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Last Name Xhafer

What is the origin of the last name Xhafer?

The surname Xhafer is of Albanian origin. It is derived from the given name Xhafër, which means "summer" in Albanian. The name has been carried by various notable figures throughout history, including Xhafer Ypi, an influential Albanian scholar and politician.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Xhafer

The meaning and origin of the last name Xhafer

The surname Xhafer (also spelled Xhafër) is of Albanian origin. It is derived from a place name, specifically the town of Xhafëria located in southern Albania. The name Xhafëria is believed to have origins dating back to the 14th century and comes from the Albanian word "xhafer," which means "spring" or "fountain." Over time, as families moved and migrated, the place name was adopted as a surname by some individuals. Today, Xhafer is primarily found among the Albanian population, but it has also spread to other regions due to migrations and diaspora.

Geographical distribution of the last name Xhafer

The surname Xhafer is predominantly found among the Albanian population, particularly in the Balkan region. According to data from various sources, it's most frequently observed in Albania and Kosovo, where it ranks among the top 200 most common last names. Smaller concentrations of individuals with this surname can also be found in other Albanian diaspora communities around the world, such as Italy, Greece, and Western European countries like Germany and Switzerland, due to historical migration patterns. In these places, Xhafer is often a variant or transliteration of the original Albanian name.

Variants and spellings of the last name Xhafer

The surname Xhafer can have several variations and spellings due to differences in transliteration and regional dialects. Here are some of the possible forms:

1. Xhaferi - A common Albanian variant of the name, which can also be spelled as Xhafari or Xhaveri.
2. Xhaferis - The plural form of Xhaferi in Albanian.
3. Xhaferi-u - A possessive form of Xhaferi, meaning "of Xhafer."
4. Xhaferishte - A female variant derived from Xhaferi, often used in Kosovo and Macedonia.
5. Xhafar - A more phonetic spelling that might be found in English-speaking countries.
6. Xhaffer - An alternative spelling, also found in English-speaking contexts.
7. Khafer - A variant used in languages where diacritics are not present, such as Turkish and Urdu.
8. Khafar - Another variation without diacritical marks, often seen in transcriptions of Arabic names.

Famous people with the last name Xhafer

Notable individuals with the surname Xhafer include:

1. Behgjet Pacolli Xhafer (born 1964), a Kosovar-Albanian businessman and politician who served as the Prime Minister of Kosovo from 2014 to 2015.

2. Ilir Xhafer (born 1978), a Swiss footballer who played as a forward for clubs such as Grasshopper Club Zürich, FC Zurich, and Lugano, among others. He also represented the Swiss national team.

3. Lindita Xhafera (born 1990), an Albanian pop singer who became known after participating in the second season of the reality show X Factor Adria. She has represented Albania in the Eurovision Song Contest twice, in 2017 and 2021.

4. Shpëtim Xhaferi (born 1963), a Macedonian politician who served as the Speaker of Parliament of North Macedonia from 2018 to 2019. He is a co-founder and leader of the Albanian Democratic Party in North Macedonia.

5. Xhavit Xhaferi (born 1976), a Swiss professional footballer who played as a midfielder for clubs such as FC Basel, Grasshopper Club Zürich, and Young Boys Bern. He also represented the Swiss national team.

Genealogical research on the last name Xhafer

The surname Xhafer, often found among Albanian and Kosovar communities, has roots traced back to the Ottoman Empire during the late Middle Ages. Variations such as Xhafa, Xhajver, and Xhaipi also exist. Originally, the name derived from a personal name, 'Xhafer' or 'Khafer,' which means gardener in Arabic, and was adopted by those who were gardeners or tended to fruit trees during the Ottoman period. The family spread across different regions due to migrations and historical events, particularly the rise of nationalism in the Balkans. Notable figures with this name include Ismail Qemali, the first Prime Minister of Albania, and Xhafer Deva, an Albanian nationalist leader during World War I.

Last name distribution maps

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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 : 25 July 2025

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