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Last Name Zhuruli

What is the origin of the last name Zhuruli?

The last name Zhuruli (or Zuruli) is of Georgian origin, specifically from the region of Kakheti in eastern Georgia. It is derived from a Georgian patronymic naming system where a son's name ends with the suffix "-uli", which means "son of". In this case, the name Zhuruli could originate from a personal name that has since been lost to history. The name may have had a specific meaning or association in Georgian culture or language, but without more context it is difficult to determine the exact origin.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Zhuruli

The meaning and origin of the last name Zhuruli

The surname Zhuruli is of Georgian origin, specifically from the region of Georgia, a country located at the intersection of Europe and Asia. The name is derived from the Georgian language, where "Zhura" means "oak" or "wood," and "-li" is a common suffix in Georgian surnames indicating a place of residence or occupation related to that word. It is likely that the earliest bearers of this surname were associated with an area dominated by oak trees or had a profession related to oaks, such as woodworkers or foresters. The name Zhuruli is most prevalent in Georgia and among Georgian diaspora communities around the world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Zhuruli

The surname Zhuruli is predominantly found in Georgia, a country located at the intersection of Europe and Asia. More specifically, it is most frequent in the regions of Samtskhe-Javakheti, Mtskheta-Mtianeti, and Kvemo Kartli, which are primarily populated by the Meskhetian and Kartsuli ethnic groups who share historical and cultural ties with the name. Additionally, some Zhurulis can be found in other parts of Georgia and the diaspora, particularly in Russia, Ukraine, Turkey, and various Western countries where Georgians have emigrated. The distribution of this surname reflects the historic settlement patterns and migrations of the Georgian population throughout its history.

Variants and spellings of the last name Zhuruli

The surname Zhuruli possesses multiple variations and spellings due to differences in transliteration and regional pronunciations. Some common versions include:

* Zhuruly
* Zuruli
* Zhurulia
* Zhurali
* Zhuralli
* Zhuralya
* Zhuraly
* Zhurulli
* Zhurulla

These variations can be found among individuals of Georgian, Russian, and Ukrainian descent. It is essential to note that while some differences may appear substantial, they are primarily due to variations in transliteration from non-Latin scripts into English. The root word "Zhuruli" is Georgian in origin and means "the owner of the bee hive."

Famous people with the last name Zhuruli

The Zhuruli surname is relatively uncommon and is primarily found within the Georgian and Russian communities. Among notable figures with this last name are:

1. Tengiz Zhuruli (1946-2007), a prominent Soviet and Georgian football player who represented the Soviet Union in three World Cups and scored 38 goals for Dinamo Tbilisi, becoming one of the club's most decorated players.

2. Levan Zhuruli Tkebuchava (1956-), a Georgian writer, journalist, and political analyst known for his works on Georgian history and politics. He has served as Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia from 2008 to 2012.

3. Irakli Zhuruli (1977-), a Georgian businessman and former politician who served as the Mayor of Batumi, the capital city of Adjara Autonomous Republic, between 2014 and 2017. He is also known for his business ventures in real estate and hospitality.

Genealogical research on the last name Zhuruli

The surname Zhuruli is predominantly found in Georgia, a country located at the intersection of Europe and Asia. The name is believed to have originated from the Georgian word "zhura" meaning "swallow," reflecting the seasonal migration patterns of this bird that were once common in the region.

One notable individual with the surname Zhuruli is Kakha Zhuruli, a Georgian politician who served as the Minister of Internal Affairs from 2015 to 2018. Other recorded instances of the name suggest a concentration in the regions of Mtskheta-Mtianeti and Shida Kartli.

Historically, many families with the surname Zhuruli were farmers and villagers, reflecting the predominantly agrarian society of pre-modern Georgia. With the advent of modernization and urbanization, however, the distribution and professions associated with the name have become more varied.

The genealogy of the Zhuruli family remains largely undocumented due to limited historical records and the destruction of archives during various conflicts throughout Georgian history. However, ongoing efforts by local historians and genealogists are helping to uncover more about the origins, migrations, and descendants of this intriguing surname.

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 : 11 June 2025

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