Surname Karateke - Meaning and Origin

Karateke: What does the surname Karateke mean?

The last name Karateke is a Turkish surname that is usually connected to the Ottoman Empire. It is derived from Karatekin, which is a compound of words kara meaning 'black' and tek meaning 'one'. Karatekin was an old title used to refer to those who were talented in statecraft, military tactics, and court politics during the Ottoman Empire.

The term Karatekin has transitioned over time, eventually becoming the surname Karateke. Today, the last name Karateke is associated with a family of the same name which is connected to the larger Kılıç Ali Bey clan. This clan was one of the more prominent families in the Ottoman Empire and they were known for producing skilled and influential statesmen and military officials.

Although the surname is believed to have a connection to the Kılıç Ali Bey clan and the Ottoman Empire, it could also be derived from Albania or an Albanian dialect where the words kara and tek, when combined, could mean 'darling'. This would follow traditional Albanian patriarchal naming conventions where a father may nickname their child based on their personality traits.

Regardless of its origin, the surname Karateke is now associated with a particular family, which is known for its strong ties to the Ottoman Empire and its positive contributions under its rule.

Karateke: Where does the name Karateke come from?

The last name Karateke is most commonly found in Turkey and the surrounding region, mainly because of the large Turkish diaspora abroad. The surname is derived from an old Turkish word meaning “brave”, so those with the name can take pride in having ancestors who were well-respected and admired for their courage and resilience.

In modern day Turkey, the Karateke surname is most frequently encountered in the western parts of the country, stretching from the Aegean and Marmara regions to the Black Sea. There is also a population of Karateke living among the Turkish diaspora abroad, particularly in western countries such as Germany, the United States, and Canada.

However, due to Turkish emigration to many other parts of the world, the last name Karateke can also be found in smaller numbers in China, India, and Australia. The name has also been adopted by some in Israel, Iraq, and other Middle Eastern countries due to migrations and intermarriages.

Thus, although it is most common in Turkey and its surrounding region, the Karateke surname can be found throughout the world, a testament to the far-reaching reach of Ottoman-era emigration.

Variations of the surname Karateke

Karateke is a surname of Turkish origin, and is sometimes spelt as Karatekin or Karateky. Although the surname originates from the same root, it is used to describe a family with different names depending on its regional location.

In the eastern region of Turkey, Karateke is referred to as Karatekin. The surname may have been derived from the Turkish word “karat”, meaning “sword”. That would mean that the “-ekin” means “of the sword”. In the west, the spelling is Karateky, meaning “small swords”.

The mention of Karatekin as a surname dates back to the 15th Century according to records. Over the years, it has become more associated with a family of immigrants. It is believed some of the earliest members of the Karateke family migrated to Turkey from Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine and the Balkans during the Ottoman Empire.

Variants of the same root that may exist today include Karatekeli, Karataky and Karatycki. Other variants may also be the result of varying dialects and accents, which could explain why there are different spellings.

It is also believed that the Karateke family could be related to a number of other surnames, including Karagyan, Karangos and Karasevi. These names may be different spellings or variations of Karateke, or they may be related through common ancestry. Nevertheless, all these names have one common root—Karateke—which is why many people regard them as belonging to the same family.

Famous people with the name Karateke

• Oktar Arif Karateke: He is a Turkish footballer and left-back currently playing for Beşiktaş in the Süper Lig.
• Kevser Karateke: She is a high ranking Turkish international doctor, an expert in the treatment of tuberculosis.
• Serkan Karateke: He is a professional basketball player who plays for the Turkish basketball team Galatasaray S.K..
• Burak Karateke: He is a Turkish singer songwriter and record producer from Istanbul, Turkey.
• Tuncer Karateke: He is a professor of International Law at Marmara University in Istanbul, and a member of the legal advisory board for Turkey.
• Hazal Karateke: She is a Turkish actress and model.
• Abdullah Karateke: He is a Turkish artist, known for his sculpture and abstract painting.
• Ali Karateke: He is a Turkish professional footballer who plays for Istanbul Basketball Team.
• Resul Karateke: He is a Turkish football midfielder currently playing for Antalyaspor in the Turkish Süper Lig.
• Onur Karateke: He is a professional Turkish basketball player who plays for the Turkish team Fenerbahce.

Other surnames

KaratekinKaratepe