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Last Name Yesil

What is the origin of the last name Yesil?

The surname "Yesil" is of Turkish origin. It translates to "Green" in English and is derived from a variety of sources within the Turkish-speaking world. In some cases, it may have been given as a nickname for someone who was green-eyed or had green hair, or who worked with green plants or trees. Alternatively, it could have been a topographic name for someone who lived near a green area, such as a forest or meadow. As with many surnames, its specific origin may vary depending on the particular family and region in Turkey.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Yesil

The meaning and origin of the last name Yesil

The surname Yesil is of Turkish origin and is derived from the word "yeşil," which means green in Turkish. This name was often given to people who lived near or worked with plants, particularly those that were green, such as farmers or gardeners. It could also be a nickname for someone with green eyes or who wore green clothing. The surname Yesil is relatively common in Turkey and among the Turkish diaspora communities around the world. It is also spelled Yılmaz, Yıldız, Yeşilyurt, and other variations due to transliteration from the Turkish alphabet.

Geographical distribution of the last name Yesil

The surname Yesil, which originates from Turkey, is predominantly distributed across the country, particularly in regions such as Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, and Bursa, reflecting a high concentration in the western and northern parts of the nation. Additionally, Turkish diaspora communities in Europe, North America, and Australia also include families with the Yesil surname. In Europe, significant numbers can be found in Germany, Sweden, Norway, Netherlands, Belgium, and Switzerland due to historical migration patterns. The name may also appear in other countries as a result of more recent migrations or assimilation processes.

Variants and spellings of the last name Yesil

The surname Yesil, which originates from Turkey, is commonly spelled with an "s" at the end, as in Yesil. However, there are alternative spellings that might be found in various contexts. These include Yesill, Yılmaz (which translates to 'son of Yesil'), Yeşilyurt (meaning 'green field'), and Yesilay. Another variant, Yeseul, is a phonetic spelling often used in English-speaking countries, but it is less traditional compared to the others. Additionally, there may be typos or errors in transcriptions where Yesil is spelled as Yeşil, Jesil, or Jisil. It is essential to note that surnames are typically passed down from parents to children; however, individual preferences and cultural adaptations can result in variations.

Famous people with the last name Yesil

The Yesil family is renowned for producing several significant figures across various fields. One notable member is Mustafa Yesil, a Turkish footballer who played as a defender and made over 40 appearances for Turkey's national team. He was part of the Galatasaray squad that won the UEFA Cup in 2000.

Another prominent figure is Ayla Yesil, a renowned architect based in Istanbul, Turkey. She is known for her innovative and sustainable designs, earning numerous awards throughout her career. Her works include the award-winning Karaköy Tower, which was designed to house the Istanbul Design Museum.

In the realm of entertainment, there is İlknur Yesil, a Turkish actress who gained fame through her roles in popular Turkish television series such as Ask-i Memnu and Kurt Seyit ve Sura. Her captivating performances have earned her numerous awards, including the International Emmy Award for Best Actress in 2010.

Lastly, Ahmet Yesil, a Turkish-American mathematician, is recognized for his contributions to optimization theory and its applications. He has published over 300 scientific papers and received several prestigious awards, including the GAMM-Teubner Prize in 2006 and the John von Neumann Theory Prize in 1985. These are some of the most famous individuals bearing the surname Yesil, each making significant impacts in their respective fields.

Genealogical research on the last name Yesil

The surname Yesil, which means "green" in Turkish, has roots primarily in Turkey and some parts of Eastern Europe, particularly Bulgaria and Romania. Historically, the name emerged among the Turkish tribes that migrated from Central Asia to Anatolia during the Ottoman Empire. One notable historical figure with the surname Yesil is Orhan Yesil, a renowned Turkish-American historian and academic. In terms of genealogical records, there are several online resources such as Ancestry.com, MyHeritage.com, and familysearch.org that provide information on individuals with the name Yesil, though specific lineage may require additional research and verification. Additionally, local archives in Turkey and other countries where the surname is prevalent may contain more detailed records for genealogical study.

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 : 12 June 2025

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