Surname Karagüzel - Meaning and Origin
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Karagüzel: What does the surname Karagüzel mean?
The last name Karagüzel is a Turkish surname found mainly in Turkey and its surrounding countries. The word “Karagüzel” comes from two Turkish words, “Kara” meaning black and “Güzel” which roughly translates to “beautiful”, making the translation “black beautiful”. The two words combined seem to symbolize strength and confidence, which is important in the Turkish culture.
The surname is associated with strong, independent women who show strength and confidence. In the Ottoman Empire, the last name was also used to give titles to women for outstanding leadership in various roles such as serving as a midwife or being a successful businesswoman. In modern day society, the name is used to describe a powerful and independent woman who is capable of achieving her goals.
The Karagüzel surname is also used to unite a group of people to stand behind a cause or a person. This surname was even used to organize the 1919 uprising against British occupation of Istanbul. In this uprising, the group proudly shouted “Karagüzel!”, in solidarity.
To many Turkish people, the last name Karagüzel is associated with strength and courage, inspiring many to stand up for what they believe in. To them, the name is more than just two words translated to “black beautiful”, but rather an identity of a strong and proud woman.
Order DNA origin analysisKaragüzel: Where does the name Karagüzel come from?
The surname Karagüzel is most commonly found in Turkey today, according to genealogical research conducted by the Turkish Historical Society and other sources. It can also be found in other countries in the Middle East, Northern Africa and the Balkans.
The origin of the name Karagüzel is from the Turkish language, containing the root words “kar” (snow) and “güzel” (beautiful). In Turkish culture, snow is often used as a metaphor for beauty and innocence, making it a fitting name choice for a family.
In terms of distribution of the name, Karagüzel is most common in the Anatolian region of Turkey, especially around cities like Izmir, Ankara and Istanbul. Thanks to Turkish emigration, the name has been increasingly found elsewhere in recent years, concentrated mostly in larger cities. More recently, the name Karagüzel is becoming increasingly frequent in Western European countries, such as France and Germany, due to the recent wave of Turkish migration to these countries.
In any case, the fact that the name is widely known and used in various parts of the world today only solidifies its cultural significance in Turkish heritage and society. It serves as a reminder to those of Turkish descent of their culture and history while forming a bond between them and the greater ethnic Turkish community.
Variations of the surname Karagüzel
Karagüzel is a Turkish surname and is transliterated to several different variants depending on the language it is written in. Common variations include Karaguzel, Karagozal, Karahasanoglu, and Karaoglan. The last name is derived from the Turkish words “kara” meaning “black” and “güzel” meaning “beautiful.”
In Arabic, the name is written as كاراغوزل. In Albanian, it is written as Karaguzé, and in Armenian as Կարագուզել.
In Greek, there are two transliterations: Καραγκουζέλ and Καραγθζέλ. In Hungarian, the name is spelled as Karagüzsél, in Italian it is Karagüsel, and in Polish as Karagozela.
Other names associated with the surname, though likely not of the same origin, include Kargoosen, Karagåsa, Karagöz, and Karapuz. The Turkish surnames Karabasanoglu and Kardesoz are also related to Karagüzel, but their etymological history is not well researched.
Karagüzel is often homonymous with a rare Czech surname spelled Karagüzlü, also meaning “black beauty.” There is very little available on the surname's history and many variants, but it seems to have been historically used across various regions in Europe and the Turkish-speaking world.
Famous people with the name Karagüzel
- Cansu Karagüzel: best known as one of the singers in the popular Turkish pop band MaNga.
- Ahmet Karagüzel: former Turkish professional footballer who made several appearances for the Turkish national team.
- İbrahim Karagüzel: former professional wrestler and folk hero in Turkey, famous for his involvement in wrestling tournaments in the 1970s.
- Özgür Karagüzel: popular Turkish film and television actor, known for appearing in shows such as Genco or Emret Koman.
- Tugba Karagüzel: prominent Turkish businesswoman and philanthropist, known for her contributions to educational programs in her native country.
- Emine Karagüzel: former modern pentathlete, Olympic medalist and trainer, and one of the most successful female athletes in Turkish history.
- Ece Karagüzel: award-winning Turkish actress, best known for her roles in feature films such as My Marlon & Brando and Küf.
- Necati Karagüzel: former Turkish prime minister, best known for his involvement in the 1999 İstanbul mayoral election.
- Leman Karagüzel: Turkish children's author, most famous for her book series Benim Hemşire Fatma, which follows the adventures of a nurse.
- Dilşah Karagüzel: Turkish pianist and composer, known for her jazz and contemporary classical compositions.