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Last Name Zadeh

What is the origin of the last name Zadeh?

The surname "Zadeh" is of Persian origin. In Persian, "Zadeh" translates to "son of" when combined with a given name, similar to how "-son" works in some English names like John-son or William-son. This naming convention is common in many Persian and Iranian families. The specific region of origin within Persia/Iran might vary among different Zadeh families due to historical migrations and regional naming conventions.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Zadeh

The meaning and origin of the last name Zadeh

The surname Zadeh is of Persian origin, specifically derived from the Iranian word "zad" which means "son". This patronymic name is commonly found among Persians, particularly those with the given name "Ruhollah", meaning "spiritual leader". Over time, it has been romanized into various forms such as Zadeh, Zada, and Zade. As Persian immigrants dispersed across the world due to historical events like the Mongol invasions, Ottoman Empire expansion, or more recently, political migrations, the name Zadeh spread to other regions. In the Western world, it is most commonly encountered in communities with a significant Iranian diaspora, such as the United States and Canada. Today, the surname Zadeh is borne by individuals of Persian descent who are proud of their heritage and identity.

Geographical distribution of the last name Zadeh

The last name Zadeh is predominantly of Iranian origin and is primarily distributed within Iran, particularly in its Azerbaijan province and other northern regions where Persian-speaking Azeris reside. A significant number of individuals with the surname Zadeh can also be found in the diaspora, particularly in countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and Western Europe, due to migration from Iran over several decades. In these countries, communities of Iranian descent often cluster in urban areas like Los Angeles, Toronto, London, and Paris. The Zadeh name is also found among Iranian-speaking populations in Afghanistan, Tajikistan, and the Uzbekistan region of Central Asia. Additionally, the name has been adopted by individuals outside of these regions due to cultural assimilation or conversion, although it remains relatively uncommon globally.

Variants and spellings of the last name Zadeh

The surname Zadeh has several variations and spellings in English, reflecting its diverse origins. Some common variants include: Zadaeh, Zaday, Zaida, Zaidah, Zaidy, Zadee, Zade, Zady, Zada, Zaida, and Zaid. The name is often associated with Persian, Arabic, or Jewish heritage, as it originates from these cultures. In Persian, the name can mean "poet" or "scholar," while in Arabic, it translates to "born of Zeid." Variations may also be found due to differences in transliteration from these languages into English. Additionally, some individuals may choose to Anglicize the spelling of their surname for personal reasons or assimilation purposes. Regardless of its specific form, Zadeh remains a distinctive and resonant name across various cultures.

Famous people with the last name Zadeh

Notable individuals with the surname Zadeh include Ali Akbar Zadeh, an Iranian-American composer and music theorist who is renowned for his work in spectral music; Reza Zadeh, a Professor of Computer Science at Stanford University, known for his contributions to database systems, distributed computing, and data management; and Morteza Zadeh, a Persian poet, writer, and translator, considered one of the leading contemporary figures in Iranian literature. These individuals excel in various fields, showcasing the versatility and achievements of those carrying the surname Zadeh.

Genealogical research on the last name Zadeh

The surname Zadeh is of Persian origin, specifically from the region of Iran. It translates to "son of Zad," with "Zad" being an ancient Persian personal name, meaning "prosperous" or "wealthy." The name has been documented in various parts of the world due to the historical migrations and diasporas of Iranians. Notable individuals with this surname can be traced back to the 17th and 18th centuries in Persia, including the Zadeh-Khan family, who held prominent positions in the Qajar dynasty. The name has since spread globally, with significant populations of Zadehs found in countries like Iran, the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, among others. Genealogical research on this surname often involves tracing the migration patterns and historical events that have influenced its distribution over time.

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 : 15 June 2025

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