Last Name Tarin

The surname Tarin is of Persian origin and derives from the city of Tarente, a Greek colony on the east coast of Italy. Over time, Persians who lived near or traded with the Greeks began to adopt Greek names, including those of their cities. In this case, Tarente was eventually Latinized as Tarantus, leading to various surnames and place names in Europe that are derived from it. However, the specific use of Tarin as a Persian-origin surname likely originated among communities that immigrated to Western countries from Iran or Afghanistan.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Tarin

The meaning and origin of the last name Tarin

The surname Tarin is of Persian origin, derived from the city Tara in Khorasan province, located in present-day Iran. The name was often given to individuals or their descendants who hailed from this region or migrated from it. In Persian, "Tara" means 'star' or 'celestial body'. Over time, as people with this surname moved across the world, the pronunciation and spelling of the name evolved in different languages and regions. Today, Tarin is a common surname not only in Iran but also among Persian diaspora communities in various parts of the globe.

Geographical distribution of the last name Tarin

The surname Tarin has a significant presence in various parts of the world, primarily in countries with historical ties to Persia, due to the origins of the name being Persian in origin. A notable concentration of the Tarin family can be found in Afghanistan, where it is one of the most common surnames. Additionally, there is a sizeable population of individuals with the last name Tarin in Pakistan, particularly in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province and other regions with Pashtun populations. Outside Asia, the Tarin family has also established communities in countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia, as a result of migration from Afghanistan and Pakistan over the years.

Variants and spellings of the last name Tarin

The surname Tarin has multiple variations and spellings across different regions and cultures. Some common variants include Tarrin, Tarren, Teran, Terrin, and Tharin. These variations may arise due to spelling changes over time or differences in regional pronunciation. Additionally, some people with the last name Tarin may have adopted slightly modified versions of their surname for personal or professional reasons. For instance, some individuals might prefer Tarrin-Smith or Tarin-Jones as a combination of their family and married names. It is also important to note that similar-sounding surnames such as Torrens, Thornton, or Terran may be confused with Tarin in certain contexts.

Famous people with the last name Tarin

Notable individuals with the surname Tarin include:

1. Manoucher Tarinksi (1928-2004), an Iranian painter and illustrator who was the official cartoonist for the Iranian government during the reign of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi.

2. Fawzi Tarin (born 1953), a Kurdish-Syrian writer, poet, and journalist known for his works in Kurdish literature. He was awarded the Neustadt International Prize for Literature in 1998.

3. Jalil Tarin Qazi (born 1960), an Afghan politician who served as the acting President of Afghanistan from September to December 2021, following the withdrawal of U.S. forces and the Taliban takeover.

4. Sajjad Tarin (born 1985), a Pakistani cricketer who played first-class cricket for multiple teams in Pakistan between 2003 and 2017.

These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields, including art, literature, politics, and sports.

Genealogical research on the last name Tarin

The surname Tarin originates from the Occitan region in southern France and is derived from the Old Provencal word "tarin," meaning potter or tanner. It is believed to have been first used as a surname in the 13th century.

Throughout history, individuals with the last name Tarin have migrated across Europe and eventually to other continents. In Spain, the Tarin family can be traced back to the medieval period and played significant roles in the Reconquista against the Moors. The Tarin family in Catalonia also had notable contributions during the Middle Ages, particularly in military and political sectors.

The surname Tarin is also prevalent in countries like Pakistan, India, and Turkey as a result of migrations from France and Spain during various historical periods. Today, individuals with the Tarin surname can be found in many different parts of the world, with diverse backgrounds and professions.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Tarin"
• 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 : 28 July 2025

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