Surname Ankara - Meaning and Origin
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Ankara: What does the surname Ankara mean?
The last name Ankara is of Turkish origin and is used primarily by people of Turkish descent. It is believed to have originated from the city of Ankara, the capital of Turkey. The city was named after a Celtic word meaning “anchor-like” in reference to its strategic location near the Kizilirmak River. It is not uncommon for people in Turkey to take last names from the cities where they were born or their ancestors were from, so it is likely that people with the last name Ankara have some ancestral connection to the city.
The name Ankara may not have any specific meaning beyond being derived from the city of Ankara, but those who bear the name may identify with the ancient history of the city. Ankara was founded centuries ago and has been a thriving metropolis since at least the 11th century. It was at the center of the Ottoman Empire and is known for its unique culture and cuisine. It is also the current seat of the Turkish government and the largest city in the country.
The last name Ankara has become relatively common among people of Turkish descent. It is a proud reminder of their ancestral roots and a representation of the rich history and culture of the city of Ankara.
Order DNA origin analysisAnkara: Where does the name Ankara come from?
The last name Ankara is a surname commonly found in Turkey and Cyprus. In Turkey, it is mostly found amongst the descendants of the Ottoman Empire's Turkic People, specifically those of the Ottoman Turks as well as other Turkic ethnicities such as Azerbaijanis, Crimean Tatars, and more. It is also common amongst those of Turkish Cypriot descent due to migration from other parts of the Ottoman Empire, and the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974. Ankara, the capital city of Turkey, which is also the namesake of the surname is believed to be a popular place name that many families adopted.
The population of those carrying the name Ankara has spread in recent years to other countries. Many of those with Turkish roots have relocated or immigrated to countries such as the United Kingdom, Germany, the United States, Sweden, and more, bringing their families with them and thus Istanbul's is increasingly found in these countries.
Compared to other surnames, there is not a lot of research available on the origins, prevalence, and meaning behind Ankara, yet it is known to be an old Turkish and Cypriot surname with many variations depending upon the culture. Generally, the meaning of the name is Descendent of Ankara. The family is well known within Turkish-Cypriot circles as a proud heritage and successful business owners.
Variations of the surname Ankara
The surname Ankara is of Latinized Greek origin and can be spelled in various ways depending on the particular country or region where it is found. Commonly, it is seen as Ankar, Ankaras and Ankeras. The less frequent variants include Anker, Angaras, Ancaras, Encara, Ancara and Angkaras.
Outside of Greece and its prominent diaspora, it is also found in Bosnia and Croatia. In these countries, Ankara is also known as Anđarak, Anđari and Anđar.
In Turkey, Ankara is commonly seen as a patronymic surname. It is associated with the Turkish word ankara, meaning “ruck” or “hurt”; persons with this surname either inherited it or were given it as a nickname. In addition to Ankara, Turkish spellings include Ankaralı, Ankaramış, Ankaraya and Ankaracз.
Other forms of the surname Ankara include Anjera in France, Áncaras in Spain, Ankaratto in Italy and Ancharas in Cyprus.
In the United States, the surname Ankara can be found with the variants Anchera, Ancheral and Ancaral. It also appears as Amarka, Anke, Ankers, Ankerro and Ankett.
In conclusion, Ankara is an ancient Greek surname of Latinized Greek origin that can be spelled many different ways depending on the country or region of origin. It is also seen as a Turkish patronymic origin or a nickname inherited from one's ancestors.
Famous people with the name Ankara
- Bora Ankara: Turkish jazz guitarist, composer, and music educator.
- Hasibe Ankara: Turkish soprano opera singer.
- Birol Ankara: Turkish film director and screenwriter.
- Özlem Ankara: Turkish actress.
- Şirin Ankara: Turkish film actress.
- Osman Yüksel Ankara: Turkish music composer.
- Onur Ankara: Turkish actor.
- Sultan M. Ankara: Turkish-American producer and writer.
- Celal Ankara: Turkish actor and painter.
- Cahit Ankara: Turkish theatre actor.