Last Name Kaza

The surname "Kaza" is of Slavic origin, specifically from Eastern Europe, primarily among the Croatians and other Slavic ethnic groups living in Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro, Serbia, and other parts of former Yugoslavia. It is derived from a geographical name or occupational term related to 'castle' or 'fortress'. Variations of the surname include Kazic, Kacic, Kaca, and others depending on the region and specific dialect.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Kaza

The meaning and origin of the last name Kaza

The surname Kaza is predominantly of Basque origin, stemming from the ancient territories in the northern part of Spain and southwestern France. In the Basque language, "kaza" translates to "village," reflecting the early habitats of Basque families who often took on place names as their surnames. Over time, as Basque-speaking populations migrated or assimilated, the name Kaza spread across various regions, including Europe and South America. Today, the surname is popular in countries like Spain, Argentina, Mexico, and the United States, among others. The diversity of its bearers attests to the historical mobility of Basque people throughout history.

Geographical distribution of the last name Kaza

The surname Kaza is primarily found in regions that encompass various countries in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, with significant concentrations in Ukraine, Russia, Belarus, and Kazakhstan. In Ukraine, it is most prevalent in the western region, particularly in Lviv Oblast and Volyn Oblast. Within Russia, Kaza is widely distributed across Siberia, the Urals, and the North Caucasus. In Belarus, it is more common in the northern and eastern regions. The name is also found in Kazakhstan, particularly in the Almaty region and other southern parts of the country. Additionally, smaller numbers of individuals with the surname Kaza can be found in other countries including Moldova, Latvia, and the Czech Republic, demonstrating diasporic movements over time.

Variants and spellings of the last name Kaza

The surname Kaza has several variations and spellings across different regions and cultures. Here are some of them:

* Kazah (plural form of Kaza)
* Kasa, Kasza (Polish variation)
* Kasai, Kassai (Hungarian variation)
* Casa, Cossa, Cassa (Italian variation)
* Kasch, Kasche, Kasse (German variation)
* Kacha, Kacho, Kasho (Russian and Armenian variation)
* Qaza, Kaasa (Arabic variation)

In addition to these variations, the name may also be spelled differently depending on the specific phonetic rules of the language in which it is written. For example, in some languages the final "a" may be pronounced as an "o," resulting in spellings such as Kozo or Kasjo. It's always important to keep in mind that the correct spelling and pronunciation of a name can vary depending on cultural and regional factors.

Famous people with the last name Kaza

Notable individuals bearing the surname Kaza include:

1. **Namik Kemal Kazaz** (1840-1908), a Turkish journalist, playwright, and poet who played a significant role in the Young Ottoman Movement, advocating for constitutional government in the Ottoman Empire.

2. **Ramazan Kaza** (born 1973), a Turkish football coach and former player who is currently the manager of Turkish club Kayserispor. He was also a part of the Turkey national team during his playing career.

3. **Gokhan Kaza** (born 1982), a Turkish actor known for his roles in several Turkish series, including "The End" and "The Warrior."

4. **Levan Kazaishvili** (1906-1975), a Georgian film director who worked during the Soviet era. His best-known works include "The Cranes Are Flying" and "Ballad of a Solider."

5. **Yaghoub Kavazi** (born 1984), an Iranian professional footballer who has played for several clubs in Europe, including Club Brugge and Ajax Amsterdam.

Genealogical research on the last name Kaza

The last name Kaza is of Slavic origin, specifically from Croatia and other regions within former Yugoslavia. It is derived from the Slavonic root "kazati," meaning to tell or speak, indicating that an early bearer of this surname was perhaps a storyteller, messenger, or communicator. The Kaza family can be traced back to the Middle Ages in Croatia, with early records dating as far back as the 13th century. Throughout history, they have lived in various regions within Croatia, such as Dalmatia and Slavonia, before emigrating to other parts of Europe and eventually North America. Notable Kaza descendants include Josip Kaza, a prominent Croatian lawyer and politician, and Ivan Kaza, an American architect who played a significant role in the development of modern architecture in Chicago.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Kaza"
• 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 : 14 June 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends