Surname Akay - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'A'
Akay: What does the surname Akay mean?
The last name Akay is an ancient family name, originating from Turkey. It has a range of possible meanings depending on the context and geographical area it is found in.
For instance, some suggest it derives from the Turkish work ‘aki’, which is derived from the Persian meaning ‘Brother-in-Law’. This might have denoted a person in a certain family, or it may have been used to refer to a close friend.
Some sources claim it originates from the words 'bas-ami' or 'bas-aki', which translate to 'Friend of the Head of the House'. This likely tied a family's surname to its family leader.
Another meaning related to the last name Akay is 'Early Sunrise'. This is derived from Turkish words ah-ha or güneş ak. Again, this may refer to characteristics such as alertness or an appreciation of the morning light.
Finally, the name may also opptain from the word 'Oğuz', meaning 'Tribe' or 'Clan'. This could have been the surname of a specific group or region, or it may have been used to refer to a significant family or prominent leader.
In conclusion, the precise origins of the last name Akay remain uncertain. It has a range of potential meanings, likely related to the context or region in which it is used. It may relate to a close friendship, or a leader of a family or tribe, or simply to an appreciation of the early morning.
Order DNA origin analysisAkay: Where does the name Akay come from?
The last name Akay is most common today in Turkey, where it is a variant of the more common Kay. Akay, as well as Kay, is an occupational surname from the Turkish word for stone or stone mason. Records of this surname first appear in the late 15th century, and likely originated as a way to identify people by their occupation. These records can be found in Ottoman Empire records and in various Turkish censuses.
In addition to Turkey, the surname Akay can also be found today in the Balkans, particularly in Albania, Bosnia, and Montenegro. It is estimated that the Akay surname is held by at least 8,000 people in these countries.
The Akay surname can also appear in Jewish records throughout Europe and the Middle East, as many Jewish people adopted the surname in an attempt to assimilate into their communities. Though the surname may be seen occasionally in the United States, it is not known to be particularly common there.
In summary, the surname Akay is most commonly found today in Turkey, as well as other areas of the Balkans, and may also sometimes be seen in Jewish records from Europe and the Middle East. It is not known to be very common in the United States.
Variations of the surname Akay
The surname Akay has a wide variety of spellings and variants that are derived from the name. Some of the most common are Akai, Akaye, Akayia, Akakei, Akei, Akeya, Ikei, Iki, and Ikaye.
In most cases, the primary spelling of the surname is Akay, a variant of the name Aki. Aki is derived from the Old Japanese word for "autumn sound." Over the centuries, Aki has been adapted and evolved into the many related surnames.
In many cases, the spelling of the variant surnames has been further altered by immigration, pronunciation and regional dialects. As an example, Akeya and Ikei are both common pronunciations of the name in some regions.
In terms of spelling variations, Akai and Akaye are often seen in mainland Europe and the United States respectively. Meanwhile, Akayia is a Portuguese variation of the name, while Akakei and Akei are more commonly seen in Japan.
Variants of the surname Akay can be found all over the world. In some cases, the origins of certain spellings may have been lost to time, but the relationship between them is clear. The many variants and spellings of the surname provide evidence of its association with one of the oldest surnames in Japan.
Famous people with the name Akay
- Ozgur Akay: Ozgur Akay is a Turkish actor who is best known for his role in the Prime-time Turkish TV drama Yasak Elma (Forbidden Apple).
- Akif Akay: Akif Akay is a Turkish jazz pianist who has played with some of the greatest jazz musicians in the world.
- Zafer Akay: Zafer Akay is a Turkish Olympic hurdler who has achieved four medals in the European Athletics Championship.
- Demet Akalın: Demet Akalın is a Turkish pop singer, actress and TV personality.
- Faruk Akay: Faruk Akay is a Turkish movie director, writer and producer.
- Yüksel Akay: Yüksel Akay is a Turkish movie actor.
- Mehmet Kamil Akay: Mehmet Kamil Akay is a Turkish diplomat who served as the Undersecretary of the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs from 2000 to 2004.
- Zeliha Akay: Zeliha Akay is a Turkish singer of traditional music.
- Hasan Akay: Hasan Akay is a Turkish actor who has starred in several TV series in Turkey.
- Emin Arif Akay: Emin Arif Akay is a Turkish soccer player and manager who has handled several teams in the Turkish Soccer League.