Surname Ansari - Meaning and Origin
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Ansari: What does the surname Ansari mean?
The last name Ansari is typically associated with Indian, Persian, and Muslim heritage and is derived from an ancient family name. In Arabic, it literally translates to “one who quebeils his/her community” and denotes a generous individual who provides for others without expecting anything in return.
In India, the term “ansari” is also often used to refer to someone who hails from the Ansari people or khanqah, which is a Sufi fraternity or gathering hall which originated with the Chishti order in the 16th century.
The Ansari movement is rooted in faith, social reform, and religious education. They’re traditionally traders, entrepreneurs, and scholars who share a commitment to peace and justice.
The Ansari surname is popular in Pakistan and other parts of South Asia and popular among many celebrities including the cricketer Virat Kohli and Bollywood actor Sara Ali Khan.
Throughout history, Ansaris have strived to help and protect marginalized and exploited individuals. They’ve contributed to society in the form of teaching, philanthropy, and spiritual guidance.
The Ansari last name is associated with those of a hardworking, dedicated, and compassionate spirit. It’s a name of honor and respect, and is an example of how great things can be achieved with strong values and a selfless heart.
Order DNA origin analysisAnsari: Where does the name Ansari come from?
The last name Ansari is a common South Asian surname, derived from the Arabic "al-Ansari." It is most commonly found in nations like Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh, where it has been used over centuries both by people who followed the Islamic faith and those of other religious views. In India alone, it is estimated that there are nearly one million bearers of the Ansari surname.
The name is known to have originated from Saudi Arabia, where it was probably adopted by some of the Arab tribes that migrated to the Indian subcontinent. Today, it is most prevalent around areas such as Punjab, Maharashtra, and Gujarat, although significant migrations to other countries have taken place in recent decades.
In the United States, the last name Ansari is becoming increasingly common, with many Pakistani families settling along the East and West Coasts, and the Midwest and South regions. It is estimated that there are around 20,000 Ansari-Americans in the US. The cities where the name is most popular include Chicago, Los Angeles, Houston, and New York City.
Canada too is home to an increasing population of Ansari-Canadians, mainly owing to the rapid influx of South Asian immigrants to the country. The largest concentrations of the surname can be found in and around major cities such as Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal. There is also a significant presence of the name in European countries such as the United Kingdom, Germany, and France.
All in all, the name Ansari is common all over the world, in both its variants and spellings. Whether it is in its Arabic, Indian, or Pakistani form, it is a name that will continue to be a part of the social fabric for generations to come.
Variations of the surname Ansari
The surname Ansari is typically associated with individuals from the Arab world, especially those who are descended from the Prophet Mohammed. The variants, spellings, and surnames with the same origin as Ansari include Asari, Ansary, Anssary, al-Ansari, and al-Ansary.
Ansari is also a common surname in India, particularly among Muslim families. Variations of the name, such as Ansary and Anssary, are still used, although the spelling has shifted to Anwar, Anwarzai, or Anewar. These surnames are often found among people who are descended from the Prophet Mohammed's family in India.
The name Ansari is also prevalent in Iran and can be spelt as Ansaari, Ansari, Al-Ansari, and Al-Ansary. Normally, this surname is staked by Arabs who immigrated to Iran during the Islamic migrations in the 7th and 8th centuries.
Anwar is a common surname among Egyptian Coptic Christians. This surname has its origins in the Arabic name Anwar, which means "light of life." It is derived from the same root as Ansari and is found among Coptic Christians who settled in Egypt during the Islamic migrations.
Additionally, Alsaari is another variant of the surname. This name is common among some Bedouin clans, particularly in Yemen, and it is believed that its roots are in the same region as Ansari.
In conclusion, Ansari is a very common surname that is found among many Arab, Middle Eastern, and Indian families, often with different spellings and variants. These include Asari, Ansary, Anssary, al-Ansari, al-Ansary, Anwar, Anwarzai, Anewar, Ansaari, Alsaari, and Al-Ansari.
Famous people with the name Ansari
- Aziz Ansari: American actor, comedian, writer, and producer. Best known for his role as Tom Haverford in the NBC sitcom Parks and Recreation.
- Huma Yusuf Ansari: Pakistani human rights activist and human rights lawyer.
- Fatima Ansari: Indian television actress, best known for her roles in the TV shows Mann Kee Awaaz Pratigya, Badi Devrani and Siddhant.
- Fareed Ansari: British actor, best known for his roles in series such as Eastenders, Doctor Who, and Primeval.
- Raees Ansari: Indian architect, best known for his work on the use of local materials to incorporate sustainability into buildings.
- Muhammad Ali Ansari: Indian film composer, best known for his songs for the movie Rowdy Rathore.
- Mansoor Ansari: Pakistani actor and director. Best known for his roles in sitcoms such as Begum Lolak and Bahi Chalay Aao Ge.
- Abu Sayyaf Ansari: Indian air marshal, best known for his well-known role in the 1971 war with Pakistan.
- Mustafa Ansari: Iranian professional footballer, known for his time playing with clubs like Persepolis, Paykan, and Saba Qom.
- Farah Ansari: Pakistani fashion designer, best known for her work with the leading fashion and beauty magazine, Hello!