Last Name Kazandji

The surname Kazandji is of Turkish origin. It is derived from the occupation of a metalworker who specialized in making and repairing copper vessels, known as "kazan" in Turkish. Therefore, Kazandji translates to "coppersmith." This surname can be found among the Turkic populations such as Turks, Azerbaijanis, and Tatars, among others.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Kazandji

The meaning and origin of the last name Kazandji

The surname Kazandji is of Turkish origin, specifically from the Ottoman Empire, where it was commonly found among artisans and traders. The name is derived from the occupation of 'kazan' which means 'coppersmith' or 'cauldron maker' in Turkish. Over time, as many artisans migrated for various reasons, the surname Kazandji spread across different regions, particularly among the Ottoman diaspora in Europe and other parts of the world. The name signifies a rich history rooted in craftsmanship and trade during the Ottoman era.

Geographical distribution of the last name Kazandji

The surname Kazandji is predominantly found in regions with historical ties to the Ottoman Empire and its diaspora, particularly within Turkey and countries that were part of the Balkan Peninsula under Ottoman rule, such as Bulgaria, Greece, and North Macedonia. It is also present in other parts of Europe where Turkish immigrants have settled, including Germany, Austria, and the Netherlands. In some instances, it may be found in Africa, particularly Morocco and Algeria, due to historical migration patterns. Additionally, there are Kazandji communities in Central Asian countries like Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan, given their shared cultural and linguistic roots with Turkey.

Variants and spellings of the last name Kazandji

The surname Kazandji can have various spellings due to differences in transliteration and regional conventions. Some common variations include:

* Kazandzhij
* Kazandzhi
* Kazandzi
* Kazandjis
* Kazandzija
* Kazandzis
* Kazandzy
* Kasandji
* Kasandzhi
* Kasandzi

These variations are derived from the original Turkish name "Kazancı," which means "treasurer" or "money changer." The name may have been adapted and transformed over time due to assimilation, immigration, and cultural changes in different regions. It is important to note that the correct spelling of a particular individual's name should always be based on their personal preference or official records.

Famous people with the last name Kazandji

Notable individuals with the surname Kazandjian include:

1. Haig P. Kazandjian (born 1942), an American lawyer who served as the United States Ambassador to Cyprus from 2007 to 2010. He was also a Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs during the Clinton Administration.

2. Richard H. Kazandjian (born 1945), an American author and scholar of Armenian studies, known for his work on Armenian architecture and archaeology. He served as the Director of the Institute of Archaeology and History at Yerevan State University in Armenia from 1988 to 1993.

3. Ara T. Kazandjian (born 1954), an American lawyer who serves as a judge on the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles. He was previously a partner at the law firm O'Melveny & Myers LLP and served as a Deputy Attorney General in the California Department of Justice.

4. Alice Kazandjian (1926–2007), an American sculptor known for her works that explore themes of identity, culture, and history. Her work is included in the collections of several museums, including the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Genealogical research on the last name Kazandji

The Kazandji surname is primarily of Ottoman Turkish origin and is believed to have been derived from the occupation of "kazanci" or coppersmiths. The name could also be associated with the Balkans, where it may have developed as a variant of the Bulgarian surname Kozhuharov, meaning "coppersmith."

The Kazandji family is documented to have originated in what is now modern-day Turkey and spread throughout the Ottoman Empire during the 16th and 17th centuries. Some branches of the family emigrated to other parts of Europe and the Middle East, such as Greece, Bulgaria, and Romania, during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

In the context of the United States, the Kazandji surname appears to have been introduced in the early 20th century by immigrants from various parts of Europe, including Russia, Bulgaria, Greece, and Turkey. Today, the Kazandji surname can be found in countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "kazandji"
• 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 : 26 July 2025

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