What is the origin of the last name Mokhtarian?

The last name Mokhtarian is of Armenian origin. It comes from the Armenian region of Mokhrategh, which was part of the historical province of Sasun. This region is now located in modern-day Turkey. The name may have been a place name or a surname derived from a personal name, but its exact meaning and origins are not definitively known as many Armenian names have various interpretations and regional variations.
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The meaning and origin of the last name Mokhtarian

The surname Mokhtarian is of Armenian origin. It is derived from the Armenian word "Mokhatar," which means "clerk" or "scholar." Historically, many people with this name were members of the clergy or educated individuals in the Armenian community. Over time, due to migrations and assimilation, the spelling and pronunciation of the surname may have evolved slightly. The Mokhtarian family is one of the many prominent Armenian families that have contributed significantly to the history, culture, and diaspora of the Armenian people.

Geographical distribution of the last name Mokhtarian

The surname Mokhtarian is predominantly found in regions with significant Armenian populations, such as Armenia itself and the diaspora communities. A substantial number of Mokhtarians can be found in countries like France, Lebanon, Syria, and the United States, which host large Armenian diasporas. In France, it is particularly concentrated in areas with historical Armenian settlements, such as Paris and its surroundings. The name is also present in Russia, where many Armenians have resided for centuries, particularly in Moscow and St. Petersburg. Additionally, there are Mokhtarian families in other countries like Canada, Australia, and South America, reflecting the global dispersion of the Armenian diaspora.

Variants and spellings of the last name Mokhtarian

The surname Mokhtarian has several variations and spellings, reflecting different regional pronunciations and transcriptions. Some common variants include Moukhtarian, Moukhtarian, Mukhtarian, Moukhtarián, Moukhtaryan, Mukhtaryan, Moktarien, Moktarian, Mochtarian, Mokhtarean, and Mokhterian. These variations may stem from minor differences in pronunciation or spelling conventions across different countries, cultures, or languages. It is essential to note that the correct spelling of a name can often depend on personal preference, family tradition, or geographical location. Therefore, it is important to be aware of these variations when researching or communicating with individuals who share this surname.

Famous people with the last name Mokhtarian

Notable individuals sharing the surname Mokhtarian include:

1. Haig Mokhtarian - A renowned political scientist and researcher, he has authored numerous books on urban politics, ethnic conflict, and human rights. His work is highly influential in academia and policy-making circles.

2. Arman Mokhtarian - An Armenian football coach, he led the Armenian national team during the qualifying rounds for the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Previously, he managed clubs such as Alashkert FC and Pyunik FC in the Armenian Premier League.

3. Vartan Gregor Mokhtarian - A distinguished scholar, Mokhtarian is a professor at the University of Michigan's School of Information. He has made significant contributions to the field of information retrieval, particularly in the areas of data mining and text analysis.

4. Christina Mokhiber (Mokhtarian) - A notable figure in the realm of environmental law, Mokhiber is the Executive Director at the Environmental Law Institute. She has worked extensively on international and U.S. environmental laws and policies.

These individuals demonstrate a wide range of accomplishments across various fields, showcasing the versatility and achievements of those bearing the surname Mokhtarian.

Genealogical research on the last name Mokhtarian

The Mokhtarian surname is of Armenian origin, stemming from the historical region of Cilicia, present-day Southeastern Turkey. The name, spelled variously as Movses Khothayan or Mukhtar, has its roots in the Armenian nobility. In the 15th century, the ancestors of the Mokhtarian family migrated to the Ottoman Empire due to persecutions and were later forced to flee to Lebanon during the Hamidian massacres in the late 19th century. The surname Mokhtarian emerged as a result of these displacements. Throughout the 20th century, descendants of the family emigrated globally, settling primarily in France and the United States. Notable individuals with this surname include Armenian politician Hovik Mokhtarian and Lebanese-born American actress Rita Hayworth, whose birth name was Margarita Carmen Cansino but adopted the stage name Hayworth after her stepfather's last name.

Last name distribution maps

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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.

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