Surname Bozkurt - Meaning and Origin

Bozkurt: What does the surname Bozkurt mean?

The last name Bozkurt originates from Turkey and is a relatively rare one. Historically, it originated from the Turkic-Oghuz tribe Bozok in the 12th century and those who were members of this tribe were given the surname Bozkurt. The name literally means "gray wolf," symbolizing strength and loyalty. In addition, the word “Boz” also means “alone” or “lonely” and “kurt” means “wolf” in Turkic. As such, the last name Bozkurt can also symbolize someone who is solitary and powerful like a lone wolf.

The surname Bozkurt is often associated with family values and loyalty, characteristics typically possessed by those of the Bozok tribe. It is not uncommon for members of the Bozkurt family to remain extremely close and supportive of one another. Many families with this surname often plan get-togethers and vacations where they can reconnect with their extended family. These traditions are a result of the strong family values possessed by those of the Bozok tribe.

Ultimately, the last name Bozkurt carries a long and proud tradition for the families who bare it. Symbolizing strength, loyalty, and strong family values, its meaning speaks to many generations of the families who share this surname.

Bozkurt: Where does the name Bozkurt come from?

The surname Bozkurt is most common today in Turkey. The name is derived from the Arabic word 'bas-kurt', which means 'tiger-wolf'. Historically, it was the name of a Turkic tribe who were a major presence in western Asia and part of the Seljuk dynasty in the Middle Ages.

The majority of people with this surname today primarily live in the western half of Turkey. Bozkurt is one of the most common surnames in Istanbul and Ankara, the two largest Turkish cities.

It is also a fairly common surname in other parts of the world. There are Bozkurts in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Syria, as well as in various European countries including Germany, Austria, Finland, France, Belgium, the Czech Republic, and elsewhere.

Outside of Turkey and other parts of Europe, there are Bozkurts in New Zealand, Australia, Canada, and the United States. California has the highest concentration of Bozkurt families living abroad.

So, despite its Turkish origin, the last name Bozkurt is widely distributed across the world, though the majority of people with this surname still live in Turkey.

Variations of the surname Bozkurt

Bozkurt is a Turkish surname that has many variants, spellings and other surnames that originated from the same root. Variants of Bozkurt include Bozkurtlu, Bozkurtlı, Bozkurtİ, Bozkurtoglu, Bozkurtoglu, Bozkurts, Bozkurtoğlu and Bozkurtoglu. Spellings of the surname Bozkurt include simultaneously Bozkurt and Bozkurt, Bozgurt, Bozgur, Bozkir, Bozger, Bojkurt, Bōzkurt, and Bōzkir.

Additionally, other surnames from the same origin have been derived from Bozkurt by further suffixation or the incorporation of other words, such as Bozkurtli, Bozkurtlu, Bozkurtoğlu, Bozkurtkan, Bozkurteser, Bozkurtkanat, Bozkurtoglu, Bozkurtkaya, Bozkurtener, Bozkurtöz, Bozkurtkaya, Bozkurtgöz, and Bozkurtak.

Though the variants, spellings, and other surnames of Bozkurt have been derived from the same root, there are different crest designs for each of these names. These crest designs were created as part of a coat of arms that the initial clan of the surname Bozkurt obtained. It is believed that the crest designs were created to allow members of the Bozkurt clan to differentiate between members of their own family from other members of the same surname.

Famous people with the name Bozkurt

• Erkan Bozkurt: a member of the Turkish parliament, deputy for the Justice and Development Party.
• Emine Bozkurt: a Dutch politician of Turkish descent and Member of the European Parliament.
• Ayca Bozkurt: a Turkish singer known for her works in the pop and folk genres, often referred to as the "Queen of Turkish pop music".
• Ömer Bozkurt: Turkish writer and author who publishes under the name Kayıplarımız Adına ("In the Name of Our Losses").
• Murat Bozkurt: A Turkish pop-rock singer who was a part of the youth music movement in Turkey.
• Onur Bozkurt: A filmmaker from Turkey who has directed several successful films.
• Atilla Bozkurt: A Turkish sound engineer and music producer, known for his work with major recording artists such as Demet Akalın, Asi Styla and Aleyna Tilki.
• Serhat Bozkurt: A Turkish actor who has appeared in several TV series such as Gümüş, Asla Unutma and Kırgın Çiçekler.
• Okay Bozkurt: A Turkish rap artist from Istanbul.
• Nezihe Muhiddin Bozkurt: A prominent Turkish feminist who was an active participant in the struggle for the emancipation of women in Turkey.

Other surnames

Bozkus