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Last Name Keyhani

What is the origin of the last name Keyhani?

The surname Keyhani is of Persian origin. It is a patronymic name derived from the given name "Kai" or "Key", which means "lord" or "king" in Persian. The "-ani" suffix indicates that it is a son's name, suggesting that the original bearer was a son of someone named Kai. This surname is common among people of Iranian descent.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Keyhani

The meaning and origin of the last name Keyhani

The surname Keyhani is primarily of Persian origin and derives from the city of Kashan, located in central Iran. Historically, it was common for Persians to adopt surnames based on their place of origin or occupation. In this case, the name Keyhani likely originated from the inhabitants of Kashan, who were often referred to as 'Kashi' or 'Keyhan'. Over time, the surname evolved to become Keyhani, with variations such as Keyhani-Tehrani and Keyhani-Yazdi also emerging. The name is now found among the Persian diaspora worldwide and is associated with the Iranian cultural heritage.

Geographical distribution of the last name Keyhani

The surname Keyhani has roots primarily in Iran, where it is relatively common due to its Persian origin. Variations such as Keyhanian and Keikhaei can also be found among the Persian diaspora, particularly in countries with significant populations of Iranian immigrants, such as the United States, Canada, and Australia. Additionally, smaller numbers of people with the surname Keyhani can be found in other parts of the world, including Europe, due to migration and globalization. However, its highest concentration remains in Iran and Persian-speaking communities worldwide.

Variants and spellings of the last name Keyhani

The surname Keyhani has several variants and spellings due to differences in transliteration and regional pronunciations. Some common variations include Keyhanee, Keyhanian, Keyhanie, Kiyahani, and Keyhaney. These variations may also be found with slight alterations such as the addition or omission of the accent mark over the 'i'. The original Persian form of this name is کیحانی (Kīḥānī). This surname originates from Iran and has roots in the city of Kerman, where it was once a noble family.

Famous people with the last name Keyhani

Notable individuals with the surname Keyhani include:

1. Arsenio Keyhani - An American musician and composer, primarily known for his work on orchestral scores for films such as "Alien Resurrection" and "Starship Troopers." He has also composed music for several popular television shows, including "Battlestar Galactica," "24," and "The X-Files."

2. Hratch Keyhani - An Armenian-American lawyer who has served as the President of the Armenian Bar Association. Keyhani is a respected attorney in California, with a focus on civil rights law, employment law, and business litigation.

3. Kevon Keyhani - A Canadian-Iranian actor known for his roles in popular television series such as "Supernatural," "The Flash," and "iZombie." He has also appeared in several films, including "American Assassin" and "The Magnificent Seven."

4. Aram Keyhani - An American-Armenian artist who is a renowned painter, sculptor, and art educator. He has received numerous awards for his work, which often explores themes of identity, culture, and history.

Genealogical research on the last name Keyhani

The Keyhani surname is primarily of Persian origin, stemming from various regions in Iran. The name can be traced back to the Safavid dynasty (1502-1736), where it was common among Persian nobility and clergy. Over time, many individuals bearing this name migrated from Iran to other parts of the world due to political and economic changes. In the 20th century, a significant number of Keyhani immigrants settled in the United States, particularly in California and Massachusetts, where they established communities and contributed to various industries. The Keyhanis are predominantly Zoroastrian, although some have converted to other religions over generations. Notable figures with this surname include Dr. Ardeshir Keyhani, a renowned Iranian-American neuroscientist, and Dr. Shahram Keyhani, an expert in computer science and engineering.

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 : 29 July 2025

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