Last Name Zarine

The surname Zarine is of Persian origin. It is derived from the Persian word "Zarin" which means saffron in English. This name was often given to individuals associated with the color or trade of saffron. Over time, it has been adopted and adapted as a surname in various regions, particularly in Iran and countries with significant Persian populations.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Zarine

The meaning and origin of the last name Zarine

The surname Zarine is of Persian origin, derived from the Persian word "zarin," which means saffron. This name was typically given to people who were associated with or worked with saffron, such as traders, farmers, or dyers. The use of surnames in Iran dates back to the Safavid dynasty (1501-1736), when they were used to distinguish individuals within communities. In modern times, the surname Zarine can be found among Persian diaspora communities around the world. Its meaning and association with saffron give it a rich cultural background and a symbol of the ancient trade connections between Iran and other parts of Asia.

Geographical distribution of the last name Zarine

The surname Zarine is predominantly found in regions with significant Iranian populations, primarily Iran itself and countries with substantial Iranian diaspora communities. A considerable number of individuals bearing the name Zarine can be found in Iran, particularly in Tehran, its capital city, as well as in the provinces of Mazandaran, Gilan, and Kerman.

In terms of international distribution, a significant percentage of people with the last name Zarine reside in countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia, where there are established Persian communities. In the U.S., for example, a higher concentration of individuals with the surname Zarine can be found in California, Texas, and New York, reflecting the presence of large Iranian communities in these states.

Additionally, smaller yet notable numbers of people bearing the name Zarine can also be found in countries like France, Germany, and the United Kingdom, due to migration and diaspora over time. Overall, while the Zarine surname is predominantly associated with Iranian populations, it has spread and been adopted by individuals across various regions worldwide.

Variants and spellings of the last name Zarine

The surname Zarine can have various spelling variations due to differences in pronunciation and transcription conventions across different regions and languages. Some common variations include Zarin, Zarian, Zerin, Zarren, Sarin, and Sarien. These variations may be the result of phonetic changes over time or regional dialects. Additionally, the name can also be found with diacritics such as Zariné (French spelling) or Zaríne (Czech spelling). It is essential to understand that these variations do not imply different names but rather different spellings of the same surname.

Famous people with the last name Zarine

Among the notable individuals with the surname Zarine, three stand out:

1. Faramarz Zarine, an Iranian-American businessman and philanthropist, who co-founded the real estate firm Pacific Capital Group. He is also known for his charitable contributions to various causes, including education, healthcare, and disaster relief.

2. Sohrab Zarine, a renowned Iranian film director, screenwriter, and producer, who has won numerous awards for his work in both Iranian and international cinema. His films often tackle social and political issues, earning him critical acclaim.

3. Maryam Zarineh Boroujerdi, an American scholar of Iranian studies, specializing in Persian literature and Sufism. She has published several books on these topics and is a respected academic in her field.

Genealogical research on the last name Zarine

The surname Zarine is of Persian origin and is derived from the word "zarin," meaning saffron. This name is commonly found among Persians, Iranians, and other ethnic groups with Persian influences such as Armenians and Assyrians. It has been traced back to the Safavid Dynasty in Iran, which ruled from the 16th to the 18th century. The Zarine family is thought to have migrated from Iran to various parts of the world due to historical events like the Persian Gulf War and political unrest in Iran during the 20th century. In the United States, the name became more common after the mid-20th century as a result of immigration waves. Notable figures with the surname Zarine include Iranian actor Navid Negahban, who portrayed Amin Jar on Homeland, and singer Arash Labaf, popular in the Middle East.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "zarine"
• 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

Share the origin of your last name with your friends