Surname Alavi - Meaning and Origin
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Alavi: What does the surname Alavi mean?
Alavi is a surname of Persian origin that means "descendant of Ali," referring to Ali ibn Abi Talib, the cousin and son-in-law of the Islamic prophet Muhammad. Alavi is often used by Shia Muslims to express reverence for Ali, whom they regard as the rightful successor to Muhammad. The name is especially common in Iranian, Afghan, and South Asian Muslim communities. It should be noted that Ali is revered by all Muslims for his character and knowledge, and his close relationship with Muhammad. The name Alavi therefore reflects a deep connection to the roots of the Islamic faith.
Order DNA origin analysisAlavi: Where does the name Alavi come from?
The last name Alavi is most common in Iran, where it is ranked 237th in popularity, and in Bahrain, where it is ranked 444th. While it is most likely of Iranian origin, Alavi could be a variation of other originally Arabic tribal names, such as Alatawi and Al-Amadi.
Outside of the Middle East, the last name Alavi is particularly common in the United States, where it is ranked 5,423rd in popularity overall but is most commonly found in California, New York, and Texas. It is also largely found in South Africa, Australia, India, and the United Kingdom in smaller but growing numbers.
It is likely that many of the Alavis in the United States and other western countries are immigrants from places like Iran and Bahrain, or their descendants. These immigrants may have moved in order to escape political unrest and economic uncertainty at home.
Regardless of their origins, the Alavis have men and women at the forefront of many sectors. In the United States, many of them are involved in government, defense, and medical fields, while those in the United Kingdom are working in law, marketing, and even running their own business. The Alavis are making a name for themselves all over the world.
Variations of the surname Alavi
The surname Alavi is most commonly found in the countries of Iran, Pakistan, India, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, and Afghanistan. While the Alavi surname is most prominently of Iranian origin, it can also be of Arabic or Indian heritage.
Variants and spellings for the surname Alavi include: Alawee, Alwee, Aluwy, Alawy, Alabi, Alabea, Alayan, Aliawi, Aliyani, Alaiwi, Aliwai, and Aloway.
The most common surnames of Alavi origin are: Afghani, Amani, Arzani, Gheibi, Ghorbani, Kazemi, Mirmalek, Pahlbod, Sistani and Zarrabi.
In India, Alavi is written as Alavi Patani or Alavi Patil and the spellings for the surname are Alwaii, Aluwaii, Alawee, and Alwee.
In the United States, many people with this surname have adapted the spelling to Alavie, Alewie, Alwie or Alwy, while in the United Kingdom, they can spell it as Alwee or Alawa.
There is also a sub-clan of this surname which is known as "Alavi Bohras", a sect of Sayed Shia Ismaili Muslims.
In short, Alavi is an ancient surname found in Middle East and in some South Asian countries. Variants, spellings, and sub-clans of this remarkable surname originate from different dialects and cultures and are written in different ways.
Famous people with the name Alavi
- Mahdi Alavi: Iranian writer and poet
- Hanif Alavi: Iranian poet
- Mehdi Alavi: Iranian film director
- Saeed Alavi: Iranian philosopher
- Fatemeh Alavi: Iranian poet
- Mohammad Reza Alavi: Iranian business owner and philanthropist
- Mahmoud Alavi: Iranian politician
- Mansour Alavi: Iranian actor
- Amir Hossein Alavi: Iranian footballer
- Hassan Alavi: Iranian footballer
- Mohammad Soleimani Alavi: Iranian general and military officer
- Ehsan Alavi: Iranian footballer
- Saeid Alavi: Iranian actor
- Javad Alavi: Iranian actor
- Ruhollah Alavi: Iranian singer
- Abdol Hossein Alavi: Iranian poet
- Arash Alavi: Iranian poet
- Khosrow Alavi: Iranian physician
- Hamid Alavi: Iranian lawyer
- Abbas Alavi: Iranian politician