Last Name Meraj

The origin of the last name "Meraj" is Arabic. It is derived from the Arabic word "miraaj," which means "ascension" or "night journey." The name may have originated as a surname for individuals who were believed to have connections to the spiritual or mystical aspects of Islamic tradition related to the Prophet Muhammad's journey to heaven. The surname may have been passed down through generations or adopted by individuals who wanted to be associated with these spiritual connotations.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Meraj

The meaning and origin of the last name Meraj

The surname Meraj is of Arabic origin and is derived from the Persian word "Mehrāj" which means ascension or journey. The name has its roots in Islamic tradition and is often associated with the miraculous night journey of the Prophet Muhammad to heaven. The name Meraj is also linked to the Islamic holiday of Lailat al-Miraj, which commemorates this event. In terms of its meaning, the name can symbolize spiritual enlightenment, elevation, and transcendence. Individuals with the surname Meraj may be perceived as being introspective, wise, and contemplative, embodying qualities of deep thought and inner strength. The name Meraj is not very common but can be found among individuals of Arabic or Muslim descent, reflecting their cultural and religious heritage.

Geographical distribution of the last name Meraj

The last name Meraj is most commonly found in Pakistan, specifically in the Punjab region. It is also present in smaller numbers in India, particularly in the states of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Additionally, there are some individuals with the surname Meraj living in Middle Eastern countries such as Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, and Qatar. The name may have originated in the Arabic or Persian languages, and it is likely that individuals with this last name have ties to these regions. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Meraj is primarily concentrated in South Asia, with its highest prevalence in Pakistan.

Variants and spellings of the last name Meraj

Variations and spellings of the last name Meraj include Miraj, Mirraj, Mirrage, Murraj, and Merej. These variations may be attributed to the different ways in which the name has been transliterated from its original language or dialect. Depending on the region and cultural background of the individual, the spelling of Meraj may vary. In some cases, individuals may choose to anglicize the spelling of the name to make it easier for others to pronounce and spell. Despite these variations, the essence and meaning of the name Meraj remain the same, symbolizing ascension and a journey to a higher spiritual plane. The diverse spellings of Meraj highlight the multicultural nature of names and the importance of language and identity in shaping personal and family histories.

Famous people with the last name Meraj

One famous person with the last name Meraj is Amir Meraj, a well-known Pakistani journalist and author who gained recognition for his insightful commentary on current events and social issues in Pakistan. Another notable figure is Nazia Meraj, a talented actress and model who has appeared in numerous Pakistani television dramas and commercials, earning critical acclaim for her performances. Additionally, Dr. Abdullah Meraj is a respected cardiologist and medical researcher who has made significant contributions to the field of cardiology, developing innovative treatments for heart disease. These individuals with the last name Meraj have each made a name for themselves in their respective fields, showcasing talent, dedication, and a commitment to excellence in their work.

Genealogical research on the last name Meraj

The last name Meraj does not have a well-documented genealogical history, as it is a relatively rare surname. It is believed to have Arabic origins, with the name possibly stemming from the Arabic word meaning "ascent" or "to ascend." The Meraj surname could have roots in regions where Arabic or Islamic influences are prevalent, such as Middle Eastern countries or South Asia. Due to limited records and research on this surname, tracing specific family lineages or connections may be challenging. Individuals with the last name Meraj may be encouraged to explore their family history through personal records, oral traditions, and ancestry DNA testing to uncover more about their ancestral origins and heritage.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "meraj"
• 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 : 11 April 2025

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