Surname Savasci - Meaning and Origin
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Savasci: What does the surname Savasci mean?
The last name Savasci is of Turkish origin and is usually found in the Balkans. It is a patronymic surname derived from the given name Savas which is derived from the ancient Greek name Sabas, meaning "to save" or "to protect".
In the mid-19th century, the Savasci surname was associated with Greek Orthodox enclaves in the Bosnian region of Sava, from which Savasci is thought to have derived. The surname is fairly widespread in modern Turkey, spread across many regions, but especially common in southeastern Turkey, particularly in the Gaziantep region.
The name's meaning and spread through the Balkans as a surname indicate a strong sense of protection, making Savasci an apt moniker for a family. Savasci families are likely connected to one another, bound by a legacy of protection as their namesakes imply.
Additionally, the Savasci surname may have connections to the military. The Sava region had made strong defense forces since the Ottoman period, and many modern Savasci men follow a legacy of service in Turkey's military.
Though the Savasci surname is most strongly associated with the Sava region, the Turkish origins of the name imply that Savasci families worldwide are still bound by a common heritage. They may have centuries-old ties, a sense of connection to the Ottoman Empire, and a long-standing legacy of protection.
Order DNA origin analysisSavasci: Where does the name Savasci come from?
The last name Savasci is most commonly found in Turkey today. It is of Turkish origin and likely has its roots in the ancient Empire of Cappadocia, which was an autonomous state in eastern Anatolia during Roman and Byzantine times. The region was a powerful and influential social and political centre in the Middle East during its heyday between the 4th and 7th centuries.
The Savasci surname is an ancient family name likely taken from the name of a prominent local or tribal leader from Cappadocia. It is believed that the Savasci surname is derived from a Turkish word denoting ‘leader,’ or ‘commander.’ The name is particularly popular in cities in northwestern Turkey such as Ankara, Istanbul and Ankara. It can also be found in some other countries outside of Turkey such as in the United States, Canada, and Germany.
Despite its relatively small numbers, the heritage of the Savasci family remains strong in Turkey to this day due to its historic and cultural significance. For example, the family is credited with playing a role in the formation of the modern Republic of Turkey in 1923 and its establishment as a secular nation. The Savasci lineage is very much respected and celebrated in many parts of the country, making it one of the most important and enduring legacies of Cappadocian heritage.
Variations of the surname Savasci
The surname Savasci (also spelled Savasçi, Savascı, Sav Ashley, and Savashlee) is an Ottoman Turkish name derived from the word “savasci”, which means “fighter”. It is found in various parts of the Ottoman Empire and is used by those descended from warriors or leaders who were in the service of the Ottoman army or court.
The surname Savasci can also be found in other forms, such as Savashlee or Savashley, which is an Anglicized version of the name, and Savascı, which is based on the Turkish spelling. Additionally, in Balkan countries, the surname is often spelled Savasçi and is used by Greeks, Albanians, and other ethnicities who have assumed this surname due to ties with the Ottoman Empire.
Given this background, it is no wonder the surname Savasci has many variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. It is a common and popular surname that has been in use since the days of the Ottoman Empire, and it continues to be found in various countries from Turkey to the United States.
Famous people with the name Savasci
- Ahmet Savascı: Ahmet Savascı is a Turkish actor best known for his starring role in the TV series Yabancı Damat.
- Uğur Savascı: Uğur Savascı is a Turkish national Greco-Roman wrestler who has won the European Championship, European Games and World Championship titles.
- Bilal Savascı: Bilal Savascı, also known simply as "Bilal", is a popular Turkish pop singer.
- Aysen Savascı: Aysen Savascı is a Turkish film actress best known for her roles in films such as Young@Heart, The Water Carrier, and Kördüğüm.
- Mustafa Savascı: Mustafa Savascı is a Turkish former international footballer who played for Fenerbahçe and Galatasaray.
- İpek Savascı: İpek Savascı is a Turkish fashion designer and the owner of the eponymous clothing brand.
- İzzet Savascı: İzzet Savascı is a Turkish mountaineer and documentary filmmaker. He is best known for his film A Dream on Mount Ararat, which was awarded at Festroia International Film Festival.
- Mahir Savascı: Mahir Savascı is a Turkish chess Grandmaster and two-time Olympiad gold medalist.
- Seçil Savascı: Seçil Savascı was a producer, director, and screenwriter who worked in the Turkish film industry for over five decades.
- Ufuk Savascı: Ufuk Savascı is a Turkish former professional footballer who played as a striker.