Origin of your surname and forename !
NomOrigine

Last Name Malekian

Discover my family history now

What is the origin of the last name Malekian?

The surname Malekian is of Persian origin. It is derived from various Persian given names that have the element "Malik" which means king, ruler, or sovereign in Arabic and Persian languages. This surname could be a variant of Malekzadeh, meaning son of a Malik or a nobleman. However, it's important to note that surnames can sometimes have multiple origins, so there may be exceptions. For a more accurate origin analysis, genealogical research might be necessary.
Want to turn this name into a keepsake? Give a star certificate in their name.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Malekian

The meaning and origin of the last name Malekian

The surname Malekian is an Iranian-origin name that derives from the Persian language. The word "Malek" translates to "king" or "sovereign" in English, indicating a noble or high-ranking individual. The suffix "-ian" often denotes ownership or origin from a specific place. Thus, the surname Malekian may have been used by individuals who either belonged to a royal family or hailed from an area where kings resided. It's important to note that surnames did not exist in ancient Persia; they became prevalent during the Qajar dynasty (1794-1925) when the Iranian government started implementing western-style bureaucracy and civil registration, leading to the widespread adoption of family names.

Geographical distribution of the last name Malekian

The surname Malekian is predominantly of Iranian origin and is mainly distributed among Iranian communities, particularly in the northern provinces such as Gilan, Mazandaran, and Tehran. A significant number of individuals with this last name can also be found in other Iranian diaspora communities, notably in countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, and Europe, primarily in countries with a large Persian population due to immigration. The Malekian family name is also present among Assyrian communities, particularly those in Iraq and Syria, as it is derived from the Middle Eastern malek or malik, which means "king" or "ruler."

Variants and spellings of the last name Malekian

The surname Malekian has various spelling and pronunciation variations due to differences in regional accents and transliteration methods. Some of these include: Malakian, Malekjan, Malekyan, Melekian, Melikian, Melikyan, and Melekian. These variations stem from the Armenian language, where the name originates. The Armenian spelling is Մելիքյան (Melik'yan). It is derived from the name Melik, which means king or ruler in Armenian.

Famous people with the last name Malekian

Notable individuals with the surname Malekian include:

1. Hossein Malekian (born 1948), an Iranian film director and screenwriter, who has worked on over 60 films since the 1970s. His most notable works include "The Cyclist" (1987) and "Tales of the Forgotten" (2008).

2. Farhad Malekian (born 1946), an Iranian-American architect, urban designer, and professor, who has made significant contributions to the field of architecture through his work on urban design, sustainable cities, and the integration of technology in design.

3. Mehdi Malekian (born 1957), an Iranian painter, graphic artist, and art educator, known for his experimental style and his exploration of political and social issues in his artwork. He has had numerous solo exhibitions around the world.

4. Ara Malekian (born 1962), an American conductor, composer, and pianist of Armenian descent, who is currently the music director of the California Philharmonic. He has also conducted various orchestras worldwide and has composed music for films and ballets.

Genealogical research on the last name Malekian

The surname Malekian originates from Persia, specifically from the region that is now modern-day Iran. The name can be traced back to the Zoroastrian religion, where Malek means "king" or "ruler." In the Middle Ages, many Persians with aristocratic or religious backgrounds adopted this surname.

Emigrating from their native land in various waves, Malekians settled across the globe, most notably in Armenia, Turkey, and later in North America and Europe. In the United States, the first recorded Malekian immigrant was Hagop Malekian, who arrived in New York City in 1895.

During the 20th century, several notable individuals with the surname Malekian emerged, including composers, writers, and artists, reflecting a diverse range of professional pursuits among descendants of this lineage. Despite their dispersal across continents, Malekians have managed to preserve aspects of their cultural heritage, further enriching the tapestry of global society.

Last name distribution maps

Chargement de la carte...

NomOrigine Team
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 :

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Pinterest WhatsApp Messenger Telegram

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below:

Similar Last Names

#1 Mal qsba

Last name • surnames > mal-qsba

The last name "Mal Qsba" does not appear to have a clear origin or meaning in English. It is possible that it is a unique or uncommon surname without a known specific origin.

#2 Mala

Last name • surnames > mala

The surname "Mala" has origins that can be traced to several regions and cultures due to its simplicity and phonetic nature. Here are some possible origins: 1. Slavic (Czech/Slova...

#3 Malaa

Last name • surnames > malaa

The last name "Malaa" is of African origin, specifically from the Swahili language spoken in East Africa. It may be derived from a Swahili word or have a meaning in another African...

#4 Malabaeva

Last name • surnames > malabaeva

Malabaeva is a Russian last name of Turkic origin. It is derived from the Turkic word "malaba," meaning "brave" or "courageous." The suffix "-eva" indicates that the bearer is a fe...

#5 Malabag

Last name • surnames > malabag

The surname Malabag is of Filipino origin. It is derived from a place name in the Philippines.

#6 Malabar

Last name • surnames > malabar

The last name "Malabar" is of Portuguese origin and refers to an individual from the Malabar region of India. The term "Malabar" is derived from the Malayalam word "malai" meaning ...

#7 Malabay

Last name • surnames > malabay

The surname Malabay is of Filipino origin. It is derived from the Tagalog word "malabay" which means 'distant' or 'far'. It is likely to have been a geographical or topographical s...

#8 Malabayabas

Last name • surnames > malabayabas

The surname Malabayabas is of Filipino origin. It is derived from the Tagalog words "mala" meaning resembling or like, and "bayabas" meaning guava tree.

#9 Malabed

Last name • surnames > malabed

The last name Malabed is of Filipino origin. It is derived from the Visayan language term "malabid" meaning "to fold or roll up", and is believed to have originated from the Visaya...

#10 Malabh

Last name • surnames > malabh

The last name Malabh appears to have its origin in India. It is possible that it is derived from a place name, a job title, or a specific clan or tribe. Further research into India...

#11 Malabo

Last name • surnames > malabo

The last name Malabo is of African origin. It is believed to be derived from the name of the capital city of Equatorial Guinea, Malabo. This surname may have been adopted by indivi...

#12 Malaborbor

Last name • surnames > malaborbor

The surname Malaborbor is of Filipino origin. It is derived from the Tagalog word "malabo" which means unclear or uncertain, and "borbor" which means mixed or confused. It is likel...

#13 Malac

Last name • surnames > malac

The last name "Malac" is of Hungarian origin. It is derived from the Hungarian word "malac," which means "pig" in English. This surname likely originated as a nickname for someone ...

#14 Malacaman

Last name • surnames > malacaman

The last name "Malacaman" originates from the Philippines. It is a Tagalog surname, derived from the word "Malakas," meaning strong or powerful, and "Ama," meaning father or ancest...

#15 Malacara

Last name • surnames > malacara

The surname Malacara is of Spanish origin. It is derived from a place-name, either one of several locations in Spain such as Malacara in Zaragoza, or possibly an inhabitant of such...