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Last Name Imtiaz

What is the origin of the last name Imtiaz?

The last name "Imtiaz" is of Arabic and Urdu origin. It is a given name that means "eternal" or "immortal." As a surname, it may have been adopted by individuals of Muslim descent as a result of their religious or cultural background. In some cases, the name may also be a variant of the Turkish name "İmtiyaz," which has a similar meaning.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Imtiaz

The meaning and origin of the last name Imtiaz

The surname Imtiaz is of Arabic origin, derived from the name 'Imtiaz', which means 'success' or 'victory'. It is a common Muslim name and is used predominantly among South Asian communities, particularly those of Pakistani, Indian, and Bangladeshi descent. The surname has emerged as a result of patronymic naming practices, where the father's given name is used as the child's surname. In some cases, the surname may also be spelled as Imtiaz Khan, indicating that the bearer belongs to the Khan clan. The name Imtiaz carries connotations of ambition and triumph, reflecting its Arabic roots.

Geographical distribution of the last name Imtiaz

The surname Imtiaz has its origins in the Urdu language and is predominantly found among Muslims, particularly in Pakistan and India. However, it has also spread to various countries due to migration and diaspora. In Pakistan, it is most common in urban centers like Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad. In India, it is prevalent in states with significant Muslim populations such as Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal. Outside South Asia, there are notable Imtiaz communities in the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States, Australia, and other Western countries where South Asian immigrants have settled. In these regions, concentrations of the surname often correlate with areas that have high populations of Pakistani or Indian descent.

Variants and spellings of the last name Imtiaz

The surname Imtiaz has several variations and spellings, primarily due to differences in regional pronunciation and transcription conventions. Some common versions include:

1. Imtiaz
2. Imtiazz
3. Imtiasz
4. Imtiyaz
5. Imtiyaaz
6. Imtyaz
7. Emtiaz
8. Emtiyaaz
9. Intiaz
10. Inteyaz

These variations are mainly due to differences in transliteration from the Urdu and Arabic script, as well as regional dialects. It's essential to note that while these versions share a similar origin and pronunciation, they may be spelled differently depending on cultural, linguistic, or personal preferences.

Famous people with the last name Imtiaz

Notable individuals with the surname Imtiaz include:

1. Imtiaz Ali - A prominent Indian film director and screenwriter, known for directing films such as "Jab We Met," "Love Aaj Kal," and "Rockstar."

2. Mehreen Jabbar Imtiaz - A Pakistani television and film director, notable for her work on the drama series "Khamosh Pani" and the film "Dobara Phir Se."

3. Nadeem Imtiaz - A British-Pakistani politician who served as the Member of Parliament (MP) for Halifax from 2015 to 2017, representing the Labour Party.

4. Imtiaz Dharker - A Scottish poet, playwright, and visual artist of Pakistani descent, known for her works including "Purdah" and "Leaving Fingerprints."

These individuals have made significant contributions in various fields, including film, politics, poetry, and art.

Genealogical research on the last name Imtiaz

The Imtiaz surname is predominantly found in South Asia, particularly among Muslims. It is derived from the Arabic name "Imtiaz," meaning 'excellence' or 'perfection.' Historically, the name emerged during the Muslim conquest and settlement of India, as many Arabic names were adopted by locals.

In terms of genealogy, specific lineages or branches of the Imtiaz family are not well-documented due to limited historical records. However, it is known that the surname spread throughout South Asia, with significant populations found in Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh. Notable figures bearing the name include Imtiaz Ali, a renowned Indian film director, and Muhammad Imtiaz, a former Pakistani cricketer.

Research suggests that some branches of the Imtiaz family may have migrated from Arabia to South Asia during different periods in history, but concrete information on their origins remains sparse. Modern genealogical databases offer limited resources for tracing specific lineages, but ongoing efforts by various family history organizations aim to uncover more about this interesting and widespread surname.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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 : 28 July 2025

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