Last Name Ismaili

The last name "Ismaili" is of Arabic origin and is derived from the given name "Ismail," which means "heard by God" in Arabic. It is a common surname among people of Islamic faith, particularly those with Shia Muslim backgrounds. The name likely originated in the Middle East, but is now found in various countries around the world, particularly in regions with significant Muslim populations.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Ismaili

The meaning and origin of the last name Ismaili

The surname Ismaili is of Arabic origin and is derived from the given name Ismail, which means "God hears" in Arabic. Ismail is a common name among Muslims, particularly in Iran and Central Asia. The surname Ismaili is often used by individuals who trace their ancestry back to the prophet Ismail, the son of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) in Islamic tradition. As a surname, Ismaili likely originated as a way to indicate a person's lineage or affiliation with the Ismaili branch of Islam, which is a Shia sect that follows the teachings of Ismail ibn Jafar, the seventh Ismaili imam. Today, the surname Ismaili is found predominantly in Muslim-majority countries and among communities of Ismaili Muslims around the world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Ismaili

The last name Ismaili is most commonly found in the countries of Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India. In Iran, Ismaili is a prominent surname among the Persian-speaking Ismaili Muslim community, particularly in the provinces of Tehran, Isfahan, and Kerman. In Afghanistan, the Ismaili surname is prevalent among the Shia Ismaili community, who are mostly concentrated in the regions of Badakhshan and Kabul. In Pakistan, Ismaili is a common last name among the Ismaili Muslim population, primarily residing in cities like Karachi, Lahore, and Gilgit. In India, the Ismaili surname is found among the Shia Ismaili community in the state of Gujarat, particularly in cities like Mumbai and Surat. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Ismaili reflects the presence of the Ismaili Muslim community across South Asia and the Middle East.

Variants and spellings of the last name Ismaili

The last name Ismaili has multiple variations and spellings, including Ismaeli, Ismalii, Ismayili, and Ismily. These variations may be attributed to regional or dialectal differences in pronunciation and spelling conventions. In some instances, the name may also be spelled as Ismiley or Ismaily, reflecting different transliterations of the original name. Additionally, the name Ismaili may be written with an alternate spelling of Ismaelie or Ismaheli, further adding to the diversity of ways in which the name can be represented. Despite these variations, all spellings of the last name Ismaili ultimately stem from a common origin and carry the same significance for individuals and families who bear this name.

Famous people with the last name Ismaili

One famous person with the last name Ismaili is Princess Zahra Aga Khan, the eldest daughter of His Highness Aga Khan IV, the current spiritual leader of the Ismaili Muslims. Princess Zahra is known for her philanthropic work and advocacy for healthcare and education initiatives in developing countries. She serves as the head of the Aga Khan Development Network's Social Welfare Department and is actively involved in various projects aimed at improving the quality of life for marginalized communities around the world. Another notable figure with the last name Ismaili is Homi K. Bhabha, an influential postcolonial theorist and cultural critic. Bhabha is known for his groundbreaking work in the fields of literary theory, cultural studies, and postcolonial studies, and has published numerous influential books and essays on these subjects.

Genealogical research on the last name Ismaili

The surname Ismaili is of Arabic origin and is derived from the given name Ismail, which means "heard by God" in Arabic. Ismaili is a common surname among people of Islamic faith, particularly those of Shia Muslim descent. This surname is frequently found in regions with a significant Shia Muslim population, such as Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and parts of India. Genealogical research on the Ismaili surname may reveal a connection to the historical figure Ismail ibn Jafar, the founder of the Ismaili branch of Shia Islam. Additionally, individuals with the Ismaili surname may find a link to the Ismailiyya dynasty in Egypt, which ruled during the Fatimid Caliphate. Overall, the Ismaili surname carries a rich history and cultural significance among Muslim communities around the world.

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Ismaili"
• 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 : 11 April 2025

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