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Last Name Ohanessian

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What is the origin of the last name Ohanessian?

The surname "Ohanessian" is of Armenian origin. In Armenian, the name translates to "Ohanyan," which means "son (or descendant) of Ohan." The name Ohan is derived from the biblical character Hovhannes (John), a common personal name in Armenia. It is important to note that surnames like Ohanessian were adopted during the Ottoman Empire period when it became mandatory for non-Muslims to have a family name, often based on their father's or patriarchal figure's given name.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Ohanessian

The meaning and origin of the last name Ohanessian

The surname Ohanessian is of Armenian origin, specifically derived from the Old Armenian language. It is a patronymic name, indicating that it was originally used to denote a son or descendant of a person named Ohan (Armenian for "God has shown favor"). This name can also be spelled as Ohannessian or Oganesian, with slight variations due to transliteration differences. The Armenian diaspora, particularly in the Middle East and later in Europe and North America, carried this surname with them as they migrated. It remains a common surname among the Armenian community, reflecting their rich history and cultural heritage.

Geographical distribution of the last name Ohanessian

The surname Ohanessian is primarily concentrated in the Armenian-speaking regions, particularly Armenia and the Armenian diaspora. A significant portion of individuals with this name can be found in Lebanon, Syria, France, and the United States, as a result of the historical displacement and migration of Armenians during and after the Ottoman Empire. The name is also present in other countries with substantial Armenian populations, such as Russia, Georgia, and Iran. In addition, there are communities of Ohanessians in various parts of Europe and North America due to subsequent migrations and resettlements.

Variants and spellings of the last name Ohanessian

The surname Ohanessian is of Armenian origin and may have various spellings and pronunciations due to differences in transliteration from Armenian characters into the Latin alphabet. Some common variations include: Ohanesian, Ohannesian, Oganessian, Oguhnesyan, Ughnesian, Aghanessian, Aghanesian, and Aghessian. These variations stem from slight differences in pronunciation or orthography among individuals with the same family name. The correct spelling can depend on personal preference or regional conventions within the Armenian community.

Famous people with the last name Ohanessian

Notable individuals with the surname Ohanessian include Pierre Casselle Ohanessian, a renowned Lebanese-American businessman and philanthropist, best known for co-founding the global technology company Beats Electronics which was later acquired by Apple Inc. Another prominent figure is Simon Ohanessian, an American politician who served as the Mayor of Glendale, California from 1978 to 2008 and was the first Armenian-American mayor in the United States. In the field of academia, Haig A. Ohanessian is recognized for his contributions to the study of international law and human rights, having served as the President of the International Association of Genocide Scholars from 2006 to 2010. These individuals exemplify the diverse accomplishments and impact of those bearing the last name Ohanessian in various fields.

Genealogical research on the last name Ohanessian

The surname Ohanessian is of Armenian origin, derived from the given name Ohannes (Armenian for John) and the suffix -sian, which denotes a family or descendant of someone with that name. The name has its roots in ancient Armenia, with records dating back to the 16th century in historical Armenian regions such as Cilicia and Karabagh. Notable figures bearing this surname include the Ohanessians of New Julfa, a prominent Armenian merchant family residing in Isfahan, Iran, during the Safavid dynasty. The family played significant roles in the Silk Road trade and the development of the Armenian Quarter in the city. In modern times, the Ohanessians have been dispersed globally due to historical events such as the Armenian Genocide and the subsequent diaspora. Today, families with this surname can be found in various countries including the United States, France, Lebanon, and Armenia itself.

Last name distribution maps

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NomOrigine Team
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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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