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Last Name Tokhi

What is the origin of the last name Tokhi?

The last name "Tokhi" is of Pashto origin and is commonly found among the Pashtun ethnic group in Afghanistan and Pakistan. The name is believed to be derived from the word "tokh," which means "swift" or "fast" in Pashto. It is a common practice among Pashtun tribes to take their tribe or clan name as their last name, so individuals with the last name "Tokhi" likely belong to a specific Pashtun tribe or clan.

Race and Ethnicity of people with the last name Tokhi

On the topic of ethnicity, the Decennial U.S. Census data shows intriguing shifts between 2000 and 2010. Those identifying as Asian/Pacific Islander and carrying the Tokhi surname decreased by roughly 28 percent. However, those identifying as of two or more ethnicities saw a notable increase of 46.16 percent. During the same period, individuals identifying as white and bearing the Tokhi surname decreased by about 23 percent. Interestingly, the Hispanic representation among individuals with this surname emerged in 2010, though no such data was recorded for the year 2000. Black individuals and American Indian and Alaskan Natives with this surname remained at zero for both years.

20002010Change
Two or More Races31.28%45.72%46.16%
White51.4%39.47%-23.21%
Asian/Pacific Islander15.08%10.86%-27.98%
Hispanic0%2.3%0%
Black0%0%0%
American Indian and Alaskan Native0%0%0%

Learn more about the origin of the last name Tokhi

The meaning and origin of the last name Tokhi

The surname Tokhi is of Afghan origin and is believed to be of Pashtun descent. The name likely originated as a tribal or clan identifier, indicating the individual's ancestral connection to the Tokhi tribe of the Pashtun people. The Pashtuns are a predominantly Muslim ethnic group native to Afghanistan and Pakistan, known for their fiercely independent and martial traditions. The surname Tokhi may indicate familial ties to a specific region, village, or lineage within the larger tribe. It is not uncommon for Pashtun surnames to reflect a person's tribal affiliations and cultural heritage, providing a sense of identity and unity among members of the community. Today, individuals with the surname Tokhi may be found across regions where the Pashtun diaspora has spread, maintaining a connection to their ancestral roots and heritage.

Geographical distribution of the last name Tokhi

The last name Tokhi is most commonly found in Afghanistan, particularly among the Pashtun ethnic group. The name is also prevalent in neighboring countries such as Pakistan and Iran, where Pashtun communities have settled. In Afghanistan, the Tokhi tribe is known for their historical significance and has been involved in various political and military activities. Due to migration and displacement, individuals bearing the last name Tokhi can also be found in other parts of the world, including the United States, Canada, and Europe. The distribution of the Tokhi surname reflects the movement of Pashtun populations across borders and the diaspora communities that have been established over the years. Overall, the geographical distribution of the Tokhi last name highlights the rich history and cultural heritage of the Pashtun people.

Variants and spellings of the last name Tokhi

The last name "Tokhi" can be spelled and written in various ways, leading to multiple variations of the surname. Some of the possible variations include Toqhi, Tawqi, Tawki, Taqhi, and Tawkee. These variations may stem from different dialects or transliterations, resulting in slight differences in spelling while all referring to the same family name. The different spellings may also be a result of individuals or families choosing to anglicize or modify the pronunciation of their surname for easier understanding or integration into different cultures. Despite the variations in spelling, all these versions of the last name Tokhi still hold the same origin and meaning for those individuals who bear it.

Famous people with the last name Tokhi

There are several famous people with the last name "Tokhi," a common name in Afghanistan. One well-known figure is Dr. Ghulam Nabi Tokhi, an accomplished Afghan engineer and academic who has made significant contributions to the field of robotics and automation. He has received numerous awards and accolades for his work, including the Best Doctoral Thesis Award from the University of Bremen in Germany. Additionally, Aziz Tokhi is a prominent Afghan artist and musician known for his unique blend of traditional and contemporary music styles. He has gained recognition both in Afghanistan and internationally for his innovative and captivating performances. These individuals have brought pride to the Tokhi name through their talents and achievements in various fields.

Genealogical research on the last name Tokhi

The last name Tokhi has its origins in Afghanistan and is a Pashtun tribal surname. The Tokhi tribe is part of the larger Ghilzai Pashtun confederacy and is primarily located in the eastern region of Afghanistan. The name Tokhi, also spelled as Tokhai or Tukhi, is believed to derive from the Persian word "tokh" which means wild, fierce, or brave. The tribe has a long and rich history dating back to ancient times, with members being known for their warrior spirit and resilience in the face of adversity. Throughout the generations, the Tokhi tribe has maintained strong ancestral ties and a sense of shared identity, passing down their traditions, customs, and values. Modern genealogical research on the last name Tokhi continues to uncover connections between individuals bearing this surname and their ancestral lineage within the Pashtun tribe.

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

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