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Last Name Memis

What is the origin of the last name Memis?

The surname "Memis" has origins that can be traced back to various regions, primarily in Eastern Europe. It is a variant of the Slavic surnames Měsíč (Czech for "moon") or Mesiats (Ukrainian for "month"), reflecting a possible patronymic naming tradition where it was derived from the given name of the father or another relative. However, it's important to note that the exact origin can vary based on specific family histories and migrations. The surname could have been carried by individuals who moved from those regions and adopted the name in their new country, such as Turkey or Greece, where it may have undergone phonetic changes due to language differences. For a more precise understanding of your specific Memis lineage, I would recommend consulting genealogical resources or contacting a professional genealogist for guidance on tracing the family history.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Memis

The meaning and origin of the last name Memis

The surname Memis is of Turkish origin, stemming from the Ottoman Empire, where it was initially a given name that eventually evolved into a family name. It is derived from the Arabic word "Amis," which means "friend" or "loyal companion." In Turkey, common practice was to use occupational names or ones related to personal traits as surnames, and Memis might have been used for someone who served as a friend or confidant to a nobleman or ruler. Over time, as families migrated or assimilated into different cultures, variations of the name may have emerged, such as Memici (meaning "craftsman" in Turkish), reflecting changes in the roles and professions held by the family members who carried the name. Today, the surname Memis can be found among people of Turkish descent worldwide.

Geographical distribution of the last name Memis

The surname Memis is predominantly found in Turkey, particularly in the western and southern regions such as Istanbul, Izmir, and Antalya. A significant number of individuals with this surname also reside in other parts of Europe, primarily Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France, and the Netherlands, where Turkish immigrants have settled over the years. Smaller communities can be found in North America, mainly in Canada and the United States, reflecting diaspora from these European countries. The distribution of the Memis surname also extends to Australia and New Zealand due to migration patterns from Europe and Turkey.

Variants and spellings of the last name Memis

The surname Memis can have various spelling variations due to differences in transcription, translation, and regional dialects. Some of these include Memiss, Memiš, Memysz, Memysh, Mimys, Memisz, Memyss, Memisse, Memysse, and others. These alterations may appear in different countries or among families with diverse origins, reflecting the flexibility and adaptability of names over time. It is essential to note that these variations do not necessarily indicate a connection between the individuals bearing them, as they could simply be different phonetic renderings of the same root name. The original spelling and etymology of Memis are unclear, as it may have originated in various parts of the world.

Famous people with the last name Memis

Notable individuals with the surname Memis include:

1. Hüsnü Özyeğin Memis (1924-1997), a Turkish entrepreneur, businessman, and philanthropist, known for his investments in energy, shipping, and real estate industries.

2. Gökalp Memiş (born 1986), a Turkish professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Konyaspor in the Turkish Süper Lig. He has represented the Turkey national team at various levels.

3. Şeref Memiş (born 1975), a Turkish-German former footballer who played as a goalkeeper, and currently works as a sports journalist and TV presenter in Germany.

4. Tuncay Memiş (born 1980), a German politician of Turkish descent, serving as the Federal Minister for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women, and Youth since 2021. He was a member of the Bundestag from 2013 to 2021.

These individuals have made significant contributions in their respective fields, reflecting the diverse talents and achievements within the Memis family name.

Genealogical research on the last name Memis

The surname Memis, originating from the Ottoman Empire, has roots primarily in the region now known as Turkey. It is believed to have derived from various places such as Mimas (now Memiç) and Memecik, located in the Aydın Province. Over time, the name spread across other regions within Turkey due to migration and resettlement during the Ottoman Empire's expansion. The Memis family is also found in neighboring countries like Greece, Bulgaria, and Romania, where the name has been romanized as Mimis or variations thereof. In more recent history, members of this family have emigrated to other parts of Europe and North America, particularly the United States and Canada, contributing to the global diaspora of the Memis surname.

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 : 13 June 2025

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