Last Name Hafiz

The surname Hafiz is of Arabic and Persian origin. In these languages, "hāfiz" means "memorizer," "custodian," or "keeper." It's often used as a title for individuals who have memorized the entire Quran by heart in Islam. Over time, it has become a surname, especially among Muslims in countries such as Turkey, India, and Pakistan. However, the exact origins of specific instances of the name can vary, depending on individual family histories.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Hafiz

The meaning and origin of the last name Hafiz

The surname Hafiz originates from the Arabic language and is associated with Persian culture. In its original form, "Hafiz" translates to "memorizer" or "custodian," as it was originally used as an honorific title for individuals who had memorized the entire Quran by heart. Over time, it evolved into a surname in various Middle Eastern and South Asian cultures. The name is particularly common among Muslims of Persian descent. It's worth noting that Hafiz is also the title given to poets in Persian literature, signifying a master poet who has demonstrated exceptional memory and skill in composing poetry. This dual meaning highlights the respect and admiration accorded to individuals bearing the name.

Geographical distribution of the last name Hafiz

The surname Hafiz is predominantly found in regions with historical ties to the Islamic world, particularly in countries such as Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and Turkey. It originates from the Arabic word "hafiz," which means memorizer or one who has learned the Quran by heart. In South Asia, it is a common surname among Muslim communities, while in Turkey it is less frequent but still present. Outside these regions, smaller populations of individuals with the last name Hafiz can be found in various Western countries due to immigration, particularly in countries with large Muslim diaspora communities such as the United States and Canada.

Variants and spellings of the last name Hafiz

The surname Hafiz has several variations and spellings due to differences in transliteration and regional pronunciations. Some common variations include:

1. Hafeez
2. Hafiż
3. Hafizah (female variant)
4. Hefazi
5. Hefaiza (female variant)
6. Al-Hafiz (Arabic for "the Preserver")
7. El-Hafiz (Egyptian Arabic)
8. Hafez (Persian, Iranian, and Azerbaijani form)
9. Hafis (Turkish variation)
10. Alhafidh (Arabic for "the Preserver")

These variations may also appear in different scripts, such as the Latin alphabet, Arabic script, Persian script, and others. It's important to note that the spelling can vary based on factors like cultural background, geographic region, and personal preference.

Famous people with the last name Hafiz

Prominent individuals named Hafiz include:

1. Mawlana Jalaluddin Rumi (1207-1273), a Persian poet, Islamic scholar, theologian, and mystic who is arguably one of the most influential figures in the entire history of Persian literature. His poetry has had a profound impact on the development of the Persian language and Sufi Islam.

2. Hafiz Shah carimi (1005-1077), also known as Hafiz-e Shirazi, was a Persian poet from Shiraz, Iran, who is considered one of the great masters of the robaiyat, a form of lyric poetry in the Persian language.

3. Hafiz Wahid Bakhsh (1852–1921), an Indian Urdu poet and humorist, known for his satirical poetry and plays, was also popularly known as Hafiz Barkhurdar.

4. M.H. Hussain Hafiz (born 1937), a Bangladeshi journalist, editor, translator, and scholar who has made significant contributions to the field of Bengali literature. He is the recipient of numerous awards, including the Ekushey Padak.

5. Amjad Islam Amjad (1940–2008), a Pakistani Urdu poet, writer, and journalist, often referred to as the "Modern Hafiz," was also born with the name Hafiz Muhammad Iqbal Amjad. He is known for his poetry that explores themes of human relationships, social issues, and urban life.

Genealogical research on the last name Hafiz

The surname Hafiz originates from the Arabic word "hafiz," meaning memorizer or one who has committed the Quran to memory. This surname is predominantly found among Muslims, particularly those of Arab and Persian descent. The name can be traced back to the Ottoman Empire, where it was given as a title of respect to individuals who had memorized the entire Quran. Over time, the name became a hereditary surname among some families. Notable individuals with the surname Hafiz include Maulana Abdul Haq Hafiz Jhangvi, a Pakistani religious leader and founder of the Sipah-e-Sahaba Pakistan, and Hafiz Saeed, a controversial Islamic militant leader based in Pakistan. Today, the surname Hafiz is common in countries with large Muslim populations, such as India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "hafiz"
• 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

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