Last Name Karimova

The last name "Karimova" is of Uzbek origin. It is a patronymic surname derived from the male given name "Karim", which means "generous" or "noble" in Arabic. The suffix "-ova" is a common feminine ending in many Slavic languages and indicates that the person is the daughter of someone named Karim. Therefore, "Karimova" means "daughter of Karim". This last name is often found in countries like Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and other Central Asian countries with large Muslim populations.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Karimova

The meaning and origin of the last name Karimova

Karimova is a surname of Uzbek origin, derived from the Arabic name "Karim" which means "generous" or "noble". The suffix "-ova" is a common component in Uzbek surnames, indicating "daughter of" in Russian. Therefore, Karimova loosely translates to "daughter of Karim" or "descendant of Karim". The surname likely originated in Central Asia, among the Uzbek-speaking populations, where Arabic names are common due to the historical influence of Islam in the region. It is often used as a patronymic surname, passed down from father to daughter, to signify the familial connection to someone named Karim. Today, the surname Karimova can be found in Uzbek communities around the world, reflecting the diasporic spread of Uzbek culture and heritage.

Geographical distribution of the last name Karimova

Karimova is a common surname primarily found in Central Asia and Eastern Europe. The name is of Uzbek origin and is most prevalent in Uzbekistan, where it is one of the most common surnames. It is also found in neighboring countries such as Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan. In addition to Central Asia, the surname Karimova can also be found in Russia, particularly in regions with large Uzbek and Central Asian populations such as Moscow and St. Petersburg. Due to migration and diaspora communities, Karimova can also be found in countries such as Turkey, Germany, the United States, and the United Kingdom. Overall, Karimova is a widespread surname that is most commonly associated with Central Asian heritage but can also be found in various other parts of the world.

Variants and spellings of the last name Karimova

The last name Karimova can also be spelled as Karimov, Karimoff, Karimovna, or Karimovitch. These variations are derived from different cultural and linguistic influences, as well as the gender of the individual. In some cases, the suffix "-ova" or "-ovna" is added to indicate a female family member, while the suffix "-ov" or "-off" is used for male family members. The spelling of the last name may also change depending on the region or country of origin, with different transliterations of the Cyrillic script used in various languages. Despite the variations in spelling, the last name Karimova typically signifies a common ancestry or family connection among individuals bearing this surname.

Famous people with the last name Karimova

Gulnara Karimova is a well-known Uzbekistan socialite and politician who served as the country's ambassador to Spain and Permanent Delegate to UNESCO. She is the daughter of former Uzbek President Islam Karimov and has been involved in various business ventures, including fashion, telecommunications, and media. However, she has also been embroiled in controversy and legal issues, including allegations of corruption, money laundering, and human rights violations. Gulnara Karimova's lavish lifestyle and connections to high-profile individuals have made her a prominent figure in Uzbekistan and beyond, but her legal troubles have also overshadowed her public image.

Genealogical research on the last name Karimova

The last name Karimova is of Uzbek origin and is a patronymic surname meaning "daughter of Karim". It is derived from the Arabic name Karim, which means "generous" or "noble". The Karimova family likely has roots in Central Asia, particularly in Uzbekistan where it is a common surname. Genealogical research on the Karimova name would involve tracing back the family's lineage through generations, exploring records such as birth certificates, marriage licenses, census data, and other historical documents. By delving into these records, one can uncover valuable information about the Karimova family's history, origins, and connections to other families. The study of the Karimova genealogy can provide insight into the family's cultural heritage and ancestral roots.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "karimova"
• 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 : 20 June 2025

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