its bearers.

Geographical distribution of the last name Fazel

The surname Fazel has a significant presence across various countries due to historical migrations and cultural influences. Originating from the Middle East, particularly Iran and Iraq, the name Fazel is most prevalent in these regions. It's also widely distributed among the Persian diaspora, with substantial populations in the United States, Canada, Australia, and several European countries like the UK, Germany, Sweden, and France, due to immigration from the Middle East over the past few decades. Additionally, small communities of people with the surname Fazel can be found in Africa, notably South Africa, where there is a significant population of individuals of Iranian descent. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Fazel reflects a blend of historical roots and modern migration patterns, demonstrating its global dispersal among communities of Iranian heritage.

Variants and spellings of the last name Fazel

The surname Fazel can be found with various spellings due to differences in transliteration and regional conventions. Some common variants include Fazal, Faizal, Fazel-Abood, Fazeli, Fazelle, Fazel-e-Haq, Fazel-Kazemi, Fazelzadeh, and Fazli. These variations can be found among individuals of Persian, Arabic, or other origin, as the name has roots in both languages. It is derived from the Arabic word "fazl" meaning bounty or grace. The spelling Fazel is a Westernized version of these names and may also be used interchangeably with the others depending on personal preference or regional customs.

Famous people with the last name Fazel

Notable individuals with the surname Fazel include:

1. Hadi Fazel (born 1982), Iranian-Swedish badminton player who competed at the Olympic Games and won several international championships.

2. Fariborz Fazel, an Iranian-American mathematician known for his work in algebraic combinatorics and algebraic geometry. He has been a professor at the University of California, Berkeley since 1984.

3. Mohammad Reza Fazel (born 1960), Iranian politician who served as the Minister of Interior from 2013 to 2017.

4. Aminah Fazel (born 1959), a Malaysian author and academic, known for her works of fiction that explore themes of identity, culture, and feminism.

These individuals have made significant contributions in their respective fields, ranging from sports to academia and politics.

Genealogical research on the last name Fazel

The Fazel surname originates from the Middle East and is predominantly found among Persian-speaking populations, primarily in Iran. Historically, the name Fazel is derived from the Persian word "fazl," which means "blessing" or "bounty." The name may have been a nickname given to someone considered blessed or fortunate.

In terms of migration, there are significant populations of people with the Fazel surname in countries such as the United States, Canada, and Germany, due to immigration waves from Iran throughout the 20th century. In the United States, the state of California has the largest concentration of individuals with the Fazel surname.

Notable figures with the Fazel surname include Mohammad Fazel, a former Iranian football player, and Amin Fazel, an Afghan-American musician who is known for his work in both Afghan pop and Persian pop music. The name Fazel has remained relatively uncommon outside of Persian-speaking communities, making it a unique and distinctive surname within global contexts.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "fazel"
• 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 : 29 July 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends