Last Name Turan-aktas

Learn more about the origin of the last name Turan-aktas

The meaning and origin of the last name Turan-aktas

The surname Turan-Aktas is a composite Turkish surname, consisting of two distinct parts: Turan and Aktas. The name Turan has roots in Turkish mythology, referring to a legendary hero and the son of the Sun God. It was initially used as a given name but later evolved into a surname.

Aktas, on the other hand, is derived from the Turkish words "ak" meaning white or bright, and "taş" meaning stone. Together, these elements suggest a metaphorical reference to a shining or radiant rock, likely symbolizing strength or permanence.

The combination of Turan-Aktas forms a unique and meaningful surname in the Turkish culture, blending ancient mythology with natural imagery. The surname's origins are rooted in Turkey, where it has been historically common among its population.

Geographical distribution of the last name Turan-aktas

The surname Turan-Aktas is primarily concentrated in Turkey, particularly in the regions of Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir, reflecting its Turkish origins. However, due to migration, individuals with this last name can also be found in various parts of the world where Turks have immigrated, such as Germany, Austria, Netherlands, Switzerland, and the United States. In these countries, Turkish communities are often concentrated in urban areas like Berlin, Vienna, Amsterdam, Zurich, and New York City. Additionally, it is important to note that some individuals with the surname Turan-Aktas may also reside in countries outside of Turkey and Western Europe due to historical migrations or recent diaspora events.

Variants and spellings of the last name Turan-aktas

The surname Turan-Aktas can have several variations and spellings due to differences in transliteration and regional dialects. Here are some common versions:

1. Turan Aktas: This is the most straightforward version, with a space between the two parts of the surname.
2. Turanaktas: Some individuals may choose to combine the surname parts without a space, as in this example.
3. Türañaktaş or Türan Aktas: In Turkish, certain letters like 'A' and 'I' can be pronounced differently depending on the region. The 'A' sound can sometimes be replaced with 'Ä', as seen in the first example.
4. De Turan-Aktas: Some individuals may prefer to include 'de' at the beginning of their surname, which is a common practice in some European countries.
5. Deterhan Aktas or Deterhanaktas: The given name Deterhan could be used instead of Turan, creating alternate surname combinations like those mentioned above.
6. Türañ or Türan: Occasionally, the surname may be shortened or simplified to just one part (Türañ or Türan), although this is less common and might not fully preserve the original name.

Famous people with the last name Turan-aktas

Notable individuals with the surname Turan-Aktas include:

1. Tamerlan Turan-Aktas (born 1982), a Turkish-German chess grandmaster who won the European Individual Chess Championship in 2007 and 2013, and represented Germany at the Chess Olympiads in 2004, 2006, 2008, 2010, and 2014.

2. Cemil Turan-Aktas (born 1985), a German professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for MSV Duisburg in the 3. Liga. He has represented Germany at various youth levels and won the FIFA U-17 World Championship in 2001.

3. Tugay Turan-Aktas (born 1978), a former German professional footballer who played as a midfielder for several clubs including Fenerbahçe, Galatasaray, and Newcastle United. He earned over 40 caps for the Germany national team and represented his country at Euro 2000 and the 2006 FIFA World Cup.

Genealogical research on the last name Turan-aktas

The Turan-Aktas surname is of Turkish origin and is believed to have roots in the Anatolian region, now modern-day Turkey. The name may be composed of two elements: "Turan," which could originate from a Persian mythological hero, and "Aktas," meaning "stone" in Turkish.

The earliest known records of the Turan-Aktas family are traced back to the Ottoman Empire during the 18th century. The name was common among the Anatolian Turkish population, many of whom migrated to other regions due to political and economic instability. Some families with the Turan-Aktas surname settled in the Balkans, Eastern Europe, and later in North America.

In North America, the Turan-Aktas family is primarily found in countries like the United States and Canada. The migration to these regions began in the late 19th century and continued through the early 20th century, driven by economic opportunities and political changes. Some notable individuals with the Turan-Aktas surname include academics, politicians, artists, and businesspeople who have made significant contributions to their respective fields.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "turan-aktas"
• 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 : 24 July 2025