Surname Karakol - Meaning and Origin
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Karakol: What does the surname Karakol mean?
The last name Karakol is derived from the word karakol, which is an ancient Turkish word that refers to a type of fortification. It has been popularized as the name of villages in the Caucasus, the Ukraine, and Eastern Europe. It is also found in the Middle East and in parts of Central and South Asia.
Karakol is probably most well-known in connection with the activist movement known as the Karakol movement, which has been involved in campaigns for the rights of refugees, environmentalists, and minority groups across the globe. This movement has provided inspiration to several other global initiatives, particularly those centered on social and legal justice.
The history behind the last name Karakol is intertwined with the history of the region from which it originates. Originally, the word karakol most likely referred to a fort or outpost. However, over the centuries, it came to represent something more than a military structure; it was also a symbol of cultural and shared values for communities living in the region.
Today, the name Karakol conjures up associations of strength and resilience, and it is not uncommon to find individuals and families bearing the name all around the world. The last name is a physical reminder of the family’s heritage and connection to this part of the world, and it stands as a proud emblem of the culture, values, and history of the region.
Order DNA origin analysisKarakol: Where does the name Karakol come from?
The last name Karakol is most commonly found in countries with a strong Turkish presence - such as Turkey, Greece, and Cyprus. It is also relatively common in the former Soviet Union; particularly in Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Russia.
Karakol is one of the few Turkish surnames with widespread circulation outside of Turkey itself. Its roots originate from Ottoman times, where it was used by Turkic military commanders, expressing their admiration and respect for the military leader history known as Karakols.
The origin of the name likely has Mongolian and Turkic roots, as it is a combination of two words, 'Kara' meaning 'black' and 'kol' meaning 'leader' or 'army chief.' This combination formed the military leader title of 'Karakol Bashi' - the 'black leader' - signifying a respected member of the Ottoman military.
Today, Karakol is a relatively popular surname and the usage of the name in various countries suggests it was likely spread by the post-Ottoman period diaspora of Anatolian Turks. Karakol's widespread use is a testament to its historical roots and cultural influence.
Variations of the surname Karakol
Karakol is an uncommon surname derived from the Turkish language and typically found amongst people of Turkish, Central Asian and Uzbek descent. It is also spelled as Karaköl, Karaköylü and Karakül. The Turko-Persian word “karakil” literally translates to mean “black hat” and its variant spellings often denote a person’s occupation or a historic or geographic reference point.
The variations of Karakol may also include Karakollu, Karakov, Karaköl, Karaköylü, Karakül, Karakil, Karakoylu, Karaköyli, and Karakürü. These variants are more common amongst Central Asian and Uzbek populations, but can be also be found in Turkish speaking regions. Other surname variants may include Karakiliz, Karakir, Karkilı, Karakolu, Karakoğlu, Karakurli, Karakuri, and Karakurulu.
Surnames with similar origins that may also be found within Turkish-speaking and Central Asian populations include Elpatkulov, Ishaqov, Karakecliyev, Karagöz, Kalantarli, Karimli, Karimov, and Karimzadeh.
Karakol is a fairly rare surname, however its many variants and spellings may be used by individuals of differing cultural background and regions. Although the exact meaning of this surname may vary depending on the geographic region and language of the individual, its origin alludes to a possible relationship with hat-making or more likely to do with a place called Karaköl or with a person named Karak.
Famous people with the name Karakol
- Hale Karakol: a Turkish actress
- Rüştü Karakol: a former Turkish footballer
- Bahar Karakol: a Turkish actress
- Sırrı Karakol: a former Turkish footballer
- Nurgül Karakol: a Turkish actress
- Dilek Karakol: a Turkish actress
- Tuğrul Karakol: a Turkish musician
- Yusuf Can Karakol: a Turkish footballer
- Uğur Karakol: a Turkish actor
- Can Karakol: a Turkish actor