Last Name Kilic

The surname Kilic has its origins in Turkey. It is a patronymic surname derived from the Turkish given name "Kılıç," which means "sword" or "blade." Over time, it has been spelled in various ways due to translation and regional differences, such as Kiliç, Kiliçoglu, Kiljiz, Killitch, Kiljic, among others. The Kilic family is believed to have been of noble Ottoman origin.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Kilic

The meaning and origin of the last name Kilic

The surname Kilic, pronounced "Ki-lich," is of Turkish origin. It translates to "Sword" or "Dagger" in English, reflecting its historic significance. This surname emerged during the Ottoman Empire period when soldiers and warriors were often given names or titles that symbolized their bravery, skills, or weapons they used in battle. The Kilic family would have had a distinguished military background, with its members either serving as skilled swordsmiths or highly proficient soldiers who excelled in combat. The name's Turkish origin can be traced back to the Seljuk Turks, an influential Turkic group that laid the foundations for the Ottoman Empire and greatly impacted the cultural, political, and social landscapes of Anatolia (modern-day Turkey) during the Middle Ages.

Geographical distribution of the last name Kilic

The surname Kilic is primarily found in regions with historical connections to the Ottoman Empire, particularly Turkey, where it ranks among the top 100 most common surnames. A significant number of individuals carrying the Kilic surname also reside in other parts of Europe, such as Germany, Austria, and France, which have historically had large Turkish or Turkic immigrant populations. Smaller groups can be found in North America, predominantly among the Turkish-American community, with concentrations particularly in states like New York, Michigan, and California. There are also Kilics in Australia, New Zealand, and various other countries where Turks have migrated over the past century.

Variants and spellings of the last name Kilic

The surname Kilic can be found with various spellings and variations, reflecting its origin from Turkey where the Ottoman Empire once ruled. Here are some common versions:

1. Kılıç - This is the Turkish version of the name, with the "c" in Kilic being replaced by the Turkish letter Ç (pronounced as "j" in English).

2. Killich - A phonetic spelling of Kılıç in English.

3. Kilitch - Another variant of the surname, again due to phonetic differences in how it's pronounced in different regions or by different people.

4. Killis - This is a hyphenated version where "Killi" is followed by an "s." It could be used when a person with this name wants to indicate that it's a surname (last name).

5. Kyliz - A less common but valid variant, often found in historical records or genealogical databases.

6. Kilitz - This spelling is less frequent but still found in some families emigrating from Turkey and maintaining their heritage.

7. Kylic - Another rare variation that may appear due to differences in pronunciation or transcription over time.

Famous people with the last name Kilic

The Kilic surname is historically significant, representing individuals who have made notable contributions across various fields. One of the most renowned figures with this name is Taha Hussein Kilic (also known as Taha Hussein), an Egyptian literary critic and writer. Born in 1889, he lost his sight at the age of six but went on to become one of Egypt's greatest authors, earning numerous accolades for his works that explore social and political issues in the Arab world. In the field of sports, Hakan Kılıç (born 1974) is a Turkish international footballer who played as a goalkeeper for clubs such as Fenerbahce and Galatasaray, as well as the Turkey national team. Additionally, Kilic Sagir (born 1982), an American-Turkish actor, has gained recognition for his roles in popular TV series such as Homeland and Tyrant.

Genealogical research on the last name Kilic

The surname Kilic originates from the Ottoman Empire, specifically in Anatolia, modern-day Turkey. It is derived from the Turkish word "kilici" which means 'a blacksmith who makes swords'. The name Kilic was often given to children whose fathers were skilled blacksmiths, particularly those specializing in sword-making.

Throughout history, many notable figures bearing the Kilic surname have emerged. One of them is Osman I (Osman Kilij Arslan), founder of the Ottoman Empire, who reigned from 1289 to 1326. Another significant figure is Hizir Reis Kilic, a distinguished Ottoman admiral and naval architect during the reign of Sultan Bayezid II in the late 15th century.

Over time, members of the Kilic family migrated and dispersed across various regions, including Europe and North America, due to conflicts and economic opportunities. Today, the Kilic surname can be found globally among diverse communities with Turkish heritage. Genealogical research on this name continues to uncover more connections, tales, and contributions of the Kilic family throughout history.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Kilic"
• 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 : 12 June 2025

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