Last Name Vakili

The surname Vakili is of Persian origin. It derives from a number of places and titles in Iran. One possible source is the town of Vakilabad, located in Fars Province, Iran. Another possibility is that it comes from various administrative or religious positions, such as "vazīr-e kalān" (minister of the harem) or "akhund" (a title given to learned clerics), which were Persian titles used throughout history. The surname may also be a variation of the Arabic name Abu Qilī, meaning "father of the monkey."

Learn more about the origin of the last name Vakili

The meaning and origin of the last name Vakili

The surname Vakili is of Persian origin, specifically from the Iranian plateau where it has been traditionally used for centuries. The name derives from the Persian word "vakil," meaning representative or agent. In ancient Persia, this title was often given to individuals who held positions of trust and responsibility in government or religious institutions. Over time, the title became a surname, especially among the Persian-speaking communities such as those found in Iran, Afghanistan, and the Indian subcontinent. The Vakili family is a notable one in various fields, including politics, literature, and arts, particularly in Iran.

Geographical distribution of the last name Vakili

The surname Vakili is predominantly of Iranian origin and is commonly found among Persians, particularly those from the Azerbaijan region in northern Iran. Additionally, significant populations with the surname Vakili can be traced in various parts of the world due to migrations. In North America, the largest concentrations are in the United States and Canada, mainly among Iranian immigrants and their descendants. In Europe, there is a notable presence of the Vakili family in countries such as Germany, Sweden, Netherlands, and the United Kingdom, reflecting historical immigration patterns from Iran to these regions. Furthermore, small but significant communities carrying the Vakili surname can be found in some parts of Asia, such as India and Japan, owing to international marriages or work-related migrations.

Variants and spellings of the last name Vakili

The surname Vakili can have several variations and spellings due to different transliteration methods and regional dialects. Some common variants include Bakili, Bakily, Vakilie, and Vakeel. These variations are primarily based on the pronunciation and spelling conventions in different languages and cultures. In Persian, the name Vakili originates from the word "vakil" which means representative or attorney, reflecting a family with a historical background in law. However, it's essential to note that individual names can be spelled differently based on personal preference or the conventions of different countries and cultures.

Famous people with the last name Vakili

Notable individuals with the last name Vakili include:

1. Arash Vakilinia (born 1982), an Iranian-American professional wrestler, best known for his time with WWE under the ring names Tensai and Dalton Raines.

2. Keyhan Vakil (born 1974), a Canadian writer, poet, and essayist who is a prominent figure in contemporary Persian literature.

3. Mehdi Vakili (born 1985), an Iranian-Swedish footballer who plays as a defender for Swedish club IF Brommapojkarna.

4. Niki Vakil (born 1986), an American actress and singer, known for her roles in films like "The Perfect Man" and "American Pie Presents: The Book of Love".

5. Reza Vakili Khorramblu (1932–2007), a prominent Iranian politician, diplomat, and professor who served as the Iranian ambassador to the United Nations from 1981 to 1984.

Genealogical research on the last name Vakili

The surname Vakili originates from Iran and is of Persian descent. The name translates to "grocer" or "merchant" in Persian, likely indicating that early bearers of this name were merchants or shopkeepers. Historically, the Vakilis are known to have resided primarily in the regions of Fars, Isfahan, and Tehran. The name has various spellings including Bakili, Bakkili, Vakkili, and other variations due to transliteration and regional dialects. Notable figures with the surname Vakili include Iranian politician Mahmoud Vakili and Iranian-American scientist Majid Vakil. The diaspora of the Vakilis can be traced to various countries, including the United States, Canada, and Europe, following migrations from Iran in the mid-20th century.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "vakili"
• 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 : 29 July 2025

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