NomOrigine Background

Last Name Panahi

What is the origin of the last name Panahi?

The surname Panahi is of Iranian origin and is a common Persian surname. It likely originates from the Persian word "panah" which means "refuge" or "shelter." This surname is mainly found in Iran and among the Iranian diaspora in other countries.

Please wait, data loading. It may take 1 minute or 2...

Learn more about the origin of the last name Panahi

The meaning and origin of the last name Panahi

Panahi is a Persian surname believed to have originated in Iran. The name is derived from the Persian word "panah," which translates to "refuge" or "shelter." This suggests that the surname may have been used to denote someone who provided protection or assistance to others in need. Panahi is a relatively common surname in Iran and is predominantly found among the Persian-speaking population. It is possible that individuals with the surname Panahi may have ancestral ties to a particular region or community within Iran where the name has been passed down through generations. The significance of the surname Panahi emphasizes the importance of offering support and refuge to those facing challenges, reflecting the values of kindness and solidarity within the Persian culture.

Geographical distribution of the last name Panahi

The last name Panahi is primarily found in Iran, with the highest concentration in the regions of Tehran, Isfahan, and Mazandaran. It is a common surname among the Persian population in these areas, indicating a strong cultural and historical connection to the region. The name may also be found in smaller numbers in other countries with significant Iranian diaspora populations, such as Turkey, the United States, and Canada. Although less prevalent in these countries compared to Iran, the surname Panahi still reflects the global migration patterns of Iranian people and their descendants. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Panahi points to its origins in Iran and its significance within the Persian community both within the country and abroad.

Variants and spellings of the last name Panahi

The last name Panahi can be spelled in various ways including Panahy, Panhahee, Panahie, Pannahi, Pannahy, Panaihi, Panahiy, Panahhi, Pannahy, Pannahee, Panahy, and Pannahi. These variations may be due to differences in dialect or regional accents. Panahi is a common surname in Iran and is of Persian origin. It is believed to be derived from the Persian word "panah" which means refuge or protection. The Panahi family name may have different spellings depending on the transliteration from Farsi to other languages such as English. Despite the different spellings, all variations of Panahi signify a shared heritage and cultural background in Iran.

Famous people with the last name Panahi

Jafar Panahi is a highly acclaimed Iranian filmmaker known for his social and political commentary in films such as "The White Balloon" and "Taxi." He has won numerous awards at prestigious film festivals around the world despite facing persecution and censorship in his own country. His unique storytelling style and powerful visuals have cemented his reputation as one of the most talented directors of his generation. In addition to his filmmaking career, Panahi is also a vocal advocate for freedom of expression and human rights in Iran. His work continues to inspire filmmakers and audiences alike, showcasing the power of storytelling as a tool for social change.

Genealogical research on the last name Panahi

The last name Panahi is of Iranian origin and is commonly found among individuals of Persian descent. Genealogical research on the Panahi surname indicates its prevalence in regions such as Iran, Afghanistan, and parts of Central Asia. The name Panahi is believed to have originated from a personal or occupational title, with 'Panahi' potentially meaning 'protector' or 'guardian' in Persian. It is likely that individuals bearing the Panahi surname may have descended from a line of protectors or leaders within their communities. This ancestral lineage and occupation may have influenced the distribution and proliferation of the Panahi surname throughout the Middle East and beyond. Today, individuals with the last name Panahi can be found in various countries around the world, carrying on their family heritage and traditions.

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 : 11 April 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below:

Similar Last Names

Pan (Last name)

surnames > pan

The last name "Pan" has multiple origins and can be found in various cultures around the world. 1. Chinese Origin: In Chinese, the surname "Pan" is written as 潘 (Pān) and is on...

Panabo (Last name)

surnames > panabo

The surname Panabo is of Spanish origin. It is derived from the word "pan" which means bread, and "abo" which means of or from. Therefore, Panabo may have originally been a descrip...

Panachi kadavath (Last name)

surnames > panachi-kadavath

The last name "Panachi Kadavath" originated in India. Panachi likely denotes a geographical or ancestral connection, while Kadavath may refer to a specific place or community.

Panackamannil (Last name)

surnames > panackamannil

The last name "Panackamannil" originates from the Malayalam language in the state of Kerala, India. It is a combination of "Panackal," which refers to a place or region, and "manni...

Panackamattam (Last name)

surnames > panackamattam

The last name Panackamattam originates from the Tamil language and has its roots in India, specifically the state of Kerala.

Panaga (Last name)

surnames > panaga

The surname Panaga appears to have originated in the Philippines.

Panagatoor (Last name)

surnames > panagatoor

The last name "Panagatoor" has its origin in India, specifically in the southern state of Tamil Nadu. It is believed to be a surname associated with the Telugu-speaking community i...

Panagatt (Last name)

surnames > panagatt

The last name Panagatt is of Indian origin and is most commonly found among the Malayalam-speaking people of the southern Indian state of Kerala. It is believed to be derived from ...

Panagattoor (Last name)

surnames > panagattoor

The last name Panagattoor is of Indian origin. It is derived from the name of a village called Panangattur in the state of Kerala in Southern India. People with this last name like...

Panagatu thodi (Last name)

surnames > panagatu-thodi

The last name "Panagatu Thodi" appears to be of Indian origin, specifically from the state of Kerala. Panagatu is a place name in Kerala, while Thodi is a common surname in the reg...

Panaghattayil (Last name)

surnames > panaghattayil

The last name Panaghattayil is of Indian origin and typically originates from the state of Kerala in South India. It is a surname commonly used by families belonging to the Nair co...

Panagiotis (Last name)

surnames > panagiotis

The surname Panagiotis is of Greek origin. It is derived from the Greek word "panagia," meaning "all holy" or "all pure," which is often used as a reference to the Virgin Mary in G...

Panahande (Last name)

surnames > panahande

The last name Panahande is of Persian origin. It is derived from the Persian word "panah" meaning refuge or shelter. This surname likely originated from a person who was known for ...

Panaich (Last name)

surnames > panaich

The surname Panaich is of Indian origin, specifically from the state of Punjab. It is believed to be of Sikh or Hindu descent.

Panaino (Last name)

surnames > panaino

The surname Panaino is of Italian origin. It is believed to be a variation of the surname Panino, which is derived from the Italian word "panino" meaning "bread roll" or "sandwich....