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Last Name Shams

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What is the origin of the last name Shams?

The last name "Shams" is of Arabic and Persian origin. In both languages, "Shams" means "sun". This surname could have been adopted by individuals who wished to associate themselves with the celestial body symbolizing life-giving warmth and light, or it may have been a given name that was later passed down through generations as a family name.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Shams

The meaning and origin of the last name Shams

The surname Shams is of Arabic origin, derived from the word "shams," which means "sun" in Arabic. This surname is common among individuals with Arab or Persian descent. Historically, it was often used as a given name and later adopted as a surname. In some cases, it may have been bestowed upon individuals born during the daytime or under sunny conditions. Over time, variations of the surname, such as Shems, Shemsh, and Schams, have arisen due to differences in transliteration and migration patterns. Today, people with the Shams surname can be found worldwide, reflecting its spread through history and cultural exchange.

Geographical distribution of the last name Shams

The surname Shams is predominantly found across various regions due to its Middle Eastern and Islamic roots. In Iran, it is one of the most common surnames, as Shams translates to "sun" in Farsi, making it a popular choice for families with Sunni Muslim ancestry. Additionally, significant populations carrying the name Shams can be found in countries such as Pakistan, Afghanistan, India, and other regions with substantial Islamic communities. Furthermore, diaspora from these regions has also spread the surname to various parts of Europe, North America, Australia, and other continents, especially in urban areas with large concentrations of Iranian or Pakistani immigrants.

Variants and spellings of the last name Shams

The surname Shams can be spelled with various variations due to regional differences and individual preferences. Some common variations include Shamis, Shaams, Shemsh, and Shammaz. In Arabic, the name Shams means "sun," and it is a popular surname among people of Arab, Persian, and Indian descent. The name may also be spelled as Sams or Samis in English-speaking countries due to phonetic changes over time. It's important to note that the correct spelling can often depend on the specific family or region where it originates from.

Famous people with the last name Shams

Notable individuals with the surname Shams include:

1. Ali Asghar Soltanieh Shams (born 1957), Iranian diplomat who served as the Permanent Representative of Iran to the International Atomic Energy Agency from 2005 to 2018.

2. Hossein Shams (born 1963), Iranian football coach and former player, known for his time at Persepolis FC as a player and as the club's manager.

3. Majid Shamsalipour (born 1974), Iranian professional wrestler who competed in Greco-Roman wrestling, best known for winning a gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

4. Reza Shams (born 1965), American composer, conductor, and pianist of Persian descent, known for his work in both classical and film music.

5. Saeed Shamsol Emami (1957–1988), Iranian engineer who was executed during the Iran-Iraq War as part of a military trial that is widely considered politically motivated.

6. Shahin Shamsahi (born 1964), German-Iranian writer and journalist, known for his works on politics, culture, and literature in Germany and Iran.

7. Trita Parsi (born 1970), Iranian-Swedish scholar and author, founder and former President of the National Iranian American Council, a leading nonprofit organization advocating for greater engagement between the United States and Iran.

Genealogical research on the last name Shams

The Shams surname, originating from the Arabic word for "sun," has diverse origins, with significant distributions across the Middle East and North Africa. Some believe it to be an occupational name for a sun-worshipper or a professional associated with the sun, such as a glass blower due to their work involving heat. Others suggest it could have been a nickname given to someone with sunny disposition, or perhaps a descendant of a person who belonged to the Banu Shammas tribe in pre-Islamic Arabia. The name also appears among Jewish communities, potentially indicating a conversion from Islam. In terms of migration, many bearers of the name have moved from their Middle Eastern origins to various parts of the world due to historical events such as the Ottoman Empire's decline and the creation of modern Israel. Notable figures with the surname include Iranian poet Houshang Moradi Shams and Palestinian political leader Hanan Ashrawi.

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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