Last Name Miridjian

The surname Miridjian is of Armenian origin. It is derived from various place names in historic Armenia, such as Mirakert, Mirapatar, or Miraverd, which are locations within the province of Shirak in northern Armenia. The name has been adopted by several families who originate from these areas and migrated to other countries over time.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Miridjian

The meaning and origin of the last name Miridjian

The surname Miridjian is an Armenian name, specifically from the region of Western Armenia, which is now part of modern-day Turkey. It's derived from various Armenian roots, with "Mir" likely meaning "peace" or "lord," and "djian" being a common Armenian suffix that often denotes a place of origin or descent. The exact origins of the Miridjian surname may vary among different families, as many Armenian names are regional and can have multiple interpretations based on their specific geographical location. The name has been carried by Armenians worldwide due to historical events such as the Armenian Genocide in 1915, which led to a significant diaspora.

Geographical distribution of the last name Miridjian

The Miridjian surname is predominantly found among Armenian communities due to its Armenian origins. Historically, this surname emerged from various regions within the Armenian Highlands, particularly in modern-day eastern Turkey and western Armenia, before the Armenian genocide of 1915. Following these events, many individuals with the Miridjian name migrated to other countries such as Syria, Lebanon, and the United States, where they have established significant populations. In the U.S., concentrations of people bearing the Miridjian surname can be found in California and New Jersey. While the name is most common among Armenians, it may also occur sporadically in other parts of the world as a result of displacement during historical conflicts and migrations.

Variants and spellings of the last name Miridjian

The surname Miridjian has several variants and spellings due to differences in transcription and transliteration over time and across regions. Some common variations include Meredjian, Mirijanian, Meradjian, Meridjian, and Mirichian. These variations may arise from different methods of pronunciation or orthographic traditions. It's important to note that the exact spelling can vary based on factors such as the individual's personal preference, the country they reside in, or historical records. The name Miridjian is believed to be of Armenian origin and is derived from the place name Meriç in eastern Anatolia, which has undergone numerous transformations through transliteration over time.

Famous people with the last name Miridjian

Notable individuals with the surname Mirijanian include:

1. Hrair Sarkissian Mirijanian (born 1973), a contemporary Armenian artist whose work has been exhibited internationally, including at the Venice Biennale and Tate Modern.

2. Ara Mirijanian (born 1960), an American political scientist who specializes in comparative politics, democratization, political parties, and elections. He is currently a professor of government at Wesleyan University.

3. Shant Mirijanian (born 1975), an Armenian-American author, journalist, and human rights activist who founded the Armenian National Committee of America's Western Region in 2006.

4. Ara T. Mirijanian (1913–1982), a prominent Armenian composer and conductor who was a key figure in reviving classical music in Armenia after its independence from the Soviet Union.

5. Vartan Gregor Mirijanian (1871–1948), an Armenian Revolutionary Federation activist and politician, serving as Prime Minister of Armenia during the short-lived Republic of Armenia in 1918.

Genealogical research on the last name Miridjian

The Miridjian surname is of Armenian origin and is primarily found within the Armenian diaspora communities around the world. The earliest known records of the Miridjian family date back to the Ottoman Empire in the 18th century, particularly in the province of Van and Bitlis. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, many Armenians left their homeland due to persecution and political instability. Many migrated to various parts of the Middle East, Europe, and North America. The Miridjian family is believed to have dispersed among these diaspora communities, with significant concentrations found in Lebanon, Syria, and the United States. Notable individuals bearing the Miridjian surname include Armen Miridjian, a renowned Armenian-American businessman and philanthropist.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "miridjian"
• 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 : 30 July 2025

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