Surname Jafari - Meaning and Origin
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Jafari: What does the surname Jafari mean?
The last name Jafari is of Persian origin. Derived from the word "Jafar," which means "riverside" in Persian, it is one of the oldest surnames in the region. The family is most commonly associated with Shiite Muslims, and the surname is seen today in countries with significant Shia populations, such as Afghanistan, Iran, India, Iraq, and Pakistan. It is thought to have originated from an early leader in the 7th century of Islam.
The Jafari is traditionally a very proud and honorable family name, representing a rich heritage of loyalty, courage and determination. The surname has also been used to designate various occupiers and government positions, with members of the Jafari family being appointed to high offices within the Persian Empire. Today, it is a common Iranian, Afghan, and Pakistani family name, and can be seen in many variants, such as "Jafferi," "Jafri," and "Joffrey."
The meanings of this last name vary across diverse cultures. In some cases, "Jafari" carries a connotation of nobility, courage, and determination, while in other cases the meaning of the name might be interpreted to refer to “taking the river” — denoting an arduous journey. Whatever its origins and meanings, the Jafari moniker is a proud testament to the courage, determination, hard work, and success of a remarkable family.
Order DNA origin analysisJafari: Where does the name Jafari come from?
The last name Jafari is most commonly associated with Iran and the wider Persian/Middle Eastern region. It is a patronymic name derived from the personal name Jafar meaning the small born, or a rivulet. In Iran, it is especially common in the province of Kerman, where it is the fourth most popular surname.
Outside of Iran, the Jafari surname can also be found in Iraq, Syria, Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, and Bahrain. It can also be found in countries with significant Middle Eastern diasporas, such as the United States, Canada, Europe, Australia, and South Africa.
The Jafari surname is particularly common among Shia Muslims in the region, many of whom are descended from the Prophet Muhammad's cousin Ali, whose son was named Jafar. This honorific name has been passed on through the generations and has been adopted by many non-direct patrilineal descendants of Jafar's line ever since.
In summary, the last name Jafari is most commonly associated with the Middle East, especially Iran, and is also widespread among Middle Eastern diasporas. It is linked to the honorific name Jafar, the son of Prophet Muhammad's cousin Ali.
Variations of the surname Jafari
The surname Jafari is an Islamic name derived from the Arabic word Jafar meaning “triumphant”. This popular name is known throughout the Islamic world and beyond, and can be found in various cultures including both Shia and Sunni Muslim communities.
The most common variants of Jafari are the common Arabic and Persian spelling variations, including Jaffari, Jaffery, Jafery, and Jafferi. Variations in the pronunciation and spelling of this name can occur depending on the region, as this name is known to be particularly versatile and can easily be adapted into different languages and cultures.
In some countries the surname Jafari has evolved into different forms. In Tajikistan for example, the name is often spelt Jivaeri, while in India the surname can take the form of Jafry, Jofreri or Jafroz.
In Portuguese-speaking countries, Jafari is often spelt as Xafari or sometimes Chafari. Likewise, in Turkey and other parts of the Middle East, the surname may be anglicised with alternative spellings such as Jafariyeh, Jafarzadeh, Jafariyeh, Jaffaria or Jafarizadeh.
The anglicised variant of this name dates back to the 18th century and is often spelled Jaafar or Jaafari. This term is also used for females of the same origin, with its English spelling being Jaffar, Jaffari or Jaffarri.
Regardless of spelling variations or phonetic differences, the meaning of this surname remains the same and carries with it the same connotations of triumph and success.
Famous people with the name Jafari
- Reza Jafari: Reza Jafari is an Iranian-American scientist and director of the Center for Structured Organic Particulate Systems at Rutgers University. He is known for his research in the area of drug delivery systems, and is a leader in the field of encapsulation technology.
- Massoud Jafari-Jozani: An Iranian deputy director of housing affairs in the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Massoud Jafari-Jozani is a public servant and a well-known advocate of post-war veteran rights in Iran.
- Ali Jafari: Ali Jafari is a noted Iranian researcher and professor of computer engineering and software engineering. He is an adjunct professor at the University of Ottawa, Canada.
- Nazanin Jafari: Nazanin Jafari is an Iranian actress, popular for her roles in TV series like Asbachug, Agha-ye Talahini, Parandehaye Abedini, and Most Kee Mansour.
- Samira Jafari: Samira Jafari is a prominent Iranian journalist and political analyst, working as a film presenter and director on IRIB News. She is known for her coverage of the Iranian nuclear issue and regional developments in the Middle East.
- Abouzar Jafari Langroudi: Abouzar Jafari Langroudi is an Iranian painter and sculptor, known for his works in Iranian modern art. His paintings range from traditional to classical to abstract styles, and he also offers classes and lectures about art and art-making.
- Naznin Jafari: Naznin Jafari is an Iranian lawyer and a women's rights activist. She is a founding member of The One Million Signatures Campaign for Women's Rights, working for the legal reform of the oppressive laws in Iran.