Last Name Kiladjian

The surname Kiladjian is of Armenian origin. It is derived from various place names in historical Armenia, with "Kilaj" being a common element. For example, one possible origin could be from the village of Kilej in the province of Van, which was located in Eastern Anatolia (present-day Turkey) prior to the Armenian Genocide. However, it's important to note that surnames didn't become widespread in Armenia until the 19th century, and their origins can often be traced back to the region where a family lived or originated.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Kiladjian

The meaning and origin of the last name Kiladjian

The surname Kiladjian is of Armenian origin, derived from the personal name Kiladze or K'iladz'i, which was a common Armenian name during medieval times. The name is believed to have been formed by combining elements of two Armenian words: "k'il" (mountain) and "adz" (stone), meaning "rock of the mountain." Over time, this personal name evolved into a family name among Armenians, especially those residing in the historical regions of Western Armenia. Today, Kiladjian is primarily found among the diaspora communities of Armenians living outside of Armenia. It's worth noting that Armenian surnames often have roots in biblical or historical figures, geographical locations, or occupations.

Geographical distribution of the last name Kiladjian

The Kiladjian surname has its origins in Armenia and is primarily concentrated among the Armenian diaspora. Historically, many Armenians emigrated from their homeland due to various reasons such as war, economic hardship, or political instability. As a result, Kiladjian is found in significant numbers in several countries with substantial Armenian populations, including the United States, Canada, France, Australia, and Lebanon. In the United States, for instance, the largest concentrations of Kiladjians are in California, New York, and Massachusetts, reflecting historical patterns of immigration from Armenia to these states. Furthermore, Kiladjians can also be found in smaller numbers in other countries where Armenian communities have established themselves, such as Russia, Syria, and Iran.

Variants and spellings of the last name Kiladjian

The surname Kiladjian has several variations and spellings due to differences in transliteration and regional pronunciation. Here are some of them:

1. Kilajian - This spelling is often found in some databases or records, particularly those that may have been transcribed from Armenian pronunciation.
2. Kiladjyan - Another variation with an added 'y' at the end, which can be found in various sources.
3. Keladjian - A less common spelling, but still encountered occasionally.
4. Keledjian - This is another less frequent variant.
5. Kiladjiean - Some individuals may have this spelling as a result of phonetic transcription or misinterpretation.
6. Kiladzhian - This form appears to have been used by some members of the family, particularly in certain records or documents.
7. Keladjyan - A less common variation that you might encounter.
8. Keledjyan - Another variant with an added 'y' at the beginning.
9. Kiladzhyan - This spelling is more rare and may be found in specific contexts.

Famous people with the last name Kiladjian

Notable individuals with the last name Kiladjian include:

1. Gerard H. Kiladjian, a French-Armenian physician and hematologist specializing in myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). He is known for his significant contributions to MDS research and serves as Professor of Medicine at Paris Descartes University.

2. Jean-Paul Kiladjian, a French pianist and conductor. He was the Music Director of Orchestre National de Lille from 1974 to 2005 and has recorded several classical music albums.

3. Ara Vartanovich Kiladjian, an American political activist of Armenian descent. He is a longtime member of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) and serves as the party's Central Committee Chairman in the United States.

4. Aram S. Kilajian, an American professor emeritus of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor. His research focuses on computational mechanics, including finite element analysis.

These individuals have made substantial contributions to various fields such as medicine, music, politics, and academia.

Genealogical research on the last name Kiladjian

The Kiladjian surname is of Armenian origin, with roots traced back to the Ottoman Empire during the late 19th century. The name is a variant spelling of the Armenian surname Galaджян (Galajyan), which comes from the Armenian village Galaj or Galadzor in the province of Shirak. Over time, variations such as Kaledjian, Kiladjian, and other spellings emerged due to differences in transliteration and immigration records. The Kiladjian family migrated primarily to the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, settling in cities like Philadelphia, Boston, and New York. Famous individuals with this surname include Dr. Gerald Kilajian, a renowned cardiologist, and Kevon Looney, an NBA player for the Golden State Warriors.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "kiladjian"
• 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 : 25 July 2025

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